Published in Peace and Freedom II September 16, 2007
  
Prepared to testify before a House Committee on the status of the war in Iraq, the US commander there, General David H. Petraeus, found his integrity brought into issue. Before giving testimony, he was subjected to attacks on his character both by Democrats and antiwar groups.

Joseph Welch must be rolling over in his grave.

While Welch’s name is one few remember today, he played a major role in one of the most famous exchanges to take place on Capitol Hill. But before relating Welch’s story, let us review the assassination of character to which Petraeus was subjected.

A well-respected military leader, a man nominated just months ago–WITHOUT ANY OPPOSITION–by Congress to lead our forces into battle in Iraq, a man who has actually written the book on counter-insurgency warfare, a man who has been able to accomplish to date what no other military leader has been able to do in Iraq, Petraeus was ready to speak Monday, September 10, before a House Committee as to the security situation in that war-torn country. But, before uttering a word of that report–one he wrote himself without input from senior military or civilian leaders–his integrity was attacked by Democrats and the antiwar group MoveOn.org.

Buying a full page in the New York Times, MoveOn.org ran an ad published that same Monday, alleging in bold letters, “GENERAL PETRAEUS OR GENERAL BETRAY US? Cooking the Books for the White House.” But MoveOn.org was not alone in their personal attack. Democratic members of Congress, without yet knowing the exact contents of the Petraeus report, hinted at the same allegation, suggesting the general would be less than candid in his report–saying only what the White House wanted to hear.

So, even before the American public had the chance to hear the general’s report for themselves and thus drink from the well of public knowledge to assess its credibility on their own, that well had been poisoned by those whose future success turns on the public’s perception this war is not going well. If Democratic leaders truly believed Petraeus lacked integrity–especially as he has done nothing since they nominated him months ago that would suggest otherwise–why did they fail to make these concerns known back then, only waiting until now to question his character?

Could there be some ulterior motive???

Fifty-three years ago, an exchange took place on Capitol Hill that forever will be told and retold by Congressional historians. In the early 1950s, the name of Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy had become a household word due to his relentless claims the US State Department and other federal agencies had been infiltrated by Communists. Perpetuating the “Red Scare,” he was able to call numerous hearings, which he then used to level unsubstantiated allegations against whomever he decided to so target.

By early 1954, McCarthy had set his sights on the US Army, alleging lax security. Known as the Army-McCarthy hearings, the Army hired respected Boston attorney, Joseph Welch, to defend it. McCarthy–who never failed to use such hearings to even target others outside the scope of the investigation–remained true to form. On June 9, 1954, he launched into a personal attack against one of Welch’s staff members, claiming the young man had ties to a Communist organization.

As McCarthy fired his salvos, Welch exclaimed, “Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness.” Undeterred, McCarthy continued his verbal assault. Angrily, Welch interrupted, “Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?”

With these last six words, Welch ended a political era in our history–as well as the public’s support for McCarthy. The exchange was viewed live on television and the American public did not like what it saw. For television gave them an unfiltered look at a man who cared little for those he victimized through his inquisitions–all in pursuit of political gain.

To those who have chosen to slander and libel General Petraeus–a true warrior, patriot and man of integrity–the same question applies: “Have you no sense of decency?”