Quite a Show Of Cowardice By Hagel

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Although he is not my favorite president, John Kennedy is remembered most in my mind for his book "Profiles in Courage." It was read by every schoolchild in the early 1960s to remind us that in the midst of political adversity, there were politicians who put honor and statesmanship ahead of another appointment or re-election victory.

There was the story of an elderly Sam Houston opposing Texas secession, an anti-slavery Daniel Webster compromising with Southern lawmakers to try to save the Union, and Sen. Edmund Ross voting to acquit President Andrew Johnson on impeachment charges created because he treated the South in the manner Lincoln promised.

If JFK remained with us, I believe that his attention would be drawn to Chuck Hagel. But Kennedy's new book would be titled "Profiles in Cowardice."

During the Senate hearings on his nomination for secretary of defense, the confrontation was epic. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina asked Hagel about his remark that the Senate was intimidated by the "Jewish lobby." Hagel had said that this caused the country to do stupid things.

Graham then challenged Hagel to name one senator intimidated by the Israel lobby and one stupid thing that the United States did in response to this intimidation.

Now, Hagel could have said that Graham himself was a part of that "evil lobby." He could have criticized the failure of America to oppose the expansion of Israeli settlements to be the result of that intimidation.

I would have certainly taken issue with this opinion. But I would have had respect for Hagel, just as I do for President Obama. I almost never agree with the president, but I believe that he is both honest in his convictions and ready to "take the heat" for his liberalism.

Yet Hagel proved himself a coward. He told Graham that he regretted his statement. He could think of no senator ever intimidated by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). He could think of no mistake made by the United States in response to the pressure of that lobby.

Of, course, Hagel was lying. He neither said what he meant nor meant what he said. In fact, it was Hagel himself who proved to be the most intimidated, if not by AIPAC, then by his perception of AIPAC. He was so concerned that he chose to deny his convictions and look like a groundhog too scared to come out of his hole for fear that the weather might change.

But the saga of Chuck Hagel goes beyond Israel, Lindsey Graham or AIPAC. These hearings are not simply watched by policy "wonks" with no social life beyond CNN and Fox. The hearings are being analyzed by the leaders of Iran and North Korea. They see in the next secretary of defense a coward who puts his own appointment above his character and his self-respect.

That internal weakness will be a feature that the remaining member of the "axis of evil" will count upon as it develops its next generation of nuclear weapons and its first generation of ballistic missiles.

Within the next few years, there may be a standoff between the United States and its "axis' enemies similar to the standoff in the late 1930s between Hitler and Chamberlain in Europe and between Japan and the United States in the Pacific. Hagel might give false promises of "peace in our time" because he is internally weak.

We would then require new leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt's Republican war secretary, Henry Stimson, to rescue us from Obama's Republican, Chuck Hagel. The cost of this lack of character could result in the death of many brave soldiers.

In these times, memories turn to the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork. Bork was as beyond the mainstream conservatively as Hagel is liberally.

But Bork decided to tell the Senate truth about his convictions. He elected to maintain his own self-respect rather than cower to a Senate ready to reward him for abandoning his character.

Bork told the truth and was not confirmed. But, to this day, at least some of us remember him for his courage.

Unlike Hagel, no one will ever call Bork a coward. As for Hagel, confirmed or not, cowardice will be his legacy.

Robert M. Levy is chairman of the Moore County Republican Party. Contact him at Law52@prodigy.net.

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dustyrhoades 3 months ago

Yeah, here's a real profile in cowardice:

Chuck Hagel and his younger brother Tom became the only known American siblings to serve in the same infantry squad in the Vietnam War. The future Republican senator from Nebraska and anti-Iraq war maverick, then 21, fought side by side with his little brother in the steaming jungles of the Mekong Delta. They walked point together, they watched comrades get ripped in half by land mines, and they sent five Purple Hearts home to their mother. They also saved each other’s lives. Tom, two years younger than Chuck, saved his older brother first. Normally the Hagel brothers walked point, but one morning in 1968 they had rotated to the rear as their column of soldiers crept through the jungle. The soldier who took their place that day met instant death as he stepped on a huge land mine. Flying shrapnel ripped through the squad. It hit Tom’s arm, but a bigger chunk lodged in Chuck’s chest. Ignoring his own wound, Tom frantically wrapped compression bandages around Chuck’s chest to stop the fountain of blood, praying his older brother would live long enough to make it out of the jungle. A month later, their roles were reversed. Chuck saved Tom. During fierce combat, Chuck dragged an unconscious Tom out of a burning armored personnel carrier just before it blew up, turning his own face into a mass of bubbling blisters. Blood poured out of Tom’s ears and now it was Chuck’s turn to pray. Later, as he himself lay in a makeshift hospital close to death with severe burns, Chuck Hagel reflected on the horror of combat. “I vowed then to do what I could to stop wars,” he told me years ago. “There is no glory in war.”

I'll agree with you on one thing: Hagel should have taken Graham's question on who'd been intimidated by the Israel lobby and answered, "well you, for one, you simpering twit.". But that would have led to you and the other pearl-clutchers having an attack of the vapors over THAT.

pgericson 3 months ago

Do you think that Lindsey Graham expected a serious answer from the question, or do you think he was just trying to be provocative, as opposed to exploring Hagel's qualifications for becoming Secretary of Defense. Moreover, not surprisingly, you have taken liberties with Hagel's response. He never said he didn't mean what he said. In actuality, he stated that his word choices were unduly provocative and, had he to do it over, he would have made the same point differently. FYI, from the testimony.

"I've already said I regret referencing the Jewish lobby, I should have said, 'pro-Israel lobby,'" Hagel said. "The use of 'intimidation' -- I should have used 'influence.' I think that would have been more appropriate. I should not have said 'dumb' or 'stupid,' because I understand or appreciate there are other views on these things."

dustyrhoades 3 months ago

Bob Levy saying something that turned out to be untrue? Who'd have EVER expected THAT?

Bigguy 3 months ago

This from the people who think draft dodging, pants soiling, child molester lunatic Ted Nugent is a hero, and people who volunteered and served their country with distinction are cowards. Mr. Levy You stand with the Nugents, you are the Coward!!

dustyrhoades 3 months ago

Ah, yes, the Nuge. Here's your NRA/Republican spokesman:

He lambastes drug users and alcohol drinkers, but repeatedly admits (without a trace of humility, however) to being a serial pedophile. Two relationships (one with his wife and one with “muse” Pele Massa, who was 17 when they started dating) were ended due to Ted’s infidelity while on the road, often with underage women. But Ted justifies his behavior with one of his trademark funny expressions: “alternative flesh management.”

pedophilia: IOKIYAR!

Bigguy 3 months ago

Did Levy say one damn thing about Nugent at the State of the Union?

Toyboy52 3 months ago

When Franklin Roosevelt chose Republican Henry Stimson as Secretary of War ( Defense) he looked for the very best. When Obama chose Republican Hagel as Secretary of Defense, he made a worse choice than had he chosen a Democrat.

Bigguy 3 months ago

Guess what, the Iraq War was a mistake, and it would be a bigger mistake to start another damn war with Iran. That is what people are mad about with Hagel.

geoffcutler 3 months ago

Hagel and Kerry. I know I'm feeling safe. One guy throws his war medals all over the place and with just a little time, ends up becoming Secretary of State. And leaving the Israel comments aside, Hagel under questioning didn't look like he'd make a good office secretary much less secretary of our defense. Amazing what statesmen look like when there's a Democrat in the White House. Doesn't get any screwier than this.

Bigguy 3 months ago

"Screw Israel" They don't vote for us". Do you remember that terrible statesmen? It was James Baker? Pretty incompetent.

Bigguy 3 months ago

Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran sung to the Beach Boy's Barbra Anne, Pretty statesmen like, John McCain.

geoffcutler 3 months ago

"And leaving the Israel comments aside," ... perhaps because I don't happen to think that statement should disqualify Hagel for the job? Hence the point about his looking otherwise totally incompetent under questioning....

dustyrhoades 3 months ago

Far too many people in this country want to turn de facto control over our military to Bibi Netanyahu to use as he sees fit. We are not Israel's dog.

Bigguy 3 months ago

And don't forget to ask Chuck about his ties to Friends of Hamas!

The_AnonymusProfit 3 months ago

You no I dont really like Hagel, I think he is wishy washy, but again I go to my favorite show the west wing,

This episode brings us to a testimony over president bartlets MS scandel, there is some information about his cheif of staff getting drunk and the republicans want to bring it up, yet one republican says no! he says to the others YOU ARE DESTROYING THE PARTY!

Well, this crap is DESTROYING THE PARTY!!

GET OVERYOURSELFF!!!!

Bigguy 3 months ago

McCain is just pissed because he didn't choose Chuck Norris!

geoffcutler 3 months ago

Israel should be allowed to be in charge of its own destiny. And if it feels that its state is threatened, then it should do what it sees fit to defend and protect itself. Just like we would. Missiles lobbed indiscriminately into Israel with regularity is more than we would have ever stood. Seems like we're not Israel's dog, but the other way around. We'd of unleashed all hell by now were bombs dropping into Times Square, Faneuil Hall, or D.C. God only knows what's held Bibi up

clarabelle 3 months ago

" Bigguy 1 hour, 27 minutes ago - McCain is just pissed because he didn't choose Chuck Norris!"

Thanks for the laugh.............

clarabelle 3 months ago

" The_AnonymusProfit - This episode brings us to a testimony over president bartlets MS scandel, there is some information about his cheif of staff getting drunk and the republicans want to bring it up, yet one republican says no! he says to the others YOU ARE DESTROYING THE PARTY!

Well, this crap is DESTROYING THE PARTY!!

GET OVERYOURSELFF!!!!"

chit - I am actually going to say this................ what a GREAT post!

clarabelle 3 months ago

" geoffcutler - We'd of unleashed all hell by now were bombs dropping into Times Square, Faneuil Hall, or D.C. God only knows what's held Bibi up"

He should install dick cheney as his VP............ then the bombs would fly geoffie

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

That was so funny, Bellie...so funny. You're a regular Shecky Green, you know it? Keep'em coming...ha-ha-ha....

clarabelle 2 months, 4 weeks ago

hey geoffie - glad I could get you out of your normal "gloom and doom" persona..........even if it was just for a few seconds!

clarabelle 2 months, 4 weeks ago

btw ............... who is shecky green?

Toyboy52 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Shecky Green was a famous Las Vegas comic Who was close to the Rat Pack and was a heavy gambler with a glitzy lifestyle. After he retired, he lost a lot of money with Bernie Madoff. He was quite often featured on the Ed Sullivan Show.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Hey Bob, Kerry, Hagel, and how about this Lew character? Revolving door employment between D.C. and Citigroup, and incentives tacked on to his package if he agreed to take top level federal administrative positions when he got back to Washington. When asked about all this in front of Senate Finance, the man can't remember anything. Crony Capitalism sure is charming.

JD 2 months, 4 weeks ago

extremists within the Republican Party who remain more interested in defending the GOP’s losing ways than charting a new course to victory.

Way to be part of the problem Bob. Rather than give new ideas, just keep denigrating others, I'm sure it will work if you just keep hammering at it.

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Deception, lying, cowardice? What did you expect? He's a Republican!

LadyLynda 2 months, 4 weeks ago

If I am correct the secretary of defense is 5th in line to The President. It is an appointment to be held by someone of great experience and intelligence. Does Obama want someone that is on the same page with his ideas and will do his political bidding, or someone with thier own convictions that will serve and protect the best interests of America and it's military no matter what party lines and agendas it may affect? Just how much control over world issues does the Secretary of Defense Have?

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Nah, Obama just looks for liars. Doesn't matter what side they're on. Must have run out of lying doves on the Democrat side.... Got Kerry in State, who's left? Charlie Rangel?

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Has anyone in the media (non Fox News) called out Obama for lying about the origin of the sequestration origin?

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Telling the truth that it was the White House who created sequestration doesn't suit either Obama's or our media's goals. If the media wanted the public to know the truth about Obama, he never would have been president.

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Mr. cutler you seem to hate Sec. Kerry. Tell me where you keep your Bronze Star and Purple Heart. What branch of the service did you serve and protect our country? And then ask that elitist Harvard Grad. Ted Cruz where he so gallantly served, to denigrate to decorated serviceman.

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Didn't think so.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

The old you can't say anything if you didn't serve.... Weak. Is Kerry an elitist for having graduated from Yale? Harvard/Yale...Yale/Harvard? Kerry's testimony of April 23, 1971 is there for you to read. Sadder day than the day he threw his ribbons/medals. My point about Kerry isn't a personal one. It is that one's past doesn't seem to matter in the minds of liberal Democrats, even when that past includes incredibly poor judgement concerning America and its military. It's the fact of his having received medals of honor that his subsequent actions were so noteworthy.

clarabelle 2 months, 4 weeks ago

geoff................ you are an a$$ - truly. So biased you can't even think straight!

you probably didn't even do the boy scouts - too afraid!

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Belle, please...if you're going to talk bias.... And do you have anything of use to say, Ever? Hmm....deja-vu.

LadyLynda 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff - Do you think there is anything to Jim Heim's comment about Republicans up above?

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

You tool! They were his medals he earned, he could do what he damn well pleased with them. Or would you prefer more Big Government and dictate how all medals be taken care of. He stood up and protested the war, yeah you know the war that Dick Cheney did everything in his power to stay out of. The war where President Bush joined the National Guard to make sure the Gulf Coast was safe. He and Chuck Hagel and any other soldier earned their right to protest. You are just another loudmouth Who cannot disagree with Fox noise.

clarabelle 2 months, 4 weeks ago

" geoffcutler - Belle, please...if you're going to talk bias.... And do you have anything of use to say, Ever?"

ALL you ever do is regurgitate faux news............ so damn tiresome already!

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

I don't know, ladylynda, Is Hagel a liar? Seems more like an incompetent to me. His answers and confusion during the Senate hearings were remarkable. Looked like a deer in the headlights. Do Republicans lie? No reason not to think so. It's probably a question of degrees. But Washington is thoroughly broken, and Democrats didn't break it by themselves.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Actually fellas, Wall Street Journal, if you must know. Don't really watch much FOX. Don't listen to talk radio either. Where do you get your news?

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

fugitiveguy, You're probably thinking of the proposal to his GOP caucus in 2011 by John Boehner. It's a common mistake.

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Here's the Powerpoint slide Boehner presented to his GOP colleagues in 2011.

The origin of the sequester by JimHeim

Middleman522 2 months, 4 weeks ago

It really does not leave anything to guessing as to why democrats and republicans can't get along. The hate voiced on these little comment sections for Israel and the defense of Muslims is incredible. When has any group of Jews made any attempt to kill Americans? Do you want me to list the times Muslims have? What is wrong with you progressive pin-heads, and you know just who you are! Your wacked out beliefs and anger are just staggering as an American. I can't imagine how you could be so ill advised! You people went from the klan to the Muslim Brother "hood"!! As I said in November, I am very embarrassed to be an American with you people as countrymen and women. I give up on even trying to inform you! And Heim, Russell and the rest, it's no shock this treaty does not worry you, because neither does Barry and The Radicals, your favorite kool-aid band! Sit down sometime and research the Oblaima lies. Might take you a couple of hours, but you have time!

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, when you are receiving your information from just one source, regardless of which source that is, then you are only exposing yourself to one perspective. As an example, for much of my childhood years, I was taught that Adam and Eve were in my family tree. Then I was exposed to additional information. Now I have the ability to make informed decisions rather than be forced to believe what someone wants me to believe.

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Middleman522, I willing for you to stop "trying to inform" me whenever you are ready. If you're waiting on me, as the saying goes, you're backing up. You are free to believe whatever the hell you want. As long as there are people who think like you, there will be others trying to do us in.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Well, JER, bully for you! WSJ is my morning source of news. I get National Affairs, National Review, read The Economist, sometimes the NYT and USA Today. But you haven't said where you get any of your news yet?

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Middleman - What is this treaty you speak of?

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, you are an expert on everything I have ever posted so go back and look it up. I have listed all my news sources several different times.

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Middleman522, "I am very embarrassed to be an American". I'm embarrassed for you as well.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

JER, still battling that insomnia? When I was writing, you had something snide, rude or otherwise obnoxious to say on every single piece.So, yeah, I've spent a little extra finger walking on you. Most of it wasted time, I'm afraid. You have a new ETD scheduled?

LadyLynda 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Who is the current best choice for Secretary of Defense?

Courseaire 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Best current choice would be Jack Ryan.

Middleman522 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Petraeus would be perfect but he's one that they've taken down. Just after the election! I would say Bill Ayers, but he's better at offense than defense. Oh that's right, he's just a guy in the neighborhood!!

Heim, UN Small Arms

Bigguy, Kerry earned medals?? You're kidding right! Self inflicted wounds. Remember Swiftboat??Just another professional liar that turned on our troops in Nam. Why don't you fact check FOX "Noise" sometime and make a list of the lies for us. Your baseless yap is what this country needs less of!

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

MiddleBoy! Go take your meds. You Idiot.

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Middleman - The UN says that there is no agreement on text for that 'treaty.' If there's nothing on paper, what exactly are you opposing? Please be specific.

Do you really not want Democrats or liberals to serve in the military? Are you wiling to tell them going in that their sacrifices mean nothing and the honors they receive for valor will be scoffed at?

Only a total scumbag would be so mean and nasty. I sure hope that doesn't describe you.

Courseaire 2 months, 4 weeks ago

scum·bag [skuhm-bag] noun Slang: Vulgar. 1. a condom. 2. a mean, despicable person.

Daffy says: You're despicable!! by beachbumde

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

"ass" "tool" "scumbag" "idiot"... key words and phrases our leftist friends use to win hearts and minds...and all nicely packaged on one thread.

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, your selective outrage is showing. Also, please note that I'm posting at 12:30 PM on the east coast. Thank you for your concern about my sleeping habits.

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

And hypocrite! For someone like you, that has never served to call decorated servicemen Cowards. Marine, Navy Swift Boat commander, your sorry butt couldn't make it through Cub Scouts. And they volunteered!!

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, no ETD needed, I'm not going anywhere. Unlike you, who quit writing columns because your cause lost the election, I'm here for the long run. One thing has changed. I am no longer going to try to reason with idiots. What we have on these threads is not debate, it's a bunch of little kids screaming at each other. From now on, I intend to just pick on individual idiots and their idioic rantings. I've said all the reasonable, constructive things I'm going to say. From now on, I'm just going to have fun harassing guys like you.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

That should be fun, JER, but I don't see how that'll be any different than usual. I quit quite a while before the election. Call it a vacation if you want. You give yourself quite a bit of credit going on about how reasonable you've been. But then, you think you're special, above everyone else. Actually, you're just another dime-a-dozen liberal elitist who thinks he's so smart he should be able to tell the rest of us how to live. We'll see how long you last with your harassment campaign this time.

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

"I am no longer going to try to reason with idiots."

Of course an idiot is anyone who doesn't see it as JER or any of the other lefties. Idiot, racist, homophobe, radical, loony, etc, etc. Isn't it true loon tends to be the one who thinks everyone except him is loony.

Themis 2 months, 4 weeks ago

"I am no longer going to try to reason with idiots."-----------If I did that I could no longer attend any of my wife's family reunions or gatherings.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Don't forget "ass" "tool" "wingnut" "hater'" and "scumbag"....This really will be fun.

Themis 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff- Those are adjectives for my own family reunions........not my wifes. Lord help me if they all get together at once!

JimRussell44 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, a dime a dozen? You must be living way in the past. We are a dollar a dozen these days. But we still don't tell people how to live their lives, you know, like telling women what they can and cannot do, or telling gays who they may not marry. We'll leave that up to folks like you.

geoffcutler 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Denying a life is not telling another how he will live?

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Not only has he never served, he's never been pregnant.

JimHeim 2 months, 4 weeks ago

I'm sure we're all delighted that Sen Hagel has been confirmed as secretary of defense. We wish him well in his new position.

Bigguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Suck on that one Levy.

dustyrhoades 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Wingnuts and Benghazi conspiracy nuts lose. Again.

dustyrhoades 2 months, 4 weeks ago

You give yourself quite a bit of credit going on about how reasonable you've been. But then, you think you're special, above everyone else. Actually, you're just another dime-a-dozen liberal elitist who thinks he's so smart he should be able to tell the rest of us how to live. We'll see how long you last with your harassment campaign this time.

My my, little Geoffy's in a bit of a snit, isn't he? Nice tantrum, Geoffy. Now go have a nap.

dustyrhoades 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Geoff Cutler, your selective outrage is showing

When is it not?

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

" Wingnuts and Benghazi conspiracy nuts lose. Again."

So we have a consulate in an extremely hot part of the world, an ambassador that literally begs repeatedly for more security which he doesn't get and ends up dying (first time in 30 years) with 3 other brave Americans. We have an attack that goes on for nearly 8 hours with no air power sent to assist. We have an administration that trots out their mouthpiece to repeatedly lie about what motivated the attackers. But for the Obama faithful as usual "its all good".

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Obama said "I will cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term" then proceeds to preside over the largest (by far) increase in the debt in the nations history. Leftists unanimously gave him a pass on it. There is nothing he could do that would have them to speak ill of him. They would sooner have their tongues cut out. Liberalism is their religion and Obama is their deity. Conservatives are simply blasphemers (and racists, homophobes, wingnuts, radical, extreme, mentally ill, hate puppies, love dirty air and water, etc)

dustyrhoades 2 months, 4 weeks ago

shorter fuggy: blah blah blah change the subject.

BTW, I've figured out what the real motivation is behind all this "you worship Obama" claptrap. You wingnuts are just bitter and jealous because we got to vote for a candidate we like and you had to settle for Mitt Romney. Poor little sore losers.

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

"BTW, I've figured out what the real motivation is"

regardless of my motivation (which people like yourselves cannot comprehend) it doesn't change the facts that I have posted which you chose not to address

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

"we got to vote for a candidate we like"

Oh, I think its a lot stronger than "like". Love, adore, worship are more appropriate words.

dustyrhoades 2 months, 4 weeks ago

I've addressed the debt and deficit question at length fuggy. I've also repeatedly addressed this moronic "leftists never criticize Obama" lie. You monkeys either ignored it or just hand-waved away inconvenient facts. So...back to mocking you. When I bother to notice you at all.

fugitiveguy 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Why is the debt 16.6T now and it was 10.6T when Obama was coronated? Particularly in light of your assertions that he has cut spending. Particularly in light of the fact that he vowed to cut it in half. So, you have explained this before? Come on, just one more time. BTW, no column this week?

Quite a Show Of Cowardice By Hagel

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