# Benghazi Attack for Dummies. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 8, 2013, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466 "2013-11-08T23:46:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 51
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1001 "2014-02-06T16:48:05Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s a pretty human response to say that you have regrets about a death that occurred to someone who works under you, even if you acted appropriately at the time. > > It’s pretty simple, normal, and perfectly human. Assuming Clinton was made aware of things like Stevens refusing a larger military presence, or the warnings being collected by intelligence agencies about threats being made against U.S. interests in the area, she probably does regret not doing more about it. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1002 "2014-02-06T17:08:09Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s a pretty human response to say that you have regrets about a death that occurred to someone who works under you, even if you acted appropriately at the time. > > It’s pretty simple, normal, and perfectly human. she’s admitting she made bad decisions. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1003 "2014-02-06T17:10:43Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > she’s admitting she made bad decisions. I hear that’s what [Robert Redford](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=714117)said about her too. ---
**Author:** ![Acewiza](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f475e1/32.png) [@Acewiza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acewiza)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1004 "2014-02-06T17:13:22Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Those systems are not equipped on Predators, so it couldn’t have been available. Apparently pseudo-expert Ravingman is unfamiliar with Gorgon Stare, which has been employed on our drones since 2011: > [@](#): > > The system is capable of capturing motion imagery of an entire city, which can then be analyzed by humans or an artificial intelligence… [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon\_Stare](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon_Stare) The details of exactly what developmental and test systems are currently deployed where are of course, classified. ---
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1005 "2014-02-06T17:23:28Z")
> [@Acewiza](#): > > What’s the rule on posting false information? Well, the first rule is that you properly attribute any sources, or it might look like you were passing off other’s work as your own. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1006 "2014-02-06T17:24:27Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > None of this, in any way, addresses the violation of SDMB rules. But isn’t that the right thing to do? I thought we were supposed to address mod actions in ATMB and not in the thread itself. ---
**Author:** ![Acewiza](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f475e1/32.png) [@Acewiza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acewiza)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1007 "2014-02-06T17:26:09Z")
> [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](#): > > Well, the first rule is that you properly attribute any sources, or it might look like you were passing off other’s work as your own. Misinformation can be an excellent tool for eliciting desired response(s). Talking shit is another matter. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1008 "2014-02-06T17:28:01Z")
> [@Acewiza](#): > > Apparently pseudo-expert Ravingman is unfamiliar with Gorgon Stare, which has been employed on our drones since 2011: > > [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon\_Stare](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon_Stare) > > The details of exactly what developmental and test systems are currently deployed where are of course, classified. No, I’m very familiar with Gorgon Stare. It can only be used on an MQ-9 (not an MQ-1 which was actually diverted to Benghazi). I’m also aware that the one GS system [had been deployed to Afghanistan](http://voices.yahoo.com/gorgon-stare-deployed-afghanistan-7519438.html), and that it has a [checkered history](http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/01/air-forces-all-seeing-eye-flops-vision-test/?utm_source=co2hog) (where it was characterized as being “not operationally effective,” “not operationally suitable,” unable to track people, couldn’t work at night, and was only “marginally sufficient” to track vehicles). None of that information is classified. You can even [read](http://images.dodbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/53D-Tests-and-Recommendation.pdf) the Air Force memo on the system that was so heavily critical. There are other WAAS systems, like Constant Hawk, but again, they are in use in the war zones on aircraft that have short range and move slowly. On a side now, I bet everyone a dollar that **acewiza** is going to complain that I just personally attacked him again because of this post. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1009 "2014-02-06T17:32:26Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > It’s amazing that a politician openly states a regret for decisions made and you still go on about it. It’s a side effect of being able to read what Clinton actually said, as opposed to what you want her to have said. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1010 "2014-02-06T17:34:05Z")
> [@Acewiza](#): > > Apparently pseudo-expert **Ravingman** is unfamiliar with Gorgon Stare, which has been employed on our drones since 2011. I would also ask that you not alter my user name in order to insult me. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1011 "2014-02-06T17:45:42Z")
Rather odd that the interviewer didn’t press the point, given Ms. Clinton’s abject and public confession. Odder still, that this bombshell didn’t have the sort of public impact and reaction one might expect. Except for the astute observations offered here, few seem to have noticed how explicitly she acknowledged her total culpability. I must confess and admit that I didn’t, nor even to this very day! ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1012 "2014-02-06T17:50:06Z")
> [@Acewiza](#): > > Misinformation can be an excellent tool for eliciting desired response(s). > > Talking shit is another matter. :rolleyes: It’s clear you don’t abide talking shit. > [@Acewiza](#): > > Apparently pseudo-expert Ravingman… > [@Acewiza](#): > > Like your name being a shorthand term for “Lobotomy?” > > Lobotomyman? > [@Acewiza](#): > > That concept gives true meaning to the audience for “Benghazi for Dummies.” > [@Acewiza](#): > > I’ll take _ **some** _ literary license until you fools _ **learn** _ a few facts. > [@Acewiza](#): > > Wow, you can count too? I’m impressed. > [@Acewiza](#): > > If you can’t put things on a timeline you are probably to dumb to even be thinking about it all, and I am not going to do your thinking for you. > [@Acewiza](#): > > Why isn’t your handle Human "In"Action? If hindsight were money you’d be a millionaire. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1013 "2014-02-06T18:02:17Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > It’s a side effect of being able to read what Clinton actually said, as opposed to what you want her to have said. “I mean, you know, you make these choices based on imperfect information. And you make them to, as we say, the best of your ability. But that doesn’t mean that there’s not going to be unforeseen consequences, unpredictable twists and turns.” Doesn’t sound like she thought through the possibilities when she made decisions. She gave it her best shot. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1014 "2014-02-06T18:03:32Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > she’s admitting she made bad decisions. No she’s not. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1015 "2014-02-06T18:04:46Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > “I mean, you know, you make these choices based on imperfect information. And you make them to, as we say, the best of your ability. But that doesn’t mean that there’s not going to be unforeseen consequences, unpredictable twists and turns.” > > Doesn’t sound like she thought through the possibilities when she made decisions. No, that is a totally incorrect reading of what she said. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1016 "2014-02-06T18:09:34Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > “I mean, you know, you make these choices based on imperfect information. And you make them to, as we say, the best of your ability. But that doesn’t mean that there’s not going to be unforeseen consequences, unpredictable twists and turns.” > > **Doesn’t sound like she thought through the possibilities when she made decisions.** That’s a terrible summary of what she said. She’s saying that events are unpredictable, and you say she didn’t think things through? If you accept her premise – which seems to be common sense, that complex events are unpredictable – then no amount of thinking about possibilities will necessarily lead to a desired outcome. This really seems like you picked the wrong multiple choice answer to an SAT question. ETA: In any case, Clinton isn’t responsible for your hobby horse of sending in the A-Team. She’s the Secretary of State. Why are you obsessed about what she said and did, as opposed to what General Ham and General Dempsey said and did? Oh, that’s right – she’s a Clinton. ---
**Author:** ![Oliveritaly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oliveritaly/32/15233_2.png) [@Oliveritaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oliveritaly)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1017 "2014-02-06T18:20:16Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > she’s a Clinton. Ding, ding, ding, We have a winner. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1018 "2014-02-06T18:31:45Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > That’s a terrible summary of what she said. her response was to a question asked if she would have any “do-overs”. If she made the right decisions then there isn’t anything else she could have done over. I’ll leave you to your hero worship. Got things to do. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1019 "2014-02-06T18:38:26Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > her response was to a question asked if she would have any “do-overs”. If she made the right decisions then there isn’t anything else she could have done over. What kind of human being would say, “Four people died, but I wouldn’t have done anything differently.” You’ve got Hillary red-handed in her startling admission that she’s not a psychopath. Good work, **Magiver**! Maybe the next white whale you can pursue is to prove that Hillary isn’t a pyromaniac! ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466/1020 "2014-02-06T18:43:05Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I’ll leave you to your hero worship. Got things to do. Ah, the famous “Well if you _love_ Obama/Clinton/etc so much, why doncha just _marry_ him/her/it?” rejoinder. That one’s always guaranteed to indicate a strong argument. Right up there with the “Messiah” and “drinking the Kool-Aid” retorts. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466.md?page=50) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benghazi-attack-for-dummies/673466.md?page=52)