"Get a grip son, everything that happens in the world is not always our fault."

Dang! I must have missed the part where Glenn said that everything that happens, even this particular incident, was our fault. As a matter of fact, that those boats were operating in close proximity to our warships was clearly the fault of the operators of those boats. It's also true that it's dangerous to feint toward a warship in a war zone and it should not be done without much thought beforehand. Had our ships just blasted those boats to smitherines, I doubt if anyone here would have mounted much criticism. They have a right to protect themselves, regardless of the propriety of the war they are supporting.

What is our fault, however, is the reporting of this incident by official administration outlets which are very clearly attempting to piss in our ears and then tell us that it's raining. They apparently attempted to make a mountain out of a molehill and now that their scenario is coming down on their heads, it's not their fault?

Remember Jessica Lynch? Remember Pat Tillman? Remember WMDs?

Now, hopefully, you will understand why there were those of us who railed on and on about how dangerous it was to our credibility for this administration to do that kind of amateurish crap. Frankly, I can't understand how anyone, even the most righteous supporter of this administration cannot be at least minimally pissed at what has happened on their watch.

Get a grip son, not everything that your Leader does in the world is proper.

"Finally, to ApacheTrout, I want to thank you for complying with USS Underwood's instructions. However, I want to make it clear that until the moment you turned away, you were a mortal threat approaching that ship, and they had every right to train weapons on you. Your line: "My mom didn't even look like a terrorist" was probably meant in jest, but was important. We do not profile."

That was me. ApacheTrout was just a minnow who was sorely out of his depth. I don't normally respond to Anon posts but in your case I have made an exception.

First, thank you for your service. I served in the USN when ships were wooden and men were of steel. Well, not quite that long ago but it was during the period when Sen. John McCain's daddy was CinC of the Naval Pacific Command. I had the opportunity to meet him and it was indeed an honor.

It heartens me to no end when a ranking member of our armed forces takes the time and opportunity to digest news and opinion of a political stripe different than what would normally seem to be on the menu of a naval officer.

Indeed, the reference to Mom was indeed in jest and there was never a question as to whether I would comply with the order from Underwood. I don't blame them for being jittery. As I have posted previously, it's my belief that in this case, our ships would have had ample cause to destroy whatever threats availed themselves to them, especially in a war zone.

Having said that, it seems to me, and I believe you will agree, that these sort of "chicken" games aren't something unexpected and aren't something really unusual. IMO, The hamfisted way the administration has handled it, however, has done more harm than good. Frankly, I can't see any reason why this incident was even made public...unless it was to serve another purpose than to inform the American public that it happened. There has been speculation here, some by me, that indicates Mr. Bush's trip to the middle east had something to do with the release of the story and the (muddled) tape. I cannot imagine that story and tape being released except upon the suggestion of and permission granted by the highest level of our government. Certainly, no member of the Armed Forces would release that information without authorization from his civilian bosses. Do you dispute this?

Finally, Welcome to the forum. It would be nice if you would pick a handle and stick around for a while (unless, of course, you are a Ringknocker).