An Arizona congressman says it is a problem when U.S. officials fail to speak clearly – for example not calling a terrorist a terrorist – when discussing the dangers the nation faces in confronting enemies.
U.S. Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., was interviewed by Greg Corombos of Radio America on the issue of new orders in the Obama administration that words such as “war on terror” and “enemy combatant” no longer be used.
Shadegg said those terms are specifically descriptive so that people can understand what’s going on.
“I think it is a disservice to the people to somehow not speak with clarity about the enemies we confront,” he said. “Clearly when Al-Qaida and other radical Islamists or Islamic extremists specifically express their desire to kill Americans, or wipe America off the face of the earth, let’s be realistic in acknowledging that threat.”
The audio of the interview is posted here:
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Referring to the term “enemy combatant,” he said, “Courts have dealt with that term for quite some time. If we throw that term out, and no longer say we’re going to call them enemy combatants, it would create new legal uncertainty about their status and treatment.”
According to the Washington Post, the Obama administration has issued an order that the phrase “global war on terror” no longer be used.
The memo came from the Defense Department’s office of security to Pentagon staffers.
“This administration prefers to avoid using the term ‘Long War’ or ‘Global War on Terror’ [GWOT.] Please use ‘Overseas Contingency Operation,'” the memo ordered.
Obama has used rhetoric for some time already that follows the guidance.