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nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:07 PM Jan 2012

This message was self-deleted by its author

This message was self-deleted by its author (nadinbrzezinski) on Sun Feb 5, 2012, 01:21 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

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This message was self-deleted by its author (Original Post) nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 OP
Who was the soldier and what was his "link"? Brickbat Jan 2012 #1
The soldier is dead and the page was scrubbed nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #2
But what was the link? He was a member? Brickbat Jan 2012 #3
How he died, in action nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #4
Did you call the family? Brickbat Jan 2012 #6
Friends of his did nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #9
Post the denial, please. Robb Jan 2012 #17
No... that is info that I will not release here nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #20
Then I call "nonsense", sorry. Robb Jan 2012 #30
Yes I did... you are correct, one that took 36 hours to get back nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #34
Then you can post that email. Robb Jan 2012 #35
It is out of respect to the family I will not nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #39
Respect to the family of the information officer? Robb Jan 2012 #40
This message was self-deleted by its author nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #41
Good start. Now the email, please. Robb Jan 2012 #42
No, you are free to believe or not whatever you want nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #49
you messing with the alex jones woo again? i told you experimenting with that shit is bad. dionysus Jan 2012 #114
Post removed Post removed Jan 2012 #47
Ok there are things about this story that you will NOT get nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #50
nadinbrzezinski Why Syzygy Jan 2012 #127
Yes, at the very least Shankapotomus Jan 2012 #166
It's never appropriate to release COD or TOD Aerows Jan 2012 #96
I never asked she do any such thing. Robb Jan 2012 #100
But you, the reporter, did not? Brickbat Jan 2012 #48
Yes I did nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #56
These aren't knives; this is called editing. Brickbat Jan 2012 #78
The plot thins. Robb Jan 2012 #161
Thanks for the heads-up. Gosh, who would have thought? Brickbat Jan 2012 #189
OWS San Diego canceled the memorial saying Jay Polk's not dead tammywammy Jan 2012 #163
The only post you will get here nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #192
So, a memorial for a person who isn't dead? zappaman Jan 2012 #193
"The only post you will get here" zappaman Jan 2012 #198
you expect more? ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2012 #201
OWS didn't cancel, but a part of OWS canceled? tammywammy Jan 2012 #194
As I said, the memorial was held nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #195
Who did you confirm the death with? tammywammy Jan 2012 #196
Once again, the memorial was held nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #197
It's important to recognize the trees tammywammy Jan 2012 #199
a grain of salt is an understatement ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2012 #200
Don't take my word nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #202
Who did you confirm the death with? n/t tammywammy Jan 2012 #203
"Nor do I believ you have read the links to actual articles in elite..." zappaman Jan 2012 #204
Is he really dead? If not he should be court martialled. This man has put into harms way other southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #10
Oh fully agreed nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #11
Are you related to Mika on Morning Joe? southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #117
no nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #124
Just wondering. southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #125
name is the smith of poland nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #126
Really? I wouldn't of guessed that. How did you come up with that name? southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #128
My dad was in the Hitler travel plan nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #133
Wow, I bet you have many interesting stories. My mother was from Italy and the day they southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #141
My dad told me some of the non fit for family consumption nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #142
War is sure hell. My father was wounded in WWII with machine gun fired at him up the leg. Til southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #143
I would like to clarify, MOST of our troops, nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #144
I totally agree with you. It is funny that people who never been in a war and so happy to send southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #145
Ah that Smedley Butler!!!! nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #146
You betcha. southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #148
The enemy will already know they are there. MattBaggins Jan 2012 #115
Americans don't have a right if our soldiers are in harms way. However, if this country wants southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #116
We always have the right MattBaggins Jan 2012 #121
If my husband was in that situation by golly I don't want him getting killed because someone put southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #123
You know what I care about? OUR SOLDIERS. That is who I car for. He is doing what is asked of southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #157
Excuse me? I sure as hell have a right to know if my government has sent troops to Syria. Puregonzo1188 Jan 2012 #149
I hate to tell you but you are living in a dream land. Our troops are everywhere around the world. southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #156
His wife posted on his Facebook count that he had died, but would not respond to media request for c Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #63
And anyway, his death is secondary nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #68
Sorry to hear this.... midnight Jan 2012 #179
Here is a screenshot of his post: Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #85
I have a screenshot as well that says he's going to Paris. Robb Jan 2012 #102
The deleted posts have been restored. Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #130
I am suspicious that the soldier was the one who actually posted that. aikoaiko Jan 2012 #5
Read the article, he did nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #7
I guess I missed it, but how was it verified that it was him? aikoaiko Jan 2012 #14
Now you know why we went WTF? nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #27
Same soldier told Occupy members in person that he was going to Syria Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #66
Good, the editor's here. Robb Jan 2012 #77
wife posted on Facebook that he died in line of duty. Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #88
"What I read on Facebook" isn't a source. Robb Jan 2012 #101
There are other sources that can't be revealed due to national security and to protect sources Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #131
You're serious. National security? Robb Jan 2012 #136
I am sure if this guy opened his mouth he will be in trouble. He should be court martial, period. southernyankeebelle Jan 2012 #147
Mission-specific details could put soldiers' lives at risk. Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #152
OK, now that's just absurd. Robb Jan 2012 #155
The PNAC/neocon crowd... CoffeeCat Jan 2012 #8
The PNAC crowd is responsible for this? tabatha Jan 2012 #15
If they know anything about their history and they keep up with news, ronnie624 Jan 2012 #138
There has to be an opposition group to start with. tabatha Jan 2012 #139
There are US forces in Jordan at the border with Syria because of the Syria action. tabatha Jan 2012 #12
If nothing else the chockful of links will catch you nicely nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #13
From what I have gathered from AJE and other Syria postings tabatha Jan 2012 #19
Yes, they are operating out of Jordan nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #25
"Soldier" versus "Special Ops" tabatha Jan 2012 #28
Yes, the command is a spec ops command nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #29
And don't forget Qatar. They are our new 'boots on the ground' when we don't want to look like sabrina 1 Jan 2012 #98
Where is the Facebook posting? Robb Jan 2012 #16
We got the screen capture, the rest was taken down... nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #21
Post the screen capture then MinervaX Jan 2012 #23
Here, a copy and paste from his FB page nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #26
Why do you care if OPSEC was violated MinervaX Jan 2012 #36
Why do you think we ran the story? nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #38
But aren't backing it up. MinervaX Jan 2012 #43
Presumably this is the fellow: Robb Jan 2012 #51
Interesting guy... SidDithers Jan 2012 #67
While ironic, you should know that nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #69
Well, it's a nuanced view. Robb Jan 2012 #71
yikes maddezmom Jan 2012 #80
He went back in nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #82
so when did he get back to San Diego? maddezmom Jan 2012 #86
He was in san diego during the Christmas Standown nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #94
Spec Ops troops at Fort Sam Houstin, TX? Okay, I'll bite ... who are they? SlimJimmy Jan 2012 #137
Well short of DoD telling you, yes we are there, you won't beieve it nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #53
You're worried about OPSEC pecwae Jan 2012 #108
read the article nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #110
The soldier said he was leaving for Syria. JDPriestly Jan 2012 #87
Screen capture here: Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #89
I am also interested in this information MinervaX Jan 2012 #22
It looks like the WaPo and the Nation articles have been scrubbed too. Jazzgirl Jan 2012 #18
We just went live with it nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #24
Here from the Nation nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #31
Nothing strange about it. tkmorris Jan 2012 #32
I posted the copy paste already up nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #37
WAPO nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #33
thank you nt dougolat Jan 2012 #44
So he posts on Jan 2. Now he is dead? Broderick Jan 2012 #45
it hasn't been confirmed maddezmom Jan 2012 #52
We got a non denial denial about his dead from his command nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #59
It bothered us too nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #55
Still Broderick Jan 2012 #57
His death came about a week after nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #60
Stay on it if you can Broderick Jan 2012 #62
Well the soldier's death at this point is quite secondary nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #65
Both are mighty curious Broderick Jan 2012 #70
Why nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #75
If you had confirmation from his command that he died, you could've scooped everyone with it. Robb Jan 2012 #58
Robb I will spell it for you nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #61
Because you must start with facts before you begin analysis. Robb Jan 2012 #74
Raise all the questions you want nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #76
But you haven't answered *anything*. Robb Jan 2012 #79
You can believe what you want nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #83
You did all those things, yet neglected to write about them in the article? Robb Jan 2012 #84
Which tells me you have not read it nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #95
You claim upthread to have contacted the family. Then back away from that. Robb Jan 2012 #103
One I never claimed to have contacted a base commander nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #105
"I really do not give a shit what you think." Nice. Robb Jan 2012 #106
it is frustrating to answer questions and get creative interpretations nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #109
You haven't answered a thing. Over and over. Robb Jan 2012 #111
Robb, this is how she does it... ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2012 #97
Then it's pecwae Jan 2012 #154
Kick and recommend zappaman Jan 2012 #159
If DOD hasn't released name you can't get it from funeral homes until they do. Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #134
It would be naive to think we do not have Special Ops forces in Syria Hugabear Jan 2012 #46
Military leaders testimony to House Armed Services committee confirmed special ops in 20 mideast Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #73
We have advisors in almost every country of the world. Since when is this news? ieoeja Jan 2012 #54
I don't think our forces are in Syria to exchange ideas n/t Enrique Jan 2012 #81
We aren't Aerows Jan 2012 #93
Then we disagree. ieoeja Jan 2012 #99
That's OK. They're there to defend the constitution..except the part about congress declaring wars. Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2012 #64
yep Broderick Jan 2012 #72
If anyone deserved a facepalm Aerows Jan 2012 #91
What do you mean? Broderick Jan 2012 #92
The key part Aerows Jan 2012 #90
Oh, I think we're in Syria. Robb Jan 2012 #104
I don't view that as quality Aerows Jan 2012 #112
You know what I mean. Robb Jan 2012 #119
This is nothing new. Saving Hawaii Jan 2012 #107
Thank you Aerows Jan 2012 #113
War in Syria, check. sarcasmo Jan 2012 #118
Bullshit meter is off the charts... JSnuffy Jan 2012 #120
Lots of points don't make sense. Showed thread to ex-army hubby (very much NOT special forces) Nuclear Unicorn Jan 2012 #158
Odd topic here. Marking to read later as it seems rather wtf-ish uppityperson Jan 2012 #122
As someone who had a Brother in Cambodia, when "we" were Autumn Jan 2012 #129
In this household that was our initial reaction... Art 32 followed nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #132
But no SO spook is going to endanger his own life or that of his fellow compadres by posting his eta lonestarnot Jan 2012 #135
Clearly he shouldn't have done so. Liberty Belle Jan 2012 #153
I think it's interesting tammywammy Jan 2012 #140
"I'm not dead yet." Robb Jan 2012 #160
Good to know that he's not dead! tammywammy Jan 2012 #162
K&R...nt SidDithers Jan 2012 #164
Journalism is a difficult profession. MineralMan Jan 2012 #167
Buy me another beer and I'll tell you about my work with the CIA at Area 51. Robb Jan 2012 #185
Oh, hell...I'll buy you a dozen beers, just to hear MineralMan Jan 2012 #186
So, wait...is that like folks posting photos of MineralMan Jan 2012 #183
Yup folks, this smells funny. zappaman Jan 2012 #150
This message was self-deleted by its author nadinbrzezinski Jan 2012 #151
The US under Obama has been very good at these covert ops Renew Deal Jan 2012 #165
Assuming he is an actual active-duty soldier MineralMan Jan 2012 #177
Apparently, there's a big problem with your story. MineralMan Jan 2012 #168
"perhaps a self-delete of your OP is in order' zappaman Jan 2012 #172
Here is more information about Jay Polk, MineralMan Jan 2012 #169
I have to say that the phrase "super duper classified" makes me laugh. n/t tammywammy Jan 2012 #171
You mean that isn't an official description of MineralMan Jan 2012 #174
Apparently on my security training tammywammy Jan 2012 #175
Well, I saw a lot of stuff that had TOP SECRET [five-letter-word] MineralMan Jan 2012 #180
Double check. It's actually "supper duper classified"... SidDithers Jan 2012 #176
Classified Food in the Mess Hall. MineralMan Jan 2012 #181
Admittedly, I ate some pecwae Jan 2012 #214
As far as I could tell, most of the food MineralMan Jan 2012 #215
I see lots of gullible people falling for total BS again. Ikonoklast Jan 2012 #170
but the writer of the OP is infallible... ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2012 #178
Golly, who knew "reporting" was so hard? zappaman Jan 2012 #182
OP fools so many with jargon. First sign of that always should peg the BS meter. Ikonoklast Jan 2012 #184
indeed... n/t ProdigalJunkMail Jan 2012 #190
I think it may not be the intent but.... Whisp Jan 2012 #191
Here's another discussion on Facebook regarding this: MineralMan Jan 2012 #173
Thanks, interesting reading for a boring Saturday. great white snark Jan 2012 #187
Sort of. I'm working on a website content project, MineralMan Jan 2012 #188
I eagerly await the retraction/correction. Robb Jan 2012 #205
You'll wait a long time... MineralMan Jan 2012 #206
I am almost terrifyingly patient. Robb Jan 2012 #208
please...I beg you... zappaman Jan 2012 #209
As metaphor only. Robb Jan 2012 #213
I'm glad it's staying up zappaman Jan 2012 #207
Could you please clarify as to why the OP is inaccurate? Leopolds Ghost Jan 2012 #211
Not complicated. Robb Jan 2012 #216
Thank You, nadinbrzezinski. bvar22 Jan 2012 #210
edited to say - nevermind. i just read the rest of this thread. nt arely staircase Jan 2012 #212
Looks like it may be falling apart... Marengo Feb 2012 #217

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
1. Who was the soldier and what was his "link"?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:10 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
2. The soldier is dead and the page was scrubbed
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:14 PM
Jan 2012

I happen to have it.

His link was to the US Army Special Operations Command.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
3. But what was the link? He was a member?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:16 PM
Jan 2012

How and when did he die?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
4. How he died, in action
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:19 PM
Jan 2012

where, I have my suspicions, but I could not tell you for sure, the DoD will confirm that when pigs fly, and it would put at risk an ongoing operation. You understand that. But we have, just form the open source material and doing a lot of reading between the lines, a good idea.

Which reminds me. Any of you are in the armed forces, lose lips sink ships. Truly, there is quite a bit we are NOT going to publish either.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
6. Did you call the family?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:22 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
9. Friends of his did
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:28 PM
Jan 2012

I got a non denial denial from his command.

He is being buried this week.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
17. Post the denial, please.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:52 PM
Jan 2012

And the name of the officer you spoke with, thank you.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
20. No... that is info that I will not release here
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:59 PM
Jan 2012

not on an open forum.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
30. Then I call "nonsense", sorry.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:13 PM
Jan 2012

Last edited Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:36 PM - Edit history (1)

If you called a base and identified yourself as press, you spoke with a trained information officer who gave you a quote you can use.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
34. Yes I did... you are correct, one that took 36 hours to get back
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:17 PM
Jan 2012

I both called and emailed the base.

But you are free to call this bullshit. I know that how this came out we were going WTF ourselves... due to the actual rank violation of OpSec...

But in twenty years or when pigs fly and this finally comes out... remember you read it here first.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
35. Then you can post that email.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:18 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
39. It is out of respect to the family I will not
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:23 PM
Jan 2012

You understand that?

I hope you do.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
40. Respect to the family of the information officer?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:28 PM
Jan 2012

That makes no sense.

If you, as a member of the press, emailed someone at a base and they got back to you, you can disclose it.

You can redact some information if you feel it somehow besmirches the fallen soldier.

You can at a minimum give the name of the information officer you called and emailed.

Response to Robb (Reply #40)

Robb

(39,665 posts)
42. Good start. Now the email, please.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:31 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
49. No, you are free to believe or not whatever you want
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:39 PM
Jan 2012

have a good day.

dionysus

(26,467 posts)
114. you messing with the alex jones woo again? i told you experimenting with that shit is bad.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:30 PM
Jan 2012

Response to nadinbrzezinski (Reply #41)

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
50. Ok there are things about this story that you will NOT get
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:40 PM
Jan 2012

it will put lives at risk and sources at risk, You understand that? It has nothing to do with mata hari.

No, the NYP does not print all there is to any story EITHER.

Why Syzygy

(18,928 posts)
127. nadinbrzezinski
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:59 PM
Jan 2012

is a long time, respected and honest member of DU. You? Not so much. Did you sign up here just to harass her?

Shankapotomus

(4,840 posts)
166. Yes, at the very least
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 12:12 PM
Jan 2012

she has to be wined and dined to get any information out of her...you have to charm her and buy her presents...maybe give her a foot massage...even a relative newb like me knows that.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
96. It's never appropriate to release COD or TOD
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:35 PM
Jan 2012

Unless the family is informed prior. It's fine to wish to question the details of this story, but please don't urge someone to do something against strict protocol.

NB is holding up her end of the bargain that we all uphold when granted access to sensitive information. You are welcome to question who the fek I am now, and let's go.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
100. I never asked she do any such thing.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 06:47 PM
Jan 2012

I asked for the name of the officer she spoke to, and the text of his response. Neither is privileged in any shape or form.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
48. But you, the reporter, did not?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:36 PM
Jan 2012

This article is a hot mess and illustrates the pitfalls of so-called "citizen journalism."

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
56. Yes I did
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:51 PM
Jan 2012

go ahead poke all the holes you want...

I will even offer you a target.

Personally man bytes dog stories are much easier to do. You can even call the vet and he will tell you, how many stitches were used. This one is not that easy... some of this... we cannot get any comment from official places, and at this point from family. There are reasons for that, very good reasons.

Now man bytes dog, sure.

By the way I expected the knives, that does not surprise me. And I can tell you this, while in the article I did not want to leap to the obvious conclusion, personally I know we have them there.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
78. These aren't knives; this is called editing.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:29 PM
Jan 2012

I'm trying to make sense of what you posted.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
161. The plot thins.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 11:30 AM
Jan 2012

See below, reply 160 or so.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
189. Thanks for the heads-up. Gosh, who would have thought?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 04:11 PM
Jan 2012

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
163. OWS San Diego canceled the memorial saying Jay Polk's not dead
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 11:41 AM
Jan 2012

Who exactly did you confirm his death with?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
192. The only post you will get here
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 06:33 PM
Jan 2012

OWS did not cancel the memorial. A part of OWS cancelled the memorial, and the memorial was still held.

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
193. So, a memorial for a person who isn't dead?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 06:49 PM
Jan 2012

Do you do that often?
Might I suggest one for Merle Haggard who is also alive?
Yup, folks, Merle Haggard is alive.
"Reporting" is hard...

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
198. "The only post you will get here"
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:31 PM
Jan 2012

Another broken promise.

ProdigalJunkMail

(12,017 posts)
201. you expect more?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 08:15 PM
Jan 2012

it would seem we are now memorializing obscure soldiers who haven't died...

the stench from this is pretty powerful even hear on the eastern seaboard.

sP

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
194. OWS didn't cancel, but a part of OWS canceled?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:10 PM
Jan 2012

It says right on the Occupy San Diego events page:

Thursday, 2012-01-12
12 Jan 2012 - Memorial Service for occupier Jay Polk CANCELED


Since there's obvious confusion on if this man is even dead, who did you confirm the death with?
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
195. As I said, the memorial was held
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:21 PM
Jan 2012

at civic center plaza per scheduled on the FB page.

This event just showed the strains...

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
196. Who did you confirm the death with?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:22 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
197. Once again, the memorial was held
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:24 PM
Jan 2012

Patriot Guard was present, so was a largish contingent from OCCUPY SAN DIEGO, and Veterans for Peace.

This event split Occupy to points that I only observe, but that is what it did. Not only that, it drove more than a few long time activists away as well... because of the ugliness and I am not going to go into more on this. Suffice it to say OSD went to war with itself.

Have a magnificent day.

(As is the tree and forest are missed)

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
199. It's important to recognize the trees
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 07:36 PM
Jan 2012

Since you've been going around saying this man died while fighting in Syria. The confusion about if this man is really even dead, makes me take the rest of your article with a grain of salt.

Have a good day.

ProdigalJunkMail

(12,017 posts)
200. a grain of salt is an understatement
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 08:13 PM
Jan 2012

there are ZERO facts and nothing but deflection from the great nadin...

sP

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
202. Don't take my word
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 09:53 PM
Jan 2012

But I doubt, like many others, you read the travel warning from state, yes, the us department of state, issued on the 11th at the end. Nor do I believ you have read the links to actual articles in elite, as in very elite, papers in the us. I like th grans of salt, but, so we be clear, from headline, this is offered as a possibility.

Have a magnificent day.

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
203. Who did you confirm the death with? n/t
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 10:33 PM
Jan 2012

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
204. "Nor do I believ you have read the links to actual articles in elite..."
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 02:44 AM
Jan 2012

"Nor do I believ you have read the links to actual articles in elite, as in very elite, papers in the us."
Yes, none of us are as smart as you, as you point out all the time, so why would we read "elite, as in very elite" papers?
So, anymore news about the dead guy who is alive and is in Syria but isn't?

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
10. Is he really dead? If not he should be court martialled. This man has put into harms way other
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:29 PM
Jan 2012

american soldiers. This is unexcusable. Sorry. I am a Vet's wife and if my husband were there I'd be pretty pissed if someone gave up our cover.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
11. Oh fully agreed
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:32 PM
Jan 2012

And to be honest if a slew of events did not occur we would not have gone digging. If nothing else the article will catch people up with the situation in Syria nicely.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
117. Are you related to Mika on Morning Joe?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:46 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
124. no
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:15 PM
Jan 2012
 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
125. Just wondering.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:25 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
126. name is the smith of poland
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:49 PM
Jan 2012
 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
128. Really? I wouldn't of guessed that. How did you come up with that name?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:02 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
133. My dad was in the Hitler travel plan
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:52 PM
Jan 2012

he was a holocaust survivor.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
141. Wow, I bet you have many interesting stories. My mother was from Italy and the day they
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 11:44 PM
Jan 2012

hung Mussolini my grandfather and my mother had a glass a red wine celebrating his death. My grandfather use to play music on the radio and when he wouldn't become a facist they took him off the radio.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
142. My dad told me some of the non fit for family consumption
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 11:50 PM
Jan 2012

stories before he died. Since both me and my husband have seen some combat, with my husband far more intense, he realized we'd get it.

Some of it involves the resistance, some of it the Russians... and how they dealt with collaborators after liberation.

Suffice it to say if I posted them even edited, there would be pearl clutching all around.

It was a relief though for him to finally tell somebody who'd actually get it. I am sure he never thought that be his daughter. It helped him make his peace I think, or I'd like to think so.

And yes, before anybody says it... war is hell.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
143. War is sure hell. My father was wounded in WWII with machine gun fired at him up the leg. Til
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:06 AM
Jan 2012

the day he died he slept with a baseball bat next to his bed. When you woke him up you would stand at the end of his bed and pull in his big toe. LOL. You bet war is hell. He told us some of the stories. I come from a family of military veterans all who served over 20 yrs including my own husband. God bless our soldiers.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
144. I would like to clarify, MOST of our troops,
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:11 AM
Jan 2012

and in many ways we owe them, what we don't give them, but it is time that we as a country reassess this empire shitick.

But most, there are those who give a bad name... and then there are the politicos who use them all like disposable bullets.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
145. I totally agree with you. It is funny that people who never been in a war and so happy to send
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:16 AM
Jan 2012

others to do the dirty job. Look at Romney. He has 5 sons and not one ever went into the military. I think congress shouldn't vote going to war unless they have experienced it themselves. I don't know any military soldier who has been to war that are so anxious to go back to war.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
146. Ah that Smedley Butler!!!!
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:25 AM
Jan 2012
 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
148. You betcha.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:32 AM
Jan 2012

MattBaggins

(7,893 posts)
115. The enemy will already know they are there.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:33 PM
Jan 2012

The only ones in the dark will be American citizens who have this crazy little concept of a right to know what the military is doing in their names.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
116. Americans don't have a right if our soldiers are in harms way. However, if this country wants
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:44 PM
Jan 2012

to send our troops then congress needs to make sure all options are covered before you go.

MattBaggins

(7,893 posts)
121. We always have the right
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:06 PM
Jan 2012

What you propose is the very cover they use for illegal operations.

Soldiers are in harms way anyway. The enemy will know they are there. "Harms way" in these cases is a cover to keep US citizens in the dark.

All predicated of course on the veracity of the story.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
123. If my husband was in that situation by golly I don't want him getting killed because someone put
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:14 PM
Jan 2012

it on facebook. Everyday in the country we have soldiers undercover anywhere in the world. I know soldiers wives that husbands are in the detal force and they never know where their husbands go on a short notice. My next door neighbor was always going all over the world and across this country before the president goes to make sure everything is fine when he arrives.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
157. You know what I care about? OUR SOLDIERS. That is who I car for. He is doing what is asked of
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:17 PM
Jan 2012

him to do. Nothing else matters.

Puregonzo1188

(1,948 posts)
149. Excuse me? I sure as hell have a right to know if my government has sent troops to Syria.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 02:01 AM
Jan 2012

Which strikes me as being illegal.

Who authorized this? What are we doing there?

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
156. I hate to tell you but you are living in a dream land. Our troops are everywhere around the world.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:15 PM
Jan 2012

It is a fact. Thank your lucky stars. Illegal or not sometimes the president of the country they are in want our help but don't want people to know we are there.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
63. His wife posted on his Facebook count that he had died, but would not respond to media request for c
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:10 PM
Jan 2012

Only contact available was through the Occupy Page and family later posted that they would be returning all emails unread.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
68. And anyway, his death is secondary
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:13 PM
Jan 2012

the body of the story is the rest. We would not have done that if he did not post that.

People are looking at a tree, not the forest.

midnight

(26,624 posts)
179. Sorry to hear this....
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:07 PM
Jan 2012

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
85. Here is a screenshot of his post:
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:48 PM
Jan 2012


I captured it before it was taken down. he also told local Occupy members in person that he was going to Syria. So there is no question that it was Jay who made this statement.

I also have a screenshot of his wife informing the group that he had died overseas, but for her privacy will not post it as she does not wish to be disturbed in her time of grief. But anyone in Occupy SD can confirm seeing it - it was widely discussed.

Is this firm proof that he was in Syria when he died? No, but he most certainly claimed he was going there, and all the evidence points to a strong likelihood that we have forces there now; our own top military special ops commander confirmed to Congress that we had special ops in Syria last year. With the situation deteriorating and American lives at risk with evacuations now ordered, it all fits.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
102. I have a screenshot as well that says he's going to Paris.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 06:53 PM
Jan 2012

Well, he says "Puris." But I suspect he meant Paris.



Unlike yours, mine is still up.

Also: "Ask anyone" isn't a source either.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
130. The deleted posts have been restored.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:45 PM
Jan 2012

As for the "puris" post not sure if that means paris, but if so it's possible that's a stop en route to mideast or perhaps the destination changed.

No clue why site was scrubbed then restored, unless DOD saw screenshots posted and realized they couldn't hide those posts.

Links to posts are now in story

aikoaiko

(34,113 posts)
5. I am suspicious that the soldier was the one who actually posted that.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:20 PM
Jan 2012

That is an easy operational security decision to make.

I'll wait for more facts.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
7. Read the article, he did
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:23 PM
Jan 2012

he did more than just post it. If they caught it before he left, he would have gone for an Article 32, leading to a court martial. Anyhow, we just went digging.

aikoaiko

(34,113 posts)
14. I guess I missed it, but how was it verified that it was him?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:44 PM
Jan 2012


ps. I do not doubt that special forces are in Syria, per se, but that an actual Special Forces soldier posted his secret deployment on Facebook.
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
27. Now you know why we went WTF?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:08 PM
Jan 2012

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
66. Same soldier told Occupy members in person that he was going to Syria
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:13 PM
Jan 2012

and the conversation was overheard by others as well. It was common knowledge within Occupy SD, straight from the horse's mouth.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
77. Good, the editor's here.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:28 PM
Jan 2012

Can you shed some light on who was contacted to confirm any of this? Officials or family?

I am neck deep in this now, you can use family initials if you'd prefer.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
88. wife posted on Facebook that he died in line of duty.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:01 PM
Jan 2012

Sgt. Polk's wife has refused to return any messages and may have been told by DOD not to talk to press. Family also declined offers of donations made online from friends of the soldier (that was among the other posts scrubbed), not the mark of a scammer, but a proud military family more likely.

DOD has not confirmed or denied the death (they responded with a nondenial useless response); Nadin contacted another military source she's cited who also was vague.

For security reasons Nadin can't disclose more. Is there firm official confirmation? No but nobody's denying it either.

The story is intended to raise questions about possible US involvement in Syria, however, not to claim to have all the answers.

There is more info not published that adds further substantiation, obtained from outside DOD channels, but could not be included due to specifics that could put lives at risk if it is true. T

here is enough in the links provided, however, to make clear that the soldier claimed he was going to Syria, and that there are numerous credible sources indicating we likely have special ops there.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
101. "What I read on Facebook" isn't a source.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 06:49 PM
Jan 2012

Have I flown into a journalism cuckoo clock??

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
131. There are other sources that can't be revealed due to national security and to protect sources
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:50 PM
Jan 2012

who don't want to be named. No apologies for that, but those sources confirmed to the writer and/or editor details that were on FB and more.

At any rate the story does NOT claim the soldier's death is confirmed and makes clear that it is not (at least not yet) specifically because as you point out FB is not necessarily accurate. Story never claims that it is, merely that it raises an intriguing set of questions. The point of the story is to raise questions about the US role in Syria. That's a legit question with or without this soldier's specific story.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
136. You're serious. National security?
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 12:42 AM
Jan 2012

You're dishing up a big scoop on an Occupy protest guy KIA during a super-duper secret mission abroad that he inexplicably blabbed about on Facebook... And you're holding back confirmation details out of concerns for NATIONAL SECURITY??

You've got to be kidding. Do you get paid advertisers for this? I'm going to start my own newsletter of Shit I Heard Somewhere, and if anyone asks me for proof I'll tell them it could endanger the Martian troops if I squeal.

Clearly I misunderstood the whole business.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
147. I am sure if this guy opened his mouth he will be in trouble. He should be court martial, period.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:28 AM
Jan 2012

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
152. Mission-specific details could put soldiers' lives at risk.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 06:50 AM
Jan 2012

I cannot believe you'd suggest publishing something that could get Americans killed. It's one thing to discuss the possibility of the US having a presence in Syria -- a very large country, and quite another to reveal possible location or mission for a specific unit.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
155. OK, now that's just absurd.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 11:55 AM
Jan 2012

Much as I hate to kick this trainwreck:

You're saying you've got operational details of a Syria mission in your pocket, yet still can't confirm there are US troops in Syria?

Do you know how stupid I'd have to be to believe that?

CoffeeCat

(24,411 posts)
8. The PNAC/neocon crowd...
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:28 PM
Jan 2012

...has goals. They've got a region of the world that they have set their sights on dominating militarily because of the oil, other resources and its geopolitical advantages.

They know best. They've been working on this plan for decades. Bush got their foot in the door--when we invaded Iraq. They've stated their desires: Iraq, Syria, Libya, Iran and others. Does anyone really believe that we're being propagandized about all of these countries (especially Syria and Libya) because their situations are unique? Many countries are experiencing upheaval and oppression which is tenfold. We don't hear much about those countries, and why is that? Because the neocons don't want those countries. They aren't on the target list.

The neocons want these countries and they'll get them. They don't feel the need to ask permission to invade countries or to put special forces in these countries. They know better than we do. Yeah sure, they totally miscalculated Iraq and screwed that up beyond repair--but that's beside the point.

These people are operating beyond the scope of our government. They decide what our military does, and they don't feel the need to brief us. They've got a region of the world to dominate, plunder and take over. They don't have time to ask our permission or get the a-ok from "We The People".

If you haven't read the very-detailed neocon warmongering plan--they were kind enough to post it on their webiste. It's all there. http://www.newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDefenses.pdf

tabatha

(18,795 posts)
15. The PNAC crowd is responsible for this?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:45 PM
Jan 2012

"Syria is witnessing a revolution of youth. The people went to the squares to demand their freedom, but they were faced with violent and oppressive response which lead to the death of many people, and that exacerbated the situation," Mr Ghalioun said.

"The regime is insisting on the security solution. This is why we have disasters in some cities like Homs, which has been divided by the regime into different isolated areas by checkpoints.

"Nobody can move because of the snipers and continuous shelling, and there are no services, and no area can help any other area.

"The camera and words cannot describe the tragic situation there. The children in the city are going through terrible daily fear. I saw lots of cases of frightened children screaming at night, not being able to sleep because of bombardment. Homs now is a city under siege witnessing continuous violations of human rights."

http://www.channel4.com/news/syrian-defector-reveals-human-rights-abuses

I think the people who are demonstrating, being tortured and dying would be horrified to learn that they are PNAC puppets.

ronnie624

(5,764 posts)
138. If they know anything about their history and they keep up with news,
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 03:43 AM
Jan 2012

they know with virtual certainty that the U.S. played a major role in the destabilization of their country.

U.S. secretly backed Syrian opposition groups, cables released by WikiLeaks show

[link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-secretly-backed-syrian-opposition-groups-cables-released-by-wikileaks-show/2011/04/14/AF1p9hwD_story.html|

tabatha

(18,795 posts)
139. There has to be an opposition group to start with.
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 10:40 PM
Jan 2012

It really is too bad that PNAC policy now taints unfairly any movement that tries to get rid of an abusive government.

This is a genuine, grass-roots movement triggered by the Arab Spring movement. And PNAC is "new American", yet the support is coming from more than America. The Arabs are the biggest players in support for the opposition movement - you would have to call it "New Arabian".

It is really muddle thinking to yell PNAC for things that are really quite different.

tabatha

(18,795 posts)
12. There are US forces in Jordan at the border with Syria because of the Syria action.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:34 PM
Jan 2012

"Going to Syria" may have been a way of saying that.

Most, if not all, in the Syrian opposition do not want foreign troops on the ground.

Those among the Syrian opposition who have asked for foreign help, have asked for a no-fly zone and nothing else.

I do not believe there are US troops in Syria, or have been.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
13. If nothing else the chockful of links will catch you nicely
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:37 PM
Jan 2012

tabatha

(18,795 posts)
19. From what I have gathered from AJE and other Syria postings
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:56 PM
Jan 2012

What I do believe is that US troops in Jordan or Turkey are helping Syrian opposition defectors who have fled to Jordan or Turkey.

I do not believe that Obama would be stupid enough to have troops in Syria who could be captured and deal a blow to the Syrian opposition who do not want boots on the ground.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
25. Yes, they are operating out of Jordan
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:04 PM
Jan 2012

and Turkey, and I will leave it at that.

I am not going to argue... we went digging because of very particular circumstances...

tabatha

(18,795 posts)
28. "Soldier" versus "Special Ops"
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:10 PM
Jan 2012

I am not saying there are no US troops in the area. There are. Some troops who left Iraq went straight to Jordan.

However, "special ops" is way different from a soldier. A "special ops" person would never paste a destination on a FB page.

There may well be a small number of special ops people going in and out of Syria - but there are no "soldiers" in Syria. There are soldiers in countries around Syria, not in Syria.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
29. Yes, the command is a spec ops command
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:11 PM
Jan 2012

and I know the difference.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
98. And don't forget Qatar. They are our new 'boots on the ground' when we don't want to look like
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:58 PM
Jan 2012

are interfering in a 'grass roots' uprising. Hilary pretty much admitted all we suspected about Libya in a recent interview with Time, I believe. All it was, was verification of what was being denied during the Libyan 'mission'.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
16. Where is the Facebook posting?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:48 PM
Jan 2012

What is the soldier's name?

Where is the screen capture of the posting?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
21. We got the screen capture, the rest was taken down...
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:00 PM
Jan 2012

all references to this soldier went poof... hell, all references to Syria went poof within 72 hours,

 

MinervaX

(169 posts)
23. Post the screen capture then
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:01 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
26. Here, a copy and paste from his FB page
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:06 PM
Jan 2012

Jay Polk
Last day in sd leave in the morning for syria love u guys at osd wish u all the best in everything yall do hope I see u guys again if not you all have my love goodbye guys and gals

It is gone...

No, we did not make this up...

As Tabatha said he could have been on his way to the border on the Jordanian side. But we have reason to believe that we either have or had teams on the ground. On background, and no, I will not tell you more, or I will expose a source, we were told what they were doing.

To be frank... OpSec was violated six ways to Sunday.

 

MinervaX

(169 posts)
36. Why do you care if OPSEC was violated
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:19 PM
Jan 2012

If US troops are in Syria then they are there illegally, exposing that wouldn't do anything but shine a light on it for the American people, it wouldn't put "troops" in danger. If they are in Syria, I'm sure the Syrians already know, the only "johnny off the pickle boats" here would be the American public.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
38. Why do you think we ran the story?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:22 PM
Jan 2012

BINGO!

 

MinervaX

(169 posts)
43. But aren't backing it up.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:32 PM
Jan 2012

Robb

(39,665 posts)
51. Presumably this is the fellow:
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:40 PM
Jan 2012

SidDithers

(44,228 posts)
67. Interesting guy...
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:13 PM
Jan 2012

from his FB page:

Jay Polk
Bradley Manning u r a disgrace to the uniform and I hope u rot in your cell ....uncle sam all I want for xmas is to be bradley's assassinator ive been a good boy this year well almost anyway kmsfl


Sid
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
69. While ironic, you should know that
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:15 PM
Jan 2012

this is a common feeling among many active duty troops.

And yes, the irony meter is off the scale on this one.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
71. Well, it's a nuanced view.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:16 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
82. He went back in
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:36 PM
Jan 2012

maddezmom

(135,060 posts)
86. so when did he get back to San Diego?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:50 PM
Jan 2012

noticed the pic in one of your articles that he was marching in San Diego with Veterans for Peace on Dec 23rd.




but he's posting from TX here:
Jay Polk

ATTENTION all special ops troop we have a woman beater in our midst spec 4 kevin perez stationed at ft sam houston san antonio tx has been brutally beating his wife I myself am willing to handle situation we dont condone domestic abuse im coming 4 u boy!!



Like · Share · December 22, 2011 at 9:36am via mobile ·

And when did he leave for deployment? the whole story is strange, imo. As far has having US having spec ops in Syria...probably.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
94. He was in san diego during the Christmas Standown
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:15 PM
Jan 2012

He went back on Duty on the third.

Oh and the story being strange... yup, it is.

I could write a John LaCarre style novel out of this. I might, I have the notes.

Change some things to protect the guilty.

SlimJimmy

(3,154 posts)
137. Spec Ops troops at Fort Sam Houstin, TX? Okay, I'll bite ... who are they?
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 01:31 AM
Jan 2012
ATTENTION all special ops troop we have a woman beater in our midst spec 4 kevin perez stationed at ft sam houston san antonio tx
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
53. Well short of DoD telling you, yes we are there, you won't beieve it
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:45 PM
Jan 2012

wait twenty years or until pigs fly, whichever happens first, or something really bad happening.

I will stand by the story and what was posted and what I know on background. I cannot post all of it, sorry.

pecwae

(8,021 posts)
108. You're worried about OPSEC
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:23 PM
Jan 2012

yet you post "we are there" so authoritatively. You do realize that a real reporter would have to back up such an assertion, no?


We're all waiting with baited breath for the next prediction/omen/sign/quatrain!

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
110. read the article
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:36 PM
Jan 2012

that is all i can tell you at this point, the links making the case are there

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
87. The soldier said he was leaving for Syria.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:57 PM
Jan 2012

He did not say he would be in Syria.

I heard in a radio program that we have troops in the area around Syria waiting to be used if necessary.

"Leaving for Syria" is ambiguous especially when used by a kid leaving home and possibly really nervous about going. It could have meant that he was headed to Turkey on alert regarding Syria.

A normal person does not have to find out a secret to know that the US could become militarily involved in Syria if things continue to be violent there. It's just common sense.

The US, China and Europe depend on the flow of oil from the Middle East just to heat our houses in the winter. Violence and repression in the Middle East can mean very cold houses for the children and elderly in cold countries to the north of Syria.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
89. Screen capture here:
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:05 PM
Jan 2012
 

MinervaX

(169 posts)
22. I am also interested in this information
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:00 PM
Jan 2012

Addressed in Robb's post.

Jazzgirl

(3,744 posts)
18. It looks like the WaPo and the Nation articles have been scrubbed too.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 01:55 PM
Jan 2012

I just went to both and got either a page error or page not found. The East County Magazine link is still good. Very strange.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
24. We just went live with it
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:01 PM
Jan 2012
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
31. Here from the Nation
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:13 PM
Jan 2012
http://www.thenation.com/article/162566/secret-war-120-countries

It worked for me, let me give you the first four paras


Somewhere on this planet an American commando is carrying out a mission. Now, say that seventy times and you’re done… for the day. Without the knowledge of the American public, a secret force within the US military is undertaking operations in a majority of the world’s countries. This new Pentagon power elite is waging a global war whose size and scope has never been revealed, until now.


Pentagon War
After a US Navy SEAL put a bullet in Osama bin Laden’s chest and another in his head, one of the most secretive black-ops units in the American military suddenly found its mission in the public spotlight. It was atypical. While it’s well known that US Special Operations forces are deployed in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq, and it’s increasingly apparent that such units operate in murkier conflict zones like Yemen and Somalia, the full extent of their worldwide war has remained deeply in the shadows.

Last year, Karen DeYoung and Greg Jaffe of the Washington Post reported that US Special Operations forces were deployed in seventy-five countries, up from sixty at the end of the Bush presidency. By the end of this year, US Special Operations Command spokesman Colonel Tim Nye told me, that number will likely reach 120. “We do a lot of traveling—a lot more than Afghanistan or Iraq,” he said recently. This global presence—in about 60 percent of the world’s nations and far larger than previously acknowledged—provides striking new evidence of a rising clandestine Pentagon power elite waging a secret war in all corners of the world.

tkmorris

(11,138 posts)
32. Nothing strange about it.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:14 PM
Jan 2012

Nadine put an extra period at the end of both links. Simply remove the period and they work fine.

As an aside Nadine when you finish a sentence with a hyperlink you must put a space after the link and before the period, otherwise the period gets included in the link and it goes nowhere. Easy mistake to make.

I also am wondering why the reluctance to post a screen grab of the Facebook posting. Without it you've got no story here, since all of the other background information is just a rehash of what the MSM has been saying.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
37. I posted the copy paste already up
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:20 PM
Jan 2012

The problem is Mac related, I copied and pasted before they went missing... but here you go, once again

Jay Polk
Last day in sd leave in the morning for syria love u guys at osd wish u all the best in everything yall do hope I see u guys again if not you all have my love goodbye guys and gals

Like · · Follow Post · January 2 at 3:45pm via mobile


It now lives on my scrivener file... scrivener and mac work in strange ways

Oh and here is the copy and paste of his FB page, profile

Jay Polk
Works at U.S. Army Special Operations CommandStudied at The University of AlabamaLives in Austin, TexasIn a relationship with Julie Mills


You and Jay

Ray Lutz and Martha Sullivan are mutual friends.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
33. WAPO
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:15 PM
Jan 2012

U.S. 'secret war' expands globally as Special Operations forces take larger role

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By Karen DeYoung and Greg Jaffe
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 4, 2010
Beneath its commitment to soft-spoken diplomacy and beyond the combat zones of Afghanistan and Iraq, the Obama administration has significantly expanded a largely secret U.S. war against al-Qaeda and other radical groups, according to senior military and administration officials.

Special Operations forces have grown both in number and budget, and are deployed in 75 countries, compared with about 60 at the beginning of last year. In addition to units that have spent years in the Philippines and Colombia, teams are operating in Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

Commanders are developing plans for increasing the use of such forces in Somalia, where a Special Operations raid last year killed the alleged head of al-Qaeda in East Africa. Plans exist for preemptive or retaliatory strikes in numerous places around the world, meant to be put into action when a plot has been identified, or after an attack linked to a specific group.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304965.html

There are still there

dougolat

(716 posts)
44. thank you nt
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:48 PM
Jan 2012

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
45. So he posts on Jan 2. Now he is dead?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:49 PM
Jan 2012

Ok, that bothers me on a odd level.

maddezmom

(135,060 posts)
52. it hasn't been confirmed
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:41 PM
Jan 2012
http://obrag.org/?p=52313

NEW NEW UPDATE from 1/12/12: A reporter from a local news website who has been researching this story, says this in an email this morning: “He [Jay] died in the line of duty and what he was doing is supper, duper classified,…”

NEW UPDATE from 1/11/12: There is research still going on over this case about whether Jay Polk was killed or not. It is still possibly true that he was killed. To speculate why the DoD has not publicized his death yet, we understand that in certain black ops where lives are still in danger, info is carefully squeezed out – or not at all – until it’s over.

UPDATE FROM EDITOR: Unfortunately for all involved, there have been some real questions raised as to the validity of Jay’s death. Our original source was within Occupy San Diego, but who is now having second thoughts themselves. Their source was reportedly a member of Jay’s family. Others have been making calls and have found NO confirmation of his death, either at the DoD site, Jay’s hometown, there’s no funeral home, no obituary, no report of his death except via this family member. And that person is not returning calls.


http://www.copswiki.org/Occupy/OccupySanDiegoEmailBlast2012Jan10
snip¬
Occupier Jay Polk lost his life in military service overseas
• OSD Food Cte member MSGT Jay Polk lost his life while in the active, selfless military service overseas. He leaves a family, his wife Julie and 4 children, 2 of them newborn. ◦ Read comments captured from Facebook below
◦ See and comment on his Facebook page
◦ Memorial Thursday 2012-01-12, 5pm to 9pm at FreedomPlaza Facebook Event
◦ There will be a Pot luck, please bring a dish/drink/paper plates
◦ Candle light vigil: 6:30 PM
◦ Money for Jay's family account to be set up soon by Chris Mckay.

¬snip¬

12 Jan 2012 - Thu
• Memorial Service for occupier Jay Polk CANCELED

but looks like they went ahead with the service so maybe it was later confirmed.

http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/12547
and the facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/events/283710275011748/
 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
59. We got a non denial denial about his dead from his command
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:03 PM
Jan 2012

And due to the nature of what they were doing, it can take a while for the Army to post the official notice... when they do... location will read CLASSIFIED.

http://www.defense.gov/releases/

But I got a non denial-denial of his death from his command, after 36 hours of initial email enquiry and 24 of telephone enquiry.

And a side story, the OSD site was wracked division, charges and counter charges. The family refuses to speak to anybody from San Diego because of the accusations that were flying, including theft and fraud. Moreover, they were given a gag order.

That is far more background than it is usually provided.

The rag ran the story, we went to work.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
55. It bothered us too
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:47 PM
Jan 2012

why we called commands and all that. I got a non denial-denial from his command that he is indeed dead. He is to be buried this week. I suspect DoD is waiting (which is odd to a point) until he is in the ground. It can take up to three weeks for DoD to post at official site.

Realize this is SOF, not a regular army unit These guys can hit the field in 12 hours if they are in the right place... from CONUS 36 hours to the ME.

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
57. Still
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:52 PM
Jan 2012

I don't believe in coincidences necessarily. Just strange to me. In a conspiracy way I guess. Just on the surface. Not propagating a conspiracy by any means, but noting it as an "odd" occurrence if in fact he is deceased following the "post".

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
60. His death came about a week after
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:06 PM
Jan 2012

and I will be brutally honest, if he were not killed... we would not be digging. If he posted going in, or going to Afghanistan, again... so?

I know why the knives are out, I get it, but like the folks at OSD, even after it is very official, they will not believe it.

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
62. Stay on it if you can
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:09 PM
Jan 2012

I will be anxious for the followup and continuing news on this.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
65. Well the soldier's death at this point is quite secondary
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:10 PM
Jan 2012

it is the what the hell we are doing over there?

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
70. Both are mighty curious
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:16 PM
Jan 2012

why are we there?

If he is dead, how, when, why and was his post accurate?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
75. Why
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:26 PM
Jan 2012

I think we gave a pretty good picture of why we are there. This does not necessarily mean the FSA or other forces necessarily want us there by the way.

Short version

WMDs
SCUDS
Bases (which are not mentioned)
Attacks on Western Interests including diplomats


And we went looking because of the nature of the post.

This is where we go into yet another, not adressed in the story, question. What is the nature of operational security or corporate security in the 21st century?

Robb

(39,665 posts)
58. If you had confirmation from his command that he died, you could've scooped everyone with it.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:55 PM
Jan 2012

No one has confirmation.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
61. Robb I will spell it for you
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:09 PM
Jan 2012

YOU ARE NOT GETTING THAT EMAIL... you got the PAO, that is all you are getting.

Sorry.

If that is not enough for you, that is fine... I can live with it...

Trust me, I can. But why not read the whole article and try to see what we connected, after all the State Department's warning is CURIOUS, wouldn't you say? Especially given the very recent history.

Then there are the WMDs, and SCUDS.

So why not look at the big picture here. We went to work because of a post. It raised all kinds of questions. You are looking at the tree, we are looking at the forest. So how about we adress THE BODY OF THE ARTICLE? Did you bother reading it?

Robb

(39,665 posts)
74. Because you must start with facts before you begin analysis.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:22 PM
Jan 2012

Here's the sentence you could've written in your article, were it true:

"So and so, public information officer for such and such army base, confirmed a soldier from his command had been killed but would not release the name pending notification of family."

You didn't write that. Here's another:

"Family members contacted directed inquiries to such-and-such, and requested privacy."

You didn't write that. Or this:

"Funeral arrangements are under the direction of such-and-such funeral home; in lieu of flowers the family asks a donation be made to blah-blah-blah."

You didn't write that.

I'm beginning to wonder what part of what you've said is real, and what part simply something you read on a discussion board somewhere.

Explain please.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
76. Raise all the questions you want
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:27 PM
Jan 2012

i am done answering. You will simply not read the article, and I have no reason to know why, or for that matter give a shit.

What is amusing is that if this was posted on the WAPO... you would take it as gospel.

Oh and I am sure you would not be asking these questions. You got more actually than you would normally get.

Bye

Robb

(39,665 posts)
79. But you haven't answered *anything*.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:30 PM
Jan 2012

Extraordinary claims etc. Not one thing you've said leads me to believe you picked up a telephone on this at all.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
83. You can believe what you want
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:38 PM
Jan 2012

but I did...

Have a good day...

And you have YET to adress the NATURE of the post.

By the way... you are telling me that Foreign Policy Magazine and the US Department of State are also off? Read the choice quote from the US department of state at the end of the article, or don't.. I really don't care.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
84. You did all those things, yet neglected to write about them in the article?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:41 PM
Jan 2012

Hell of an oversight, wouldn't you think?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
95. Which tells me you have not read it
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:21 PM
Jan 2012

choice quote is at the END OF THE ARTICLE, very near the end.

Thanks for proving to me that you were unserious in this discussion.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
103. You claim upthread to have contacted the family. Then back away from that.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 06:56 PM
Jan 2012

Next you claim to have contacted the base commander. Then suddenly it's USSOC's public affairs officer. Or maybe not.

Your article ends stating you contacted the "State Department and Department of Defense," but never heard back.

Did you talk to anyone in particular? Or did you stand on your back porch and yell?

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
105. One I never claimed to have contacted a base commander
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:06 PM
Jan 2012

you are making that up, I said the PAO for that particular command, for the record NOT USSOC. THere is more to the SOF community you know.


I contacted both State Department Press Office, to know why their curious Travel Warning (Actual meat to the story) read the way it did, and DoD... neither ever returned calls... yes that is the way it works in the real world. They rarely have a PIO or a PAO just standing by ok.

Now let's get one thing clear... the story, while leading with the post from a soldier, is about SYRIA and POSSIBLE presence of US Troops, as in SOF component in the field. You have yet to read the full article, or the links to it. That so far is clear. You are stuck in the tree, not looking at the forest.

have a good day Robb...

And no, I will not turn to you my scrivener file with all info ok. It would not be kosher for multiple reasons that you seem unable to comprehend or wrap your head around.

I really do not give a shit what you think. Is that clear? If I posted it is sunny and the sky is blue with a few clouds you would doubt that. We have such a history going back almost a decade. I am sure you will also question my physical presence at the physical stories I have also covered in the recent past. So I think we are done. Aren't we?

Now if you want to learn something, read the article and chiefly hit on links. If you don't, save yourself some time.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
106. "I really do not give a shit what you think." Nice.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:16 PM
Jan 2012

So now you say you contacted State and DoD to ask about their travel warning, but not about Polk shipping out to Syria?

I'm "stuck in your tree" because if there was anything to it, it would be a huge story on its own. Your astute analysis of other people's work is great and whatever, but there's an actual story here that you've "reported" without anything to back it up.

It's frustrating to watch you play reporter and not do any of the work.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
109. it is frustrating to answer questions and get creative interpretations
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:25 PM
Jan 2012

from now on robb, no comment

Robb

(39,665 posts)
111. You haven't answered a thing. Over and over.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 08:59 PM
Jan 2012

You're continuing to evade the fact you've done no actual reporting work here. You don't have to speak to real people, you can just call them on the telephone. Is there a reason you can't use the telephone I'm not aware of?

ProdigalJunkMail

(12,017 posts)
97. Robb, this is how she does it...
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:48 PM
Jan 2012

extreme claims...smoke and mirrors...feigned knowledge of the unknowable...no actual facts...it is SOP.

sP

pecwae

(8,021 posts)
154. Then it's
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 08:32 AM
Jan 2012

"read the article", "read War & Peace", "you are uniformed", blah, blah infinity. You must believe me, you must believe me, you must believe me, I am infallible, infallible, infallible; all while holding a very shiny object in front of the eyes. Can't say for certain whose eyes those would be.

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
159. Kick and recommend
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 04:05 PM
Jan 2012

this post...not the OP.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
134. If DOD hasn't released name you can't get it from funeral homes until they do.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:58 PM
Jan 2012

That is SOP for special ops deaths if a mission is still underway. A family member requested privacy, was emailed with questions, did not respond further. Family member's name was not published specifically to respect the privacy requested.

Like Nadin I see no point arguing further with you as you seem not to read the actual story all the way through or the many links documenting the Syrian information, but instead haggle over points we've already agreed on - the soldier's death has not been confirmed on record through official channels.

Hugabear

(10,340 posts)
46. It would be naive to think we do not have Special Ops forces in Syria
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 02:56 PM
Jan 2012

That's what these types of forces are designed for - covert activities, often behind "enemy" lines. These types of "black ops" often attempt to blend in with the local population - many of these forces do not look like your "typical" clean-cut soldier. Their primary goals would be to gather intelligence as well as training local opposition forces.

I'm sure that we have special ops forces in places like Syria, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and many other places you wouldn't expect.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
73. Military leaders testimony to House Armed Services committee confirmed special ops in 20 mideast
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:20 PM
Jan 2012

countries including Syria last year. That's from the head of Special Ops, Admiral Olson, see link in story. So not a big stretch to believe we are still there. DOD would not confirm this if it would put Special Ops in harm's way during a mission. Amid the chaos over there i'd be surprised if we didn't have some forces on the ground in case things go south for Americans trying to get out, given all the kidnappings etc. that have occurred in recent months.

 

ieoeja

(9,748 posts)
54. We have advisors in almost every country of the world. Since when is this news?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 03:46 PM
Jan 2012

Early '80s I read of an incident in which Israeli commandos accompanied by a Green Beret trainer staged a raid on Syrian outpost where it so happened a Green Beret trainer was deployed. So we had Green Beret vs Green Beret (by proxy).

I accidentally wandered into a German military outpost at Chicago's O'Hare airport once as well.

We talk. We exchange ideas. And, you know what? That is a good thing.

The Crusades began because Damascus took Jerusalem from Cairo and started persecuting the Christians there. Yet, one of the last Crusades invaded Cairo. Because the two sides refused to talk to one another, the Europeans were completely unaware of this irony.

History is full of wars fought simply because the two sides didn't understand one another.


Enrique

(27,461 posts)
81. I don't think our forces are in Syria to exchange ideas n/t
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:31 PM
Jan 2012
 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
93. We aren't
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:14 PM
Jan 2012

Denying we are there, however smacks of pretending they don't exist, just because it is inconvenient politically that we are there.

Oh, WOOPs, we are in Syria. Oh, Woops, we aren't trying to start an uproar. Oh, Woops, if it happens, and terrorists kill our troops, then we have justification for riding on in. Woops? That started a full-on war with Iran and eventually China? Oh, well, we just thought we'd protect our interests in the Middle East.

 

ieoeja

(9,748 posts)
99. Then we disagree.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 06:19 PM
Jan 2012

It wouldn't surprise me the least bit if we have people in there trying to help keep Assad on his throne. Particularly since he and Hezzbolah have been on the brink of violence for decades. He likely only supported them in Lebanon to keep them active OUT of his country.

 

Tierra_y_Libertad

(50,414 posts)
64. That's OK. They're there to defend the constitution..except the part about congress declaring wars.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:10 PM
Jan 2012

The inconvenient part that is supposed to keep us out of wars.

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
72. yep
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 04:19 PM
Jan 2012


 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
91. If anyone deserved a facepalm
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:10 PM
Jan 2012

of a post, look at yours.

Good Lord, who do you think you will ever fool.

Broderick

(4,578 posts)
92. What do you mean?
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:14 PM
Jan 2012

The face palm wasn't for towards the post or poster. Actually it was where the post was directed to. Maybe you took it wrong?

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
90. The key part
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 05:08 PM
Jan 2012

Is that we are mucking around in countries we claim we aren't mucking around in, for those around here that choose to be devotedly dense. You can only pretend to not know wtf is going on in the face of such stories if you choose to not comment on them. Otherwise, you are commenting and *DO* know wtf is going on and are just choosing to be a mouthpiece/apologist/denier for some reason known to yourself, and ... well, just about everyone with a brain.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
104. Oh, I think we're in Syria.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:00 PM
Jan 2012

But this guy wasn't. And not just because Woodward and Bernstein up there can't report their collective way out of a paper bag.

If we're on the ground, it's good quality spook stuff. Not, bluntly, "u no what u r sayin" type of work.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
112. I don't view that as quality
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:23 PM
Jan 2012

Since I think we need to get the hell out of the Middle East. If there are countries that want to stir up Syria and Iran, I say let them, and they can send bodies and treasure. The US has more than paid their share, and it is time to come home. Anyone else whacking the proverbial hornet's nest needs to deal with the stings that will come afterwards, not the US.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
119. You know what I mean.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:47 PM
Jan 2012

If we have people there, and we probably do, they're probably spooks, not OWS-marching master sergeants.

Saving Hawaii

(441 posts)
107. This is nothing new.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 07:16 PM
Jan 2012

We've been mucking around in countries we claim we aren't mucking around in for a long time.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
113. Thank you
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:26 PM
Jan 2012

For speaking up. There are plenty that like to shade it, but we are mucking around in a lot of places, many of which we don't belong in.

Not to put words in your mouth since that isn't what you said, you just agreed that we are in a lot of damn places.

sarcasmo

(23,968 posts)
118. War in Syria, check.
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:46 PM
Jan 2012

War in Iran, coming soon to a TEEVEE near you.

 

JSnuffy

(374 posts)
120. Bullshit meter is off the charts...
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 09:53 PM
Jan 2012

Nuclear Unicorn

(19,497 posts)
158. Lots of points don't make sense. Showed thread to ex-army hubby (very much NOT special forces)
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 12:33 PM
Jan 2012

San Diego is a naval base but ranks is listed as "SGT" and "Master Sergeant" are army designations

Master Sergeants aren't generally young men. I've met a few back when my husband was in and they're all within a few years of retirement.

There are no Special Forces based at Ft Sam Houston. It's a base to train medical personnel. (This is when I contacted hubby as he was a medic and I recognized the name from his stories.)

If he appeared in a parade wearing his uniform it was actionable under UCMJ.

If he blabbed to OSD it was actionable.

Special Forces don't blab.

If he had any reservations about going he could have told his commanders and he would have been off the team instantly.

It's odd that he would blab to so many people but not the people he lives, trains and works beside. Cameraderie is the #1 attribute in Special Forces.

Being a "former" soldier in mid-October being able to re-enlist, re-train, re-assigned and deployed

Several other reasons too hubby is calling this guy a fraud.

uppityperson

(115,674 posts)
122. Odd topic here. Marking to read later as it seems rather wtf-ish
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 10:13 PM
Jan 2012

Autumn

(44,686 posts)
129. As someone who had a Brother in Cambodia, when "we" were
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:05 PM
Jan 2012

not in Cambodia, yeah it would not surprise me in the least to find out we have Special Forces in Syria. I'm sorry he died. He should have faced a Court Marshall.

 

nadinbrzezinski

(154,021 posts)
132. In this household that was our initial reaction... Art 32 followed
Tue Jan 17, 2012, 11:51 PM
Jan 2012

by that.

 

lonestarnot

(77,097 posts)
135. But no SO spook is going to endanger his own life or that of his fellow compadres by posting his eta
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 12:32 AM
Jan 2012

or destination on a public message board.

Liberty Belle

(9,525 posts)
153. Clearly he shouldn't have done so.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 06:56 AM
Jan 2012

Why might he do that? Who knows. Maybe he was drinking, or depressed, or wanted someone to know where he was bound. We know he was deeply troubled about going, spoke with a chaplain, seemed to have a premonition of the danger.

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
140. I think it's interesting
Wed Jan 18, 2012, 11:37 PM
Jan 2012

That one of the photos Jay Polk has on facebook and uploaded on 25 Nov 2011


Is the exact same photo from the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion facebook page that was uploaded on 4 Nov 2009


He also posted the Dec 2010 Torch about the 160th New Recruiter Academy held. Was he in the Army a year ago? You said he was in and then out and then reenlisted. When did he reenlist?

So was he in the 160th out of Fort Campbell? Why was he at Fort Sam Houston?

Interesting.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
160. "I'm not dead yet."
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 10:22 AM
Jan 2012


Occupy San Diego email blast:

Death of OSD Food Cte member Jay Polk was based on bad information. Sorry, but we are happy to know that we need not have any memorial.


Death of OSD Food Cte member Jay Polk was based on incorrect information. We sincerely apologize for this mixup. Please confirm everything we hear!

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
162. Good to know that he's not dead!
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 11:34 AM
Jan 2012

This story gets curiouser and curiouser.

SidDithers

(44,228 posts)
164. K&R...nt
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 12:01 PM
Jan 2012

Sid

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
167. Journalism is a difficult profession.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 12:53 PM
Jan 2012

That's why only professionals do journalism properly. There is so much about this story that is questionable. I'm afraid mistakes were made that should not have been made in the story. Big ones.

I'll start with the fact that not everyone who claims to be "special forces" is actually involved in special forces. It all unravels from that point.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
185. Buy me another beer and I'll tell you about my work with the CIA at Area 51.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 03:19 PM
Jan 2012

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
186. Oh, hell...I'll buy you a dozen beers, just to hear
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 03:34 PM
Jan 2012

your fantastic stories.

On the other hand, I got to go to the Nevada Test Site and do a story about the MX Missile Transporter for a house organ of the company that made the tires for the thing. It was a great assignment, since it got me a couple of nights in Las Vegas, a flight on a vintage DC-3 to the site, and a ride in the Transporter. I was still a beginner at journalism, and only got $250 for the article, complete with photography, but my expenses in Vegas were covered.



I tried to sell a second article from the MX Transporter trip to Road & Track Magazine for one of their weird annual road tests, but they decided that all of those needed to be written by their staff writers, so no sale. Still, I got to chat with the editor of that magazine about the article.

Another fun assignment was an article on the seismology of the offshore drilling sites on the California Coast, done for another house organ...this time, an oil drilling equipment company publication. I got a complete tour of the Cal Tech seismology labs, a couple of hours with the chief seismologist, and combined it with research on some unique outdoor furniture for another magazine, on the same day, where I got to talk about furniture design with a famous artist. All in the same trip to L.A. You just never knew what you were going to do next. Later in my career, I specialized more and had fewer and fewer adventurous assignments. But, the early days were a blast.

Being a freelance journalist is a great job, but it's not an easy job and certainly not a lucrative job. Still, it was fun for many years, and did keep food on the table and bought a small house. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
183. So, wait...is that like folks posting photos of
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:34 PM
Jan 2012

the firearms they own in the Gungeon? Lots of the same photos from the manufacturers seem to show up again and again.

Yes, there are some real inconsistencies in the information in that story, and none of them are being clarified by the people who wrote and published it.

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
150. Yup folks, this smells funny.
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 02:48 AM
Jan 2012

The "reporting" that is.

Response to nadinbrzezinski (Original post)

Renew Deal

(81,774 posts)
165. The US under Obama has been very good at these covert ops
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 12:06 PM
Jan 2012

They do not talk about them. This soldier did a very dumb thing. Hopefully he's safe.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
177. Assuming he is an actual active-duty soldier
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:05 PM
Jan 2012

at all. As near as I can tell, that has not even been established.

It is my opinion, as a retired journalist, that this story is poorly researched and written. At the time of its publication, it was still unclear whether this person was alive or dead and no confirmation that he is even in the military. The Facebook post was just a launching platform for a bunch of speculation about our supposed special forces operations in Syria. There's no evidence presented of that, either. The only thing that led to all this speculation was some guy's post on Facebook, which may or may not even be a true statement by someone who may or may not actually be in the military.

Weak sauce, journalistically, all around. No editor of a responsible publication would approve such a poorly-supported article.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
168. Apparently, there's a big problem with your story.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 12:55 PM
Jan 2012

Check it out:

http://www.copswiki.org/Occupy/OccupySanDiegoEmailBlast2012Jan12

It seems your "special forces" soldier may not actually be dead. If that is true, then perhaps other things that you took as factual may also not be factual. Perhaps you were a little premature in your reporting and didn't check all the facts adequately. It happens, and is always embarrassing. If it it is true that this person did not die in combat, or isn't even an actual "Special Forces" soldier, perhaps a self-delete of your OP is in order. Your call, I think.

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
172. "perhaps a self-delete of your OP is in order'
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:40 PM
Jan 2012

Please don't hold your breath.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
169. Here is more information about Jay Polk,
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:24 PM
Jan 2012

the person who is supposed to have died:

http://obrag.org/?p=52313

It's worth a read, I think.

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
171. I have to say that the phrase "super duper classified" makes me laugh. n/t
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:32 PM
Jan 2012

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
174. You mean that isn't an official description of
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:48 PM
Jan 2012

some classified material? There's no SUPER DUPER CLASSIFIED stamp on thousands of desks in the military? Hard to believe...

tammywammy

(26,582 posts)
175. Apparently on my security training
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:57 PM
Jan 2012

for both the US and NATO they left off the "super duper" classification.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
180. Well, I saw a lot of stuff that had TOP SECRET [five-letter-word]
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:09 PM
Jan 2012

on it when I was in the USAF in Turkey. I still can't repeat the five-letter-word, even after all the decades that have passed, without wondering if some nice men in suits might drop by.

I never saw anything with the SUPER DUPER TOP SECRET stamp. I guess that was beyond my clearance level.

SidDithers

(44,228 posts)
176. Double check. It's actually "supper duper classified"...
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:00 PM
Jan 2012

which makes it even funnier.

Sid

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
181. Classified Food in the Mess Hall.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:10 PM
Jan 2012

You're not supposed to know about those secret suppers, you know.

pecwae

(8,021 posts)
214. Admittedly, I ate some
Mon Jan 23, 2012, 11:07 AM
Jan 2012

terrifying bad chow in the DFs, but for the most part I'd say they were all declassified.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
215. As far as I could tell, most of the food
Mon Jan 23, 2012, 12:04 PM
Jan 2012

I ate in the mess hall was unclassifiable. I mean...what was that gray meat, anyhow? The only exception was the mess hall at the base in Turkey where I spent 15 months. Run by civilians, it was excellent chow. The base ran three shifts, on a rotating basis, so breakfast offered substantial food for the guys coming off the midnight shift. Wonderful. Pork chops for breakfast. Yumm!

Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
170. I see lots of gullible people falling for total BS again.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:29 PM
Jan 2012

Totally bogus.

ProdigalJunkMail

(12,017 posts)
178. but the writer of the OP is infallible...
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:07 PM
Jan 2012

or so some would believe. just one more hole in the dam of her supposed insights and knowledge...

sad really...

sP

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
182. Golly, who knew "reporting" was so hard?
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:27 PM
Jan 2012

Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
184. OP fools so many with jargon. First sign of that always should peg the BS meter.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 03:06 PM
Jan 2012

Always states 'knowing' something, but gets vague about what, exactly, never backing up anything with nothing but 'say-so' evidence, or appeals to unknown authorities.

Total BS Meister.

ProdigalJunkMail

(12,017 posts)
190. indeed... n/t
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 06:30 PM
Jan 2012
 

Whisp

(24,096 posts)
191. I think it may not be the intent but....
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 06:32 PM
Jan 2012

but the writer's style is jammed with a superiority complex teaching all us dumbasses how the world really works. I think that is the biggest crit I have - the communication style and bad spelling (if you want to be a writer you really should use spellcheck, at least!) , oh, and just making stuff up out of nothing.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
173. Here's another discussion on Facebook regarding this:
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 01:43 PM
Jan 2012
http://www.facebook.com/groups/OccupySanDiego/permalink/222812147803110/

On that Facebook page, a search for Jay Polk will return a number of discussions, dating back to December. It's all very interesting, I think. It seems that the death of Jay Polk is still not verified. Much confusion there.

great white snark

(2,646 posts)
187. Thanks, interesting reading for a boring Saturday.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 03:48 PM
Jan 2012

Hope you're enjoying your weekend MineralMan.

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
188. Sort of. I'm working on a website content project,
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 03:52 PM
Jan 2012

and Alt-Tabbing between it and DU. I always seem to be doing that these days.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
205. I eagerly await the retraction/correction.
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 09:55 AM
Jan 2012

Even if it's on page 99-Z under the tide tables, there will be one, right?

MineralMan

(146,116 posts)
206. You'll wait a long time...
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 10:28 AM
Jan 2012

Robb

(39,665 posts)
208. I am almost terrifyingly patient.
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 02:25 PM
Jan 2012

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
209. please...I beg you...
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 03:26 PM
Jan 2012

please do NOT hold your breath.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
213. As metaphor only.
Mon Jan 23, 2012, 12:06 AM
Jan 2012

zappaman

(20,605 posts)
207. I'm glad it's staying up
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 01:09 PM
Jan 2012

it shows how good a reporter the OP is.
yup, folks, it is an excellent marker.
I've studied reporting and nope this is a clear example on what not to do.

Leopolds Ghost

(12,875 posts)
211. Could you please clarify as to why the OP is inaccurate?
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 04:24 PM
Jan 2012

I am wondering myself. If not then your replies are terribly unhelpful.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
216. Not complicated.
Mon Jan 23, 2012, 10:03 PM
Jan 2012

OP said man dead. Man not dead. OP vanishes.

bvar22

(39,909 posts)
210. Thank You, nadinbrzezinski.
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 04:12 PM
Jan 2012

I appreciate this information, and will keep it handy.

As I read this thread, I was reminded of your postings on the seriousness of the disaster at Fukushima, especially during the early days,
and the vicious, serial, coordinated attacks by those whose agenda was to keep the information on THAT disaster from The People.
You were correct then, and stood by your words.
THAT episode lends some credibility to your words here today.



You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
[font size=5 color=green][center]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
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arely staircase

(12,482 posts)
212. edited to say - nevermind. i just read the rest of this thread. nt
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 04:33 PM
Jan 2012
 

Marengo

(3,477 posts)
217. Looks like it may be falling apart...
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 01:13 PM
Feb 2012
http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/8423

East County Magazine:

"Update February 4, 2012 -- The Department of Defense still has not listed the death of Jay Polk, nor has any notice of his death been published in New Iberia, Louisiana, where he claimed to live. A source informs ECM further that his name has not been provided for addition to a memorial for special forces soldiers. Thus it now appears he was not killed in service to his country and likely fabricated the "report" of his death and possibly his military service as well. If anyone has conclusive proof of his whereabouts or military records, please contact [email protected]. We are leaving this story posted because the research on special forces in Syria is accurate, even if Polk's tale is a hoax."
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