08 May A Really Bad Choice of Authority
How do you know when your Iraq policy has failed? When a Republican congressman defends it by quoting a general who not only fought for the Confederacy, but also founded the Ku Klux Klan:
A Texas Republican Congressman invoked a founding Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan in a floor speech he delivered yesterday in support of the Iraq War.
“Nathan Bedford Forrest, successful Confederate general, said it best about winning and victory and the means to do so. He said: ‘Get there firstest with the mostest,'” said Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) in a one-minute floor speech at the beginning of Monday’s session in the House of Representatives.
He then called on Congress to fund the war in Iraq.
“Congress needs to send the generals the mostest, Mr. Speaker, needs to send equipment and personnel that is needed. Doing this will help our mission in spite of the Congressional Surrender Group’s desire to retreat and quit,” he added.
Poe left out Forrest’s history as a founder of the Ku Klux Klan in addition to fighting on the side of the Confederacy.
I trust that no additional editorial comment is necessary.
Didn’t Forrest end up estranged with the KKK and order them to disband? I believe he ended up changing his views somewhat later in life.
Also, I believe the quote in question is misattributed to Forrest.
Isn’t there a U.S. Senator who was previously affiliated with that outfit? Like the sitting Chairman of the Appropriations Committee?
I for one find it hard to believe anyone would use such a controversial general from US history to be the words of wisdom for victory in Iraq and not expect anyone to pick up on the generals background and create a viral news story. This has to be a move for publicity.