posted on January 23, 2007 01:59:09 PM
Web Site Kicks Sand in Faces of GIs in Iraq Asking for Mats to Ease Hardship of Sleeping on Ground
Tuesday , January 23, 2007
An American GI assigned to one of the harshest posts in Iraq had a simple request last week for a Wisconsin mattress company: send some floor mats to help ease the hardship of sleeping on the cold, bug-infested ground.
What he got, instead, was a swift kick from the company's Web site, which not only refused the request but added insult to injury with the admonition, "If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq."
Army Sgt. Jason Hess, stationed in Taji, Iraq, with the 1st Cavalry Division, said he emailed his request to Discount-mats.com because he and his fellow soldiers sleep on the cold ground, which contains sand mites, sand flies and other disease carriers.
In his email, dated Jan. 16, 2007, he asked the Web-based company, registered to Faisal Khetani, an American Muslim of Pakistani descent:
"Do you ship to APO (military) addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for ships to APO first."
On the same day, Hess received this reply:
"SGT Hess,
We do not ship to APO addresses, and even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq.
Bargain Suppliers
Discount-Mats.com"
Khetani on Monday told FOX News that the person responsible for the email reply had been fired. The Web site, meanwhile, has been temporarily taken down.
Hess emailed that he has since found two mat suppliers willing to ship to an APO address in Iraq.
"When I talk to liberals, I don't expect them to understand my positions on various issues. I spend most of my time trying to help them understand their own." —Mike Adams
posted on January 23, 2007 02:04:55 PM
"has been FIRED"
Good. And it's too bad that HE couldn't be forced to live in the same conditions our troops have to.
These people sicken me to my core.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 23, 2007 02:58:13 PM
The person who sent the e-mail to that poor soldier was despicable and an idiot. However, my question is: What the heck is going on when soldiers have to buy their own mats or mattresses--not to mention having family members send things the US should be supplying? As long as we are sending soldiers into harm's way, the least the U.S. can do is provide everything possible to protect them. That situation is also despicable.
posted on January 23, 2007 06:32:27 PM
ANY entity who doesn't think our troops deserve the best of everything, like the bush administration(remember Dummy Rumsfelds nasty remark about how you go to war with what you've got NOt what you wish you had).
Yes, it IS despicable to force our troops to buy their own supplies !!!!!!!!
WHY weren't they provided with everything they needed??????? The money WAS there!!!!!
posted on January 24, 2007 10:44:34 AMYes, it IS despicable to force our troops to buy their own supplies !!!!!!!!
So explain why your demogogs are threatening to with hold additional funding for the troops.
(1/23/07 - MILWAUKEE, WI) - An American GI in Iraq who e-mailed a Wisconsin company to ask for a shipment of some floor mats got a brusque reply: "We would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq."
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The two-line e-mail response quickly circulated on the Internet and has led to threats against the Muslim-owned business and demands for a boycott.
Bargain Suppliers, an online retailer based in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis, shut down its Web site Monday and fired the unidentified employee who sent the e-mail, WTMJ-TV reported.
Co-owner Faisal Khetani, a Muslim from Pakistan, has received threatening calls, the TV station said. An answering machine at a number listed for the business said the mailbox was full and would not accept a message Tuesday.
In an e-mail dated Jan. 16, Sgt. Jason Hess, who is based at Fort Hood, Texas, asked about getting floor mats from the company.
"Do you ship to APO addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for who ships to APO first," the e-mail said.
A response e-mailed the same day said the company did not.
"And even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq," said the e-mail, which was signed "Bargain Suppliers."
In an e-mail to the AP, Hess said Tuesday the employee's firing did not ease his anger over the original response.
"There should be standards set and upheld (by) the company on responding politely to e-mails from whoever goes to their site," wrote Hess, a 31-year-old Fayetteville, N.C., native who is stationed in Taji, Iraq.
Hess said he wanted some mats to cover the ruts in a concrete floor in a former parking garage or storage unit now used as a conference room.
Bloggers spread the original e-mail exchange far and wide, along with the company's address and phone number. At least one site included a link to a photograph of Khetani's home.
"It's really getting out of control," Bargain Suppliers vice president Sajid Nasir told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Our main concern is for the safety of the family. That's more important than the business."
West Allis police said they were watching the situation but had received no immediate reports of any vandalism or threats from the Khetani family.
Othman Atta, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, said the employee's response was inappropriate. He said feared a backlash against Muslims.
"This whole thing is taking on a life of its own. It's making me nervous," he said, adding that the center would increase security.
Sgt. Colby Howser, spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, said it is not unusual for soldiers to make purchases on their own.
"He wasn't ordering for the unit," Howser said. "If the unit needed to purchase something, it would be a lieutenant colonel placing the order, not a sergeant."
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
"When I talk to liberals, I don't expect them to understand my positions on various issues. I spend most of my time trying to help them understand their own." —Mike Adams
posted on January 24, 2007 10:51:47 AM
Yes, I'd like to hear her answer to that question also. Is the left so uninformed that they think that wouldn't drastically affect our troops?
"So explain why your demogogs are threatening to with hold additional funding for the troops."
---------
reminds me of kerry....vote to send the troops off to war then vote AGAINST funding them.
Oh yes, I remember....he was for it before he was against it.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 24, 2007 11:31:39 AM
The Democrats have repeatedly stated they will not cut funds for the troops already in Iraq. The issue is not funding additional troops.
OK, I answered YOUR question now answer mine...
Why do troops under bush have to buy their own equipment?
posted on January 24, 2007 11:41:19 AM
Because it's quite normal for their 'special' requests to be something THEY take care of themselves. Things that are NOT gov. issued.
===================
And since President Bush has already ordered these additional troops to be sent...some I believe already have been then just how in the world does the congress decided they won't have supplies like our other troops?
That's nothing but CRAZY.
It's because they're TOO GUTLESS to do what the voters thought they were going to do....STOP FUNDING THE WAR. Knowing that's the ONLY power they have.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 24, 2007 01:06:03 PMWhy do troops under bush have to buy their own equipment?
Troops have ALWAYS bought things they WANTED, thats why there are PX's on the bases.
They are provided all the NECESSARY equipment.
"When I talk to liberals, I don't expect them to understand my positions on various issues. I spend most of my time trying to help them understand their own." —Mike Adams
posted on January 24, 2007 05:58:17 PM
"Yes, I'd like to hear her answer to that question also. Is the left so uninformed that they think that wouldn't drastically affect our troops?"
I know no one is as well informed as you are Linda, but I know this: If Bush is sending troops to that hell hole without proper equipment, protective armor and other NECESSITIES, there is a special place in Hell for him. I do not know what Congress will do as I am not a mind reader, but I doubt they would deprive our soldiers of funds needed to protect themselves. You, Madam Linda, the all-knowing and all-seeing, have already decided that is what they want to do and will do.
posted on January 25, 2007 07:09:47 AM
[i]Not according to the troops who are IN Iraq.
YOU aren't.[/i]
I talk to many of them at least once a monthly, how many do you talk to face to face.
It is normal for ALL troops to find something to @itch about. And it normal to want something they dont have.
"When I talk to liberals, I don't expect them to understand my positions on various issues. I spend most of my time trying to help them understand their own." —Mike Adams
posted on January 25, 2007 07:23:12 AM
"but I doubt they would deprive our soldiers of funds needed to protect themselves."
I suspect you meant to address THAT answer to mingotree, since SHE'S the one that brought up troops now there...vs...troops to be sent.
mingo said:
"The Democrats have repeatedly stated they will not cut funds for the troops already in Iraq. The issue is not funding additional troops".
I'm sorry you seem so confused. Educate yourself rather than just concentrating on bashing this administration.
Might be a real nice change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
Ann Coulter
[ edited by Linda_K on Jan 25, 2007 07:26 AM ]
posted on January 25, 2007 07:53:55 AM
Linda- For someone who has trouble reading, you are awfully smug. Nothing I said disagreed with Mingo. I was talking about future troops, not the troops already there or on their way and you know it. Your sweeping generalizations are very tiresome. Try and GRASP the fact that anyone who continually accuses people of not educating themselves or being unable to grasp a point, is one who is usually very insecure in their own knowledge. Makes you feel good to put other people down, doesn't it?
posted on January 25, 2007 08:05:01 AM
'Makes me feel good'?
Nope...it saddens me that so many on the left are SO uninformed.
I would think at your age you would KNOW how funding for the troops occures. Obviously you don't. Because you are wishing for a place in hell for the man who isn't the decision maker on funding. That's ignorance on your part.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 25, 2007 08:26:22 AM
Linda--First of all, you do not know my age, which is irrelevant. Secondly, you know damn well that Bush has had the funds for this war and still does for now. What the future holds in that regard, I do not know. The U.S. invaded Iraq with thousands of troops. These troops have not had the optimum equipment and protection. They were doing their duty and probably trusted that the U.S. would do theirs in the beginning. They were sadly disappointed. Troops have been known to buy their own protective armor before shipping out, because they couldn't trust that it would be provided for them when they got to Iraq. This has nothing to do with lack of funds, but is due to lack of moral character and responsibility.
posted on January 25, 2007 08:34:58 AM
I do know you're over 18 and most likely much older than that. You registered with a CC remember???
And since you choose to participate in political discussions...one would reasonably think you'd know what you were talking about.
But you didn't. That's quite clear in your above statements.
---------------
I know you lefties love nothing more than making it appear that our troops weren't given 'proper' equipment...but the problem with that is you choose to IGNORE why they didn't have some. You refuse to acknowledge that like with the vests....those on the front lines WERE given the necessary equipment. Those in support positions didn't have them at first because they couldn't MAKE them fast enough.
Stupid, imo, to blame that on anyone. Especially when one looks to the previous administration and learns how much funding was CUT from our military budget under them. Of course it's going to take a while to get BACK to full speed.
And many who have never served or don't have family/friends who have appear to ME to have NO CLUE as to how the decisions are made about who gets what equipment. They are put in very different situations...not ALL NEED the same equipment.
Just like on this company refusing to sell.....some troops have mats...some have sleeping bags...and some even sleep on beds. It ALL depends on where they're sent.
Meanwhile the left, who usually OPPOSES more military funding....WHINES and tries to use this against the administration who is working to provided our troops with what they need. The left uses EVERY problem/issue they can find to try and make it appear this admins. doesn't 'care' about our troops
Which is nothing but B.S.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 25, 2007 08:59:06 AM
""Of course it's going to take a while to get BACK to full speed.""
It's been 4 years!!!
304 BILLION dollars and rising is NOT full speed !!!?????
AND LOTS of that money was NOT accounted for !!!!!!
Money that COULD have been spent on NECESSARY equipment was NOT acounted for...in one instance 9 MILLION simply disappeared !
THAT'S "taking care of the troops"????
That RESPONSIBLE ?! That's "planning" ???!
"""administration who is working to provided our troops with what they need. """
posted on January 25, 2007 09:03:45 AM
You aren't acknowledging that these were issues at the BEGINNING of the war....they aren't now.
You're refusing to acknowledge that many of the troops ONCE they got their new 'vests' didn't want to wear them at all. They said the restricted their movements...were too heavy, etc. But it appears you either don't KNOW that....or you choose to ignore it.
Same with the helmets. I've seen articles that talked about our troops having helmets from the VN era. LOL LOL Those helmets weren't even MADE until long after the VN war was OVER.
This is the kind of thing I speak about with I say so many on the left are UNINFOMRED. And I put most of the blame for that on the liberal, anti-war MSM....because they don't inform you of the 'why' of things....or they don't mention that what the military thought would work....didn't...so they have to change and go with new equipment....as best they can WHILE fighting a war.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on January 25, 2007 09:13:41 AM
And you refuse to acknowledge that so much of YOUR tax dollars were WASTED through incompetence in the bush administration.
YOU refuse to acknowledge that troops STILL have to buy their own equipment and THEY not YOU know best what they need.
"""many of the troops ONCE they got their new 'vests' didn't want to wear them at all."""
"MANY"? HOW many? That was just right wing propaganda ! And if they want to live they'd better wear them.
And THAT is just ONE item ...ONE...there were many, many more....
You sure have a very callous attitude for someone who screams about how much they "support the troops" !
You sound like Rumsfeld....and look where he IS NOW .....GONE!
posted on January 25, 2007 09:20:37 AM
No the difference is I am reality based...so unlike you who think our troops deserve all the 'niceities'....lol
This is WAR. They are trained to survive without ANYTHING....not ONE piece of equipment...and in freezing weather and the hottest weather on our planet. And without even FOOD.
These aren't candy-assed men and women. They're survivors.
I am also aware that THEY know what the military works to provide them with....their UNITS with...and they know the proper procedures to go thought to get it. They ALSO know what items they can seek out for themselves...either though family or asking for the public to provide it for them. Such as person hygiene items...etc.
Remember they can't carry a household full of items on their backs when they're being sent to different areas.
And IF I WERE THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SO UPSET about our troops not having all that YOU feel they need/deserve.....then I'd be writing to my state senators...my house reps...my governor...etc and DEMANDING THEY APPROVE THE FUNDING FOR THEM.
Whining on a chat board isn't going to get their needs/wants met.
But your elected reps ARE the ones who have control over the funding to be spent. And right NOW...many are saying they're going to REFUSE to fund the new wave of troops.
Take it up with THEM.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
Ann Coulter
[ edited by Linda_K on Jan 25, 2007 09:24 AM ]
posted on January 25, 2007 09:40:27 AM
"These aren't candy-assed men and women. They're survivors" Tell that to the families of the 3,000 killed. We aren't talking toothpaste and hair spray here, Linda. You have a very cavalier attitude about human lives.
In the past there has been a shortage of armored vehicles and the troops had to jerry-rig with plywood and sandbags---not nearly enough protection from bombs and land mines. They called them cardboard coffins. One of the reasons for the shortage was production lagging behind need (as with body armor.) However,there also were serious shortages of radios, ammunition, maintenance and replacement parts for critical equipment like tanks, personnel carriers and Black Hawk helicopters. Many soldiers had to use Viet Nam era M16's. Bush was not the only one to blame. In 2004, Winslow Wheeler, a long time Capitol Hill staffer who spent years writing and reviewing appropriations bills, thinks pork-barrel spending (by a Republican majority Congress, although Democrats are just as guilty of this) is one of the reasons for these shameless shortages. He said that $2.8 billion that was earmarked for operations and maintenance to support US troops were instead spent on a biathalon jogging track in Alaska, a brown tree snake eradication program in Hawaii and money for a Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebration.
The above problems occurred with a $400 billion defense budget in place.
[ edited by coincoach on Jan 25, 2007 09:46 AM ]
posted on January 25, 2007 09:50:52 AM
Nothing is EVER perfect.
Nothing EVER will be.
I'd certainly agree to our military have MUCH more funding...and I've said before I'd LOVE to see ALL pork spending eliminated.
No arguments from me on those issues.
But when time for war comes....the military do the best they can with what they have at THAT time. No amount of 'wishing' for things to be better is going to change a thing.
Nor do we decide that we'd better stop a war since we're getting low on equipment. NOPE...what we do is do our best to provide what is need in as quick a time frame AS POSSIBLE.
Imo, the anti-war left has NO CLUE as to how long it takes to get things done.
And so they whine and whine about how things 'should have been'.
And then they say they support ADDING another gov. entitlement program like HEALTH care that not only would break the budget but would also be operated under JUST the exact circumstances that the gov. handles every other program.
posted on January 25, 2007 10:22:53 AM
linduh, your posts continually show how uniformed you are on most subjects. However, I will do what you do...pick ONE point and discuss it.
You say, """Imo, the anti-war left has NO CLUE as to how long it takes to get things done."""
The BUSH administration said Iraq would be a THREE WEEK CAKE WALK!
posted on January 25, 2007 02:08:55 PM
Latest on discount-mats.com’s insult of our troops. posted by Dan
01.23.07
Well, it seems like most of the media has accepted the story given by Ramzen Khetani…which is… He is the person that lives in the house on 106th street. His son also lives there. His son also lives there and is co-owner of Bargain Suppliers, which incidentally is at the same address. We were also told that this was only a mailing address and not the physical location of the business. In addition, we have also been told depending on what your media source is, that the person responsible has been fired or “will be dealt with”.
A few things…
All of the research I have done shows this to be a one or maybe two man operation. A search of the workers compensation database shows no company by that name listed. That means either they don’t pay out over $500 a year to employees, or… they have no employees. I very much doubt the assertion that someone has been fired. The rest of the media has just accepted this story and moved on. I have placed calls today to both Faisal Khetani and Sajid Nasir (the person listed in the article as the vice-president of the company) and have yet to get a phone call back.
Someone wrote an letter to the editor of the Badger Herald in Madison to complain about the paper’s decision to reprint the Mohammad cartoons that caused the controversy in Europe. The authors name? Sajid Nasir.
"When I talk to liberals, I don't expect them to understand my positions on various issues. I spend most of my time trying to help them understand their own." —Mike Adams
posted on January 26, 2007 12:22:11 PM
Try FOR ONCE to CLUE IN, mingo.
President Bush NEVER said any such thing. ONE....get that ONE of his advisor said that to HIM.
Now...once again you have FACTS....rather than all this garbage you make up and twist around in that little brain of yours.
==================
What I was referring to was they have no CLUE as to how long it takes to get things done in the military.
Just like when I said that so many dems were calling for us to get out immediately. The liberals here attack me about that...saying, "oh no they're not - they're calling for a phased withdrawal'.
Well....the FACTS are that IF we were going to immediately withdraw...it would take approx. 4-6 MONTHS to get it all planned out....put safe guards into place so that our troops wouldn't be MORE at risk than they are now....as some left....AND IF we were going to be bringing back our large equipment....it just doesn't happen in a weeks time.
But again...liberals like yourself are so easily confused.
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
