5 September 2012

No Easy Day Seen as SEAL Betrayal

A sends:

http://www.amazon.com/No-Easy-Day-Firsthand-Account/product-reviews/0525953728/
ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_next_5?ie=UTF8&pageNumber=5&showViewpoints=0

163 of 378 people found the following review helpful

This book represents a complete failure and abdication of well known and established code of ethics to which every Navy SEAL pledges. To wit:

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes who have gone before...By wearing the Trident, I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day...I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans...I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions...Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.

The Trident is the insignia that designates a SEAL. In every possible way this person has prostituted this Ethos and has brought shame and mockery upon our entire community. He is receiving a very large advance for this book and although he claims that he is donating sale proceeds to the Navy SEAL Foundation, it is my understanding that they are refusing to accept this money as it is tainted by the gross violations of ethics that it represents.

UPDATE: I have spoken with representatives of the Navy SEAL Foundation and they have CONFIRMED that they are refusing to accept any donations resulting from the sale of this book. I have encouraged them to make a press release to ensure that the public is aware of this and they have placed that on the agenda of their executive committee.

Nobody in the Teams likes Obama and we all want him to lose the election, but not this way. This book is not going to be the difference in the election in any case and those of you using that excuse for purchasing and reading this book are fully aware of that.

If you want to know what happens during classified SEAL operations, then nut up and join the fight yourself. You should be satisfied that you are being protected and served by exceptional men who are entitled to your respect if not your gratitude. You are not owed the inside scoop on how we do our business. Rest assured our activities receive oversight from your elected representatives, our chain of command, and most importantly the integrity of the vast majority of the operators. We are not gladiators in the arena to entertain you, and by supporting works like this you are helping to validate a very ugly aberration of our most closely held beliefs.

As we like to say in the Teams, "Let your conscience be your guide." Just understand that by purchasing this book you are rewarding a man who has sold out his brotherhood for money. Your money.

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On September 5, 2012 Cryptome asked the Navy SEAL Foundation Press Room for confirmation of the donation refusal.

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Date: 5 Sep 2012 10:05:00 -0400
To: cryptome[at]earthlink.net
Subject: Thank you for your Interest in the Navy Seal Foundation
From: eevans[at]cahoonandcross.com

Thank you for your interest in the Navy SEAL Foundation. Your inquiry has been forwarded to our staff.

We will get back to you shortly.

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Subject: Navy SEAL Foundation Statement about No Easy Day
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2012 15:16:04 -0400
From: "Elizabeth Evans" <eevans@cahoonandcross.com>
To: <cryptome[at]earthlink.net>

Per your query this morning, here is the just-released statement from the Navy SEAL Foundation:

The Navy SEAL Foundation responds to questions about No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden

The Navy SEAL Foundation has received numerous inquiries regarding receiving potential proceeds from the sale of the book No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden. The Navy SEAL Foundation is committed to providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. With this principled mission in mind, the Foundation will not be accepting any donations that are generated from the book or any related activities. The Department of Defense (DOD) is considering pursuing legal remedies against the author. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation is not involved with any of the actions taken by the DOD. The Navy SEAL Foundation honors our warriors and protects their families.

Sincerely­

Elizabeth Evans

Director of Public Relations
Cahoon & Cross, Inc.
4012 Raintree Road, Suite 100B
Chesapeake, VA 23321
Direct Phone: 757-705-7153
eevans[at]cahoonandcross.com
www.cahoonandcross.com