# Effect of former SEAL's "No Easy Day" book on election **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [August 29, 2012, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077 "2012-08-29T21:41:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/61 "2012-09-04T13:53:30Z")
I’m not aware of any jurisdiction where conspiracy- even to commit murder- is punishable by death. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/62 "2012-09-04T15:01:03Z")
How do we all feel about PFC Bradley Manning’s disclosure of classified material? How about Daniel Ellsberg’s? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/63 "2012-09-04T15:10:19Z")
I feel like it totally exposes liberal hypocrisy. I can haz cookie now? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/64 "2012-09-04T15:15:09Z")
Ellsberg was before my time so I don’t have a strong opinion on it. Bradley Manning, I feel, should be prosecuted to whatever extent the law allows and I have no sympathy for. Is there an essay portion to this exam or am I done now? ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/65 "2012-09-04T15:54:03Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > How do we all feel about PFC Bradley Manning’s disclosure of classified material? > > How about Daniel Ellsberg’s? Manning was an unhappy troll who deserves to spend a long time in jail. Ellsberg was a patriot who exposed the crimes committed by this country’s leaders and deserves to be considered a hero for doing so. Ellsberg was also not motivated by desire for profit, which is a huge difference. ---
**Author:** ![tim314](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim314/32/3468_2.png) [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/66 "2012-09-04T16:38:25Z")
I agree, Ellsberg seems like a different case, since at least was trying to expose some actual government wrongdoing. What was Bradley Manning trying to expose, or this Navy Seal? My impression is that Manning mostly wanted to feel important, and this guy just wants to make a buck. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/67 "2012-09-04T20:10:45Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > I hope not, let 'er buck. Let’s see what he’s got. If I were Obama, I’d buy a couple hundred copies and offer them for free to notorious fact checkers. Pass 'em around, be cool as a moose. > > This SEAL guy, with all due respect to his training and his service, he wasn’t in the room. He was in the helicopter. I am entirely prepared to give credence to his account of what happened in that helicopter. Helicopter? Cite? I got the impression that he was the guy that shot OBL. > [@Oliveritaly](#): > > Wow Bouncer, how long ago was this and how old was the device? > [@adaher](#): > > What it would actually do is show that leaks that make the President look bad will be prosecuted, leaks that make the President look good will not be. This is a bit easier to identify and the evidence is kind of easy to collect. Has anyone admitted to the other leaks? > [@elucidator](#): > > In a way, there’s a lot of similarity between Charlie Manson and ObL. Did Osama himself, personally, ever actually commit murder? His legend has him as a _mujihadeen_ combatant, but who knows? We are told he was the “mastermind” of 9/11, until we were told it was Khalid Sheik Mohammed. In that sense, isn’t Obama a lot like Charlie Manson too? He didn’t actually kill OBL, he just told other people to do it. > [@gamerunknown](#): > > Edit: I would have liked to see Osama go to trial too. Affording the devil the protection of the law, one could say. Same here but I think it could have gone badly and there has always been a tacit acknowledgement that OBL would never be captured alive (Eric Holder said as much when he was trying to get some of the gitmo folks tried in US federal courts; someone asked if he would extend the same courtesy to OBL and he said, “everyone knows he won’t get taken alive”) ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/68 "2012-09-04T20:19:09Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > How do we all feel about PFC Bradley Manning’s disclosure of classified material? > > How about Daniel Ellsberg’s? Did they endanger lives or save them? Answer that and we can discuss this hijack. ---
**Author:** ![gamerunknown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6bbea6/32.png) [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/69 "2012-09-05T08:44:36Z")
Did Bradley Manning profit from the leaks? Did the Pentagon papers actually demonstrate illegal actions or merely duplicity? ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/70 "2012-09-05T12:55:01Z")
Manning - Clearly violated his security clearance. Handed over the information to Wikileaks w/o regard for what was being handed over. Properly charged with the corresponding offense, shall be tried. Whatever the intentions, stupid and will suffer the consequences. Ellsberg - Attempted to go to members of Congress with his information first. Neil Sheehan blew the secret for the sake of the scoop. Only then did the MoC’s proceed. Ellsberg turned himself in, court case ended in dismissal because the administration used illegal methods to try and discredit or suppress Ellsberg and to interfere with his defense. Well intentioned but highly risky, he faced the consequences and survived them. This guy - Looks for a payday and finds publisher who then pitches the book in a way that media opinion-makers portray it as some sort of exposé but seems to be essentially just “my-version-from-where-I-was and my opinion about it”. Just low class. The scorn of his former comrades would be punishment enough if he still cared. ---
**Author:** ![Raintitan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e99b99/32.png) [@Raintitan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raintitan)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2012, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/71 "2012-09-05T13:53:05Z")
I read the book last night and didn’t walk away with any sense of strong political slant aside from the changes in rules of engagement and slow decision making out of Washington. While some of the tactics and technology usage might be known or already revealed from other sources, the consolidation of the information in the book was revealing to me: (ex: drones, IR lasers, assault dogs, ect). I knew of all of these things but it was an interesting read. Anyone seriously into this stuff probably knew these details. The book was probably rushed so that they could get it onto shelves before an injunction or legal intervention. It was an entertaining and engaging read. And for anyone who things the author, or White House was deceptive: Both sides could argue that they were intentionally misleading with details. ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/72 "2012-09-07T12:30:26Z")
Navy SEAL charity has gone on record refusing any donations from the book: [U.S. News: Latest Breaking Stories, Video, and Photos on American Politics, Economy, and Society | NBC News](http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/06/13708064-navy-seal-charity-turns-down-proceeds-from-bin-laden-book?lite) > [@](#): > > On its website, The Navy SEAL Foundation said it "will not be accepting any donations that are generated from the book or any related activities. > > “The Navy SEAL Foundation is committed to providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families,” So, I’m thinking the 'proceeds benefit military charity" was a CYA after thought / sales gimmick in this whole thing. Congrats to the Navy SEAL Foundation. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2012, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/73 "2012-09-07T12:49:31Z")
> [@Enkel](#): > > So, I’m thinking the 'proceeds benefit military charity" was a CYA after thought / sales gimmick in this whole thing. Congrats to the Navy SEAL Foundation. Cool. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/74 "2012-09-08T22:18:50Z")
[The DoD now says that the book’s account of Osama’s death, and several other claims made by Owen in the book, are untrue.](http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/07/16018/?hpt=hp_t3) ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2012, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/75 "2012-09-10T18:30:49Z")
_60 Minutes_ devoted the entire hour to an interview with this guy, and there was not one iota of negativity concerning Obama in the interview. Not sure how this will play out if the Pentagon decides to really go after the guy, though. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/76 "2012-09-10T20:00:18Z")
As I said upstream, I think there was some confusion between this book and the _other_ book, which is nothing short of a smear and a slander. Anyway, there was nothing noted about this book previously that was anything more serious than a typical military mind set of mild disdain for civilians. I do note, however, his characterization of ObL as the “matermind” of 9/11. We are also told that Khalid Sheikh Muhammed was the “mastermind”, so I’m wondering how many masterminds this plan had. And, for that matter, “mastermind”? It was an utterly stupid plan that should never have worked. If the cockpit doors had been locked, game over, the terrorists would have been locked in the passenger area with their box cutters and maybe a hundred very angry passengers. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2012, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/77 "2012-09-10T20:36:13Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > As I said upstream, I think there was some confusion between this book and the _other_ book, which is nothing short of a smear and a slander. Anyway, there was nothing noted about this book previously that was anything more serious than a typical military mind set of mild disdain for civilians. > > I do note, however, his characterization of ObL as the “matermind” of 9/11. We are also told that Khalid Sheikh Muhammed was the “mastermind”, so I’m wondering how many masterminds this plan had. And, for that matter, “mastermind”? It was an utterly stupid plan that should never have worked. **If the cockpit doors had been locked, game over, the terrorists would have been locked in the passenger area with their box cutters and maybe a hundred very angry passengers.** Well, you also have to remember the mindset pre-9/11 was that if hijackers took over a plane, they’d just land it somewhere and let most everyone go after making a few demands. So even if the cockpit doors were locked, they’d probably be able to work their way in after threatening to kill a few more passengers. ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2012, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/78 "2012-09-10T20:47:17Z")
I watched the interview and I went away thinking Why now? Why the hell bother? Why doesn’t he wait and put it in his memoirs when he’s an old man if he’s so worried that the story won’t get told. What was the purpose of this? Ego? It’s not enough that the White House praised these guys in the media and gave them a Silver Star for valour? The guy’s REAL name has been broadcast on other networks, The Obama White House or the Pentagon can’t protect him now from crazies, but I suppose by him being a private citizen he has a right to be protected. So how much is his ego costing the government now? National Security is a real issue, and he violated his terms of employment with the Seals by doing this. Regardless if he’s a good guy or not, this was not the right thing to do. He’s made himself a target like Salman Rushdie. Hopefully he can dodge a bullet, even if they’re aiming at his back. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2012, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/79 "2012-09-10T22:13:02Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > I do note, however, his characterization of ObL as the “matermind” of 9/11. We are also told that Khalid Sheikh Muhammed was the “mastermind”, so I’m wondering how many masterminds this plan had. And, for that matter, “mastermind”? I noticed that, too. I chalk that up to him either being a little nervous or just not thinking clearly. KSM was the real mastermind, in terms of thinking it up and developing the plan. ObL was just the old guy who said: Go do it! > [@](#): > > It was an utterly stupid plan that should never have worked. If the cockpit doors had been locked, game over, the terrorists would have been locked in the passenger area with their box cutters and maybe a hundred very angry passengers. _Open the cockpit doors or we slit this passenger’s throat. And one more every 5 minutes until you do. We start with the children, work our way to the women, and then the men._ You are the pilot. What do you do? ---
**Author:** ![Enkel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/df705f/32.png) [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2012, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077/80 "2012-09-11T00:26:25Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > I do note, however, his characterization of ObL as the “matermind” of 9/11. We are also told that Khalid Sheikh Muhammed was the “mastermind”, so I’m wondering how many masterminds this plan had. In my understanding, OBL was the long-term leader of the movement and financier. I’m sure his background brought a lot of key contacts. He set the goal of a major hit against US Citizens and I think I read that even the use of the air planes originated with him. I think KSM was more like the project manager who was given the big picture goals and he is the one that executed the plan. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-former-seals-no-easy-day-book-on-election/633077.md?page=5)