GOV/MIL Fox News host apologizes for bashing the contribution of Canadian troops in A-stan

Fox News host apologizes
VIDEO: Anger over Fox News comments

YouTube: Canada's Afghan mission on Fox News

OTTAWA – The host of a Fox News show has apologized for bashing the contribution of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, saying his “satirical take” on daily news events has been misunderstood.

Greg Gutfeld, host of “Red Eye” was responding to outrage north of the border about a March 17 segment that aired in the early morning hours but sparked a diplomatic flap when it surfaced on YouTube over the weekend, following the death of four Canadian soldiers in Kandahar.

The show’s panelists took a number of shots at Canada and the military, with one saying he didn’t know the country had even deployed troops in Afghanistan.

Another said the only reason the military could pull its soldiers out of the NATO-led mission was because it relies heavily for security on the United States.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay launched the counterattack on Fox’s Gutfeld, saying the comments were in poor taste and requesting an apology.

“I think it is a very limited, uninformed view. It is crass. It is insensitive and it is in fact disgusting given the timing, where Canada is just receiving back four fallen heroes … at CFB Trenton,” MacKay told CTV Newsnet shortly before travelling to the military base where the latest four soldiers to be killed in Afghanistan arrived today.

MacKay said that the views expressed on the show do not reflect those of the U.S. government, which has been effusive in its praise of Canada, nor the “vast majority of Americans.”

Fox offered up an apology a few hours later saying comments on the show were “in no way an attempt to make light of troop efforts.”

“I realize that my words may have been misunderstood. It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize. Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner,” Gutfeld’s statement read.

The late-night show, "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld," featured a panel that took turns bashing Canada. One panelist said he didn't even know Canada had troops in Afghanistan and another said the only reason the military could pull its troops out of the NATO-led mission was because it relies heavily for security on the United States.

A clip of the segment, which aired last week in the early morning hours, surfaced on YouTube over the weekend and kicked off the diplomatic flap.

Dan Dugas, a spokesperson for MacKay, said earlier today that "no one is laughing and they owe Canada — and, more importantly, the families of each one of our fallen heroes — an apology for their ill-informed mistakes."

Canadian soldiers have been fighting in Afghanistan since 2001 and have spent the last four years in the country's most violent region.

Canada has lost 116 soldiers in Afghanistan.

The country has said it will pull out most of its 2,500 troops in Kandahar when its current combat mission expires in 2011.

News of that impending withdrawal, and the army chief's comments that the military would need a year's hiatus to regroup and refurbish, served as the launching pad for members of the Fox panel to mock Canada.

The segment was posted online under the title, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate Countries."

So far, more than 3,000 people have posted responses to the clip, which also makes fun of RCMP officers and their traditional red uniforms.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/606908

Here are our hero's that have given their lives in Afghanistan.

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/focus/fallen-disparus/index-eng.asp


Fallen Canadians

Here we honour those who have
given their lives serving Canada
and helping the people
of Afghanistan.

Big Crowds Line Hwy. Of Heroes As Bodies Of Four Canadians Killed In Afghanistan Come

Big Crowds Line Hwy. Of Heroes As Bodies Of Four Canadians Killed In Afghanistan Come Home
Monday March 23, 2009
CityNews.ca Staff
One by one, they were taken off the plane at CFB Trenton for the last time.

One by one, their families said a tearful and heartbreaking goodbye on the tarmac

And one by one, they made the long journey down the Highway of Heroes to Toronto, as friends and total strangers stood guard on overpasses, waving Canadian flags and saluting in their honour.

The four Canadian soldiers killed in two separate bomb blasts in Afghanistan Friday made their final journey home by plane Monday, in a ritual that has now become all too familiar and painful for those waiting here.

Cpl. Tyler Crooks and Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli (below) were the first to perish when an improvised explosive device detonated in the troubled Zhari district.The bodies of the 113, 114, 115 and 116th soldiers lost in battle were taken to Toronto's Centre for Forensic Sciences around the dinner hour.

As has become the grim tradition, they were saluted by hundreds of people gathered along each overpass as their transport went by.

"It's sad, but you feel very sad and very grateful at the same time," said Lisa Donnely.

All the dead came back to a nation of loved ones left in limbo, unfinished business forever interrupted.

Cpl. Crooks, from Port Colborne, was getting ready to marry his fiancée, when he died on his 24th birthday - and the sixth anniversary of their lives together. She clutched a rose in her hand as she walked towards his hearse in Trenton Monday, her grief unbearable.

For those who knew the young man from the Niagara Region, it's a loss that can't be put into words. "He was the type of guy to be the first in line. Just a genuine guy," Pat Weaver recounts. "I talked to him and he was home on leave, and couldn't believe it. He said he'd be home in April ... It hit home."

Master Corporal Vernelli was 28 years old and from Sault Ste. Marie. He leaves a wife and a 6-year-old daughter, who both accompanied his casket from Trenton.

Bouthillier's passing was especially hard for his family and friends to take. He'd been in Afghanistan less than a month. The native of Hearst, Ontario was only 20 years old.

"I asked if he was scared to go," recalled friend Teresa Jonais. "He wasn't and couldn't wait to go out there and what he's been waiting for since he signed up."

"I'm proud of him, and I know that he died doing what he loved doing, but it's hard to accept it."

Hayes came from Belleville but the 22-year-old called Ripples, New Brunswick home. It will be the eventual final stop on this sad journey.

Ries Boers turned out to show his support and notes you don't have to be a believer in the cause to support the men and women carrying it out. "I think it's terribly sad, even though we may not believe in what they are doing, they do. We need to support them."

On Monday, hundreds were proving they were prepared to do just that.

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_33141.aspx

Apology fails to quell storm

As someone that personally knows 3 young men serving in Afghanistan right now....this idiot and his panel really ticked me off.....me and a lot of other Canadians. All three of these young men I know have young wives at home with young children.

I live fairly close to the Highway of Hero's where our dead are brought back to their anguished families after they are flown into CFB Trenton.....where Canadians stand on the overpasses to salute the fallen as they pass in the hearses on their way back into Toronto. It has been a sad place to be lately.

Saying that he was "misunderstood" is BULL**IT.

Apology fails to quell storm
Panelist barred from Edmonton show, Legion demands formal response
By KATHLEEN HARRIS, NATIONAL BUREAU CHIEF
Last Updated: 24th March 2009, 12:42am

The American talk show host who sparked national outrage with a satirical segment trashing Canada's military has apologized for remarks he says were "misunderstood."

But it wasn't enough to calm the storm of controversy.

One of Greg Gutfeld's fellow panellists on Fox News' Red Eye show, Doug Benson, was barred from scheduled acts at an Edmonton comedy club after the manager received threats of violence against Benson.

And the Royal Canadian Legion, representing thousands of war veterans and serving soldiers, insists the lukewarm apology isn't enough to make amends.

"I realize my words may have been misunderstood. It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize," Gutfeld said in a written statement.

Describing Red Eye as a "satirical take" on the news where all topics are treated in a "lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner," Gutfeld insisted the Mar. 17 episode was not an attempt to make light of Canadian military efforts.

In the five-minute segment, panellists took turns mocking Canadian soldiers, suggesting they want a break from duty to get "manicures and pedicures," to practise yoga and to prance around in "gorgeous white capris." The piece aired after Canadian Forces army chief Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie told a Senate committee troops may need a year to recover from the gruelling Afghan mission when it winds down in 2011.

The segment drew wider attention after it was posted on YouTube, and after four more Canadian soldiers were killed in the line of duty.

Benson, who laughed during the piece that he didn't even know Canada is serving in Afghanistan, was scheduled to appear at Edmonton's The Comic Strip April 3-5. But the shows were cancelled yesterday after the owner received threats of "bodily injury" toward the American comic.

"Some were saying he wouldn't make it from the airport to the club. For everyone's safety, we decided it was best to avoid the scenario altogether," Rick Bronson said.

Calling the segment "crass" and "insensitive," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said American officials and most citizens are extremely grateful and respectful of Canada's contribution in Afghanistan and that the show represents a narrow, off-side opinion. His department contacted Fox News seeking an apology.

But Bob Butt, spokesman for the Royal Canadian Legion, said Gutfeld's statement is not enough. A letter-writing campaign is underway urging a more formal response from network executives and an on-air apology from the host.

"We don't think insulting the families of those who have passed on while doing their duty is quite right," he said.

KATHLEEN.HARRIS@SUNMEDIA.CA

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/canada/2009/03/24/8861056-sun.html

Being misunderstood is just a handy dandy excuse when someone gets called out on their mouth overloading their you know what.

The country has said it will pull out most of its 2,500 troops in Kandahar when its current combat mission expires in 2011.

Of course they have the luxury of doing so because the USA will still be there holding the line. These NATO "helpers" can come and go as they please because they know the USA will stay and finish the job. Meanwhile if Canada would amend their immigration laws and close their porous borders it would help much more than 2500 troops who show up for part of the war.

Sometimes the truth hurts.

RD

Sometimes the truth hurts.

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So.... you are saying that Greg Gutfeld and his panel spoke the truth?

Amberglass said:

So.... you are saying that Greg Gutfeld and his panel spoke the truth?

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Yes.

We'd all like to believe that every country that takes part in this war is there to help out and reach a final peaceful outcome when in fact many times these countires send as few troops as possible and distract our troops with their lack of training. My BIL has spent many hours, days, weeks in Iraq trying to undo some of the bull shit done by our "friends."

RD

Of course they have the luxury of doing so because the USA will still be there holding the line. These NATO "helpers" can come and go as they please because they know the USA will stay and finish the job. Meanwhile if Canada would amend their immigration laws and close their porous borders it would help much more than 2500 troops who show up for part of the war.

Sometimes the truth hurts.

Click to expand...

We'd all like to believe that every country that takes part in this war is there to help out and reach a final peaceful outcome when in fact many times these countires send as few troops as possible and distract our troops with their lack of training. My BIL has spent many hours, days, weeks in Iraq trying to undo some of the bull shit done by our "friends."

Click to expand...

WOW...That stung.

I'll be sure to let my friends and family in Afghanistan and Iraq know that that their bullshit and lack of training is an annoyance to some of our American "friends".

That is....if they make it home alive.

These NATO "helpers" can come and go as they please because they know the USA will stay and finish the job.

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Nice try, but ALL troops are there under NATO command.....

G-Man.....

I am not sure the Americans are under NATO command......my DH says they are on the Paki/Afghan border still looking for Osama bin Laden.

There are 34,000 Americans in A'stan with 10,000 more slated for later this year according to Robert Gates - killed in action total 667 as of March 09.

There are 2,800 Canadians in A'stan with 116 killed in action. Canadians are situated in the more volatile province of Kandahar and see a lot more fighting and suicide bombing than in the American based areas.

The Canucks have taken a lot more casualties percentage-wise than the US has.....but they still want to go over there and help......sometimes I wonder why.

its' NATO for the US too - why would you think otherwise?

they are on the Paki/Afghan border still looking for Osama bin Laden.

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Nope! They are guarding the friggin' Poppy Fields over there - ask around......

I just saw an article which mentioned "US and NATO-led forces" which made me believe the US was not under NATO.

And if the poppy fields were torched......

problem might be solved. No revenue, no weapons, no armies fighting.

Simplistic, but it is a major part of why the fighting continues.

G-Man said:

Nice try, but ALL troops are there under NATO command.....

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Not true, NATO's International Security Assistance Force controls the majority of U.S, troops but U.S. counter terrorism troops remain under U.S. command. A good read for the military historian is Unity of Command in Afghanistan: A Forsaken Principle of War - Colonel Ian Hope, Strategic Studies Institut. He explains it to the t and the dangers of NATO's split command system.

Not far from U.S. troops who play basketball to the beat of blaring rap is the surreal sight of Canadian troops in heavy pads and helmets playing street hockey in an outdoor rink in the middle of the Afghan desert, the clatter of hockey sticks mingling with gunfire from a shooting range at the edge of the base.

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The NATO military presence in Afghanistan has grown from 5,000 soldiers in 2003 to more than 53,000 today, and Judson said about 170 helicopters, fighter jets and transport planes are now based in Kandahar.

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http://nato.usmission.gov/Issues/Afghanistan/Afghanistan.asp

Must be the Counter-Terrorism troops are looking for bin Laden and the rest are guarding the poppy fields then.

Thanks for that link shadowboxer - my DH will enjoy reading that.

Sounds like every Army gets time off in the field.......basketball, hockey....to each his own.....but they might enjoy burning poppy fields much more

Laurane said:

[FONT=Verdana,Arial]And if the poppy fields were torched...... [/FONT]problem might be solved. No revenue, no weapons, no armies fighting.

Simplistic, but it is a major part of why the fighting continues.

Click to expand...

I just watched a doc on this over the weekend. Apparently ... they can't grow anything else in the area that would provide them with a reasonable income. When we torch their poppys they end up sympathizing with the Taliban and support them. The Taliban ironically, were the very people who were destroying their poppy fields in the first place before the war began. Only now ... the Taliban conveniently helps itself to the revenue generated from the poppy crops to fund their weapons etc. At any rate, the locals are caught in the middle without any real hope for their future.

Amberglass said:

WOW...That stung.

I'll be sure to let my friends and family in Afghanistan and Iraq know that that their bullshit and lack of training is an annoyance to some of our American "friends".

That is....if they make it home alive.

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Sorry but the drama doesn't work for me. I too have multiple family members in the service and I have only the highest respect for any man or woman who willingly chooses to serve their country, which ever country that happens to be. I do however have a huge problem with our allies who pick and choose their timeline regardless of how the war is playing out.

When Canada pulls out what will change? Nothing because the US will step in and take over where the Canadians left off. Now ask yourself what would happen if the US picked a random date and pulled out?

Yeah, I thought so.

RD

Rescuedog said:

Sorry but the drama doesn't work for me. I too have multiple family members in the service and I have only the highest respect for any man or woman who willingly chooses to serve their country, which ever country that happens to be. I do however have a huge problem with our allies who pick and choose their timeline regardless of how the war is playing out.

When Canada pulls out what will change? Nothing because the US will step in and take over where the Canadians left off. Now ask yourself what would happen if the US picked a random date and pulled out?

Yeah, I thought so.

RD

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Are you suggesting that the US doesn't pick and choose its own when and where?

take 1 said:

Are you suggesting that the US doesn't pick and choose its own when and where?

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I am flat out saying that the US doesn't have the luxury of pulling out before the job is done. Other countires will follow their own schedules regardless of whether the job is done.


RD

Rescuedog said:

I am flat out saying that the US doesn't have the luxury of pulling out before the job is done. Other countires will follow their own schedules regardless of whether the job is done.


RD

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Come on. Really. The US or any other country for that matter eventually has to bend to either budget, physical resources, public or political pressure.

The US usually has more at stake on many levels and knows this before it begins any action and does not need (usually) others to support them in their military endeavors because they are so powerful and can finish the job on their own if they have to. And I am sure they weigh this consideration before engaging in a conflict.

Should other countries help and contribute when they will ultimately benefit? Of course, if the cause is right. That's part of what makes us allies. But smaller countries (like Canada) only have so much ability to contribute due to finances and manpower and therefore can only go so far.

take 1 said:

Come on. Really. The US or any other country for that matter eventually has to bend to either budget, physical resources, public or political pressure.

The US usually has more at stake on many levels and knows this before it begins any action and does not need (usually) others to support them in their military endeavors because they are so powerful and can finish the job on their own if they have to. And I am sure they weigh this consideration before engaging in a conflict.

Should other countries help and contribute when they will ultimately benefit? Of course, if the cause is right. That's part of what makes us allies. But smaller countries (like Canada) only have so much ability to contribute due to finances and manpower and therefore can only go so far.

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I agree. Those issues of manpower and finances will be a topic of discussion by pundits and comedians. Canadians shouldn't get their collective boxers in a bunch when it happens. It is ridiculous that a comedian has to cancel a show because his safety could not be guaranteed.

Futhermore Canada does not have to have a huge strong military because we do, and you'll just have to put up with us occasionally crowing about it.

RD

Rescuedog said:

I agree. Those issues of manpower and finances will be a topic of discussion by pundits and comedians. Canadians shouldn't get their collective boxers in a bunch when it happens. It is ridiculous that a comedian has to cancel a show because his safety could not be guaranteed.

Futhermore Canada does not have to have a huge strong military because we do, and you'll just have to put up with us occasionally crowing about it.

RD

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The difficulty I have with this is simple. Its in very poor taste to joke like this when people are out there dying for the cause. People in the media know exactly how much power they hold sway and frequently abuse it. Those who misuse it should show more tact rather than exploiting things for their next gag or giggle. In times of peace ... sure, take an appropriate poke. Just don't do it while the wounds are fresh, it devalues the sacrifices that were made by our people.

take 1 said:

The difficulty I have with this is simple. Its in very poor taste to joke like this when people are out there dying for the cause. People in the media know exactly how much power they hold sway and frequently abuse it. Those who misuse it should show more tact rather than exploiting things for their next gag or giggle. In times of peace ... sure, take an appropriate poke. Just don't do it while the wounds are fresh, it devalues the sacrifices that were made by our people.

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Well I wouldn't understand, no one ever makes fun of Americans.

There is only one thing to do (besides righteous indignation) and that is get a thicker skin.

RD

Rescuedog said:

There is only one thing to do (besides righteous indignation) and that is get a thicker skin.

RD

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While this may be true ... it is still in the poorest of taste and panders to the lowest common denominator IMO.

take 1 said:

, it devalues the sacrifices that were made by our people.

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Nothing ever devalues the sacrifice made by a soldier for his or her country.

RD

I am flat out saying that the US doesn't have the luxury"

"I am flat out saying that the US doesn't have the luxury of pulling out before the job is done"........... ........you better tell that to your new President, as I don't think he agrees, as I don't think the job is done in Iraq.

And it cannot be done in A'stan within the foreseeable future, so moving soldiers around in theaters of operation (and some on a break) is making the most efficient use of their resources isn't it?

I think that the 116 Canadian killed equates to just over 4% mortality - if that was applied to the USA, there would be 1400 dead in A'stan instead of the 667. Seems we are taking a 2:1 ratio of dead, and it is not because of inferior training.

It is time for the Europeans to step into the danger zone for a while and let the Canadians have a break.

And we are appreciative of the USA being our ally and partial protector.

Canada,

Your sacrifices are appreciated.

NBCsurvivor said:

Canada,

Your sacrifices are appreciated.

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Thank you. As are yours America.

Laurane said:

"I am flat out saying that the US doesn't have the luxury of pulling out before the job is done"........... ........you better tell that to your new President, as I don't think he agrees, as I don't think the job is done in Iraq.

And it cannot be done in A'stan within the foreseeable future, so moving soldiers around in theaters of operation (and some on a break) is making the most efficient use of their resources isn't it?

I think that the 116 Canadian killed equates to just over 4% mortality - if that was applied to the USA, there would be 1400 dead in A'stan instead of the 667. Seems we are taking a 2:1 ratio of dead, and it is not because of inferior training.

It is time for the Europeans to step into the danger zone for a while and let the Canadians have a break.

And we are appreciative of the USA being our ally and partial protector.

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Our new president is a boob. I guarantee he doesn't have sense enough to heed the advice of his commanders in the field.

As in any country (with few exceptions)the military exists on a higher plane than the politicians who run the country.

If you have a higher percentage of deaths than the US it is probably because of inferior training and equipment, that is a money issue handed to your military by politicians and you (as a country)should do something about it.

RD

Rescuedog said:

If you have a higher percentage of deaths than the US it is probably because of inferior training and equipment, that is a money issue handed to your military by politicians and you (as a country)should do something about it.

RD

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Inferior training is not the issue for Canadian troops. Over many years I have heard the exact opposite to your suggestion. However, I would completely side with you on the probability that the equipment that we have to work with is spotty at best.

take 1 said:

the probability that the equipment that we have to work with is spotty at best.

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That is unfortunate and unfair to the soldiers.

RD

Surprise said:

Being misunderstood is just a handy dandy excuse when someone gets called out on their mouth overloading their you know what.

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Yep. He needs your standing in the corner picture!

Rescuedog said:

That is unfortunate and unfair to the soldiers.

RD

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I couldn't agree more. Some of our equipment is state of the art and the rest of it is old as dirt. We have a small population so I guess the cash only can go so far.

AMERICANS CAN BE SO "STUPID" AT TIMES!!!!!!!

Canada can have a second to none military yesterday if we went "TRILLIONS" of dollars into debt! We can power our country, energy wise plus our military, your military depends on our energy supply. The smartest, most powerful country in the world finances their military on a Chinese Credit Card?

Get humble you guys! You do indeed need Canada more then Canada needs you! Your arrogance alone will be your demise. Canada can turn the OIL and WATER tap off. Of course we would never unless these stupid people mean something. Anne Coulter comment - Canada, you are lucky we allow you to exists? Really Anne you bitch? Tucker Carelson, Canada, what a hick nation of nothing? Really Tuck my man? Canadians have had a enough!

USA is NOT the best nation on earth! You are pissing off your closet allies ever by not speaking up against fox! How dare you allow any American to piss on the Canadian Military???? Our fricken military is in Afghanistan fighting for justice of the 911 attacks! F@ck You if you don't get that! We will ignore you forever.

TB2K, ya better inform FOX to apologize to Canada and the families of our DEAD!!!!!!

And USA can never invade Canada, oh, the blood would spill big time!

Read the comments from Canadians on youtube, that is making our national news as well, how pissed off Canadians are!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcJn5XlbSFk

Canada could have a world class military to! What we have for 30 million people in Canada is paid for, not own/financed by China!!!!! Some Americans don't get that I guess. Sad really.

Well, whatever.

I did not see the comment and have no interest in the show-lame, late night 'Ha Ha!' on par with The Simpsons and South Park in intelligence. I have no doubt it was a joke-good or bad it was likely a joke.

At any rate how bout we *not* piss off the Kanucks like Obama seems to be managing to do with everyone else but the Islamics who also thinks he is a boob.