Last Saturday, my wife took a call from our son, Daniel, who I wrote about in September of 2021, after he decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He called to let us know he had been granted leave for Christmas. He asked us to pick him up the next day at the airport. It was the first time we were assured he would be home. Previously, whenever we asked, the answer was always, “I’m not sure yet.” Of course we were elated. We now can look forward to being together as a family after we drive up to visit our other son, Patrick. He is in the final stages of the “Teen Challenge” program in which he is enrolled and which I wrote about in September of 2021 as well.
Sadly, however, there is one Marine, who will not be joining his family for Christmas this year. Instead, he will spend Christmas behind bars in a Russian prison, the same as he has done for the past three years. Of course I am referring to Paul Whelan, the Marine whose case was highlighted in the recent announcement of the Brittney Griner-Viktor Bout prisoner swap.
When the story of the trade came out more than a week ago, I was sorely disappointed, not because Griner was coming home, but because, by contrast, a Marine was not. It caused me to wonder where the priorities of the Biden White House stood, and it caused me to question, if my son were in a similar predicament as Mr. Whelan, would the Biden administration do all in its power to bring him home? The answer in my mind seemed obvious.
A CNN reporter was able to interview Paul Whelan and ask him how he felt about Griner’s sudden freedom while he remained behind bars. He said he was happy for Griner but he was surprised more was not being done to gain his release. He added, “I was arrested for a crime that never occurred.” By comparison, Brittney Griner actually did violate Russian law, albeit for a crime that, in this country, would be deemed nothing more than a misdemeanor offense.
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If you are unaware, Whelan, a decorated combat Marine veteran, was arrested by the Russians for allegedly being a spy. However, according to Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth, her brother was framed by the Russian Federal Security Service. In 2018, the Russian agency handed Paul a USB drive. Less than five minutes later, he was arrested for possessing state secrets, said to be on the drive.
There are a number of reasons why I question the actions of the Biden administration when comparing what was done for Brittney Griner, versus what has not been done for Paul Whelan. The first pertains to a certain track record I detect when it comes to the Democratic party in general, and to the Biden/Harris team more specifically. In 2012, American personnel were abandoned in Benghazi under Obama’s presidency, which of course included Joe Biden as vice president. Then, in August of 2021, with Joe Biden as commander in chief of our armed forces, the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was conducted. And now, a trade has been made for a notorious gun runner, dubbed “the Merchant of Death,” which leaves behind a U.S. Marine falsely accused. How can one come to any other conclusion than to believe that recent Democratic administrations have little regard for our men and women in uniform?
A second reason I question the actions of the Biden administration in this uneven trade of prisoners is because of the precedent it sets. Former chief of operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Mike Braun, was quoted in a 60 Minutes interview saying, “Viktor Bout ... is one of the most dangerous men on the face of the Earth.” Stop and think about this. If this man’s release was negotiated in exchange for a basketball player, then how infamous of a Russian criminal will it take to gain the freedom of Paul Whelan, or anyone else like him who has served their country with honor? Do we even have such a high level criminal held in one of our prisons? And if we are to believe the words of Mr. Braun, how possibly could we? Such an individual could not possibly exist.
The third and final reason I question the actions of the Biden administration in this exchange is because, as stated above, Mr. Biden serves as commander in chief of our military. Certainly a president needs to be concerned for the general welfare of all citizens. However, when it comes to our military personnel, there ought to be rendered a heightened level of concern. It is what is due them for their service and sacrifice to our country.
A former member of the San Carlos City Council and mayor, Matt Grocott has been involved in political policy on the Peninsula for 17 years. He can be reached by email at mattgrocott@comcast.net.
Matt - Just about all of the decisions that Biden has made have gone against the grain. The list is too long to even start. His bumbling Press Secretary is probably the least qualified person on his team which is not saying much. One point regarding the Mr. Whelan is that he was decorated but for unknown reasons to the public was dishonorably discharged according to an AP source. Assuming that the story is correct, he would have forfeited all VA benefits.
We know why Britteny G was in Russia, but Paul W's business in Russia is a lot less clear. Even if the spying charge leading to Paul's conviction in a Russian court is bogus, it's possible ol' Vlad may still have a reason to hold Whelan. We don't really know for sure.
I am glad Brittney is home. Could the president have negotiated for Paul's release at the same time Brittney was exchanged for Viktor B? I think so. Why? If Paul was not truly set up by Russian authorities, it doesn't appear his sketchy business dealings in Russia come close to matching the reasons Viktor was incarcerated. In that case, trading Brittney and Paul for Viktor would be a good deal for the Russians.
Should there be a heightened level of concern for members of our military? Yes. Should that heightened level of concern be extended to a former military member with a Bad Conduct Discharge? What do you think?
Ray - unless members on active duty in the military are in Russia, or elsewhere for that matter, they should be aware and feel protected by their status. But if one is no longer such a member, and regardless of his or her discharge cause, one is on his or her own. Griner was a poor choice in my opinion as the Press Secretary openly admitted her sexual orientation and race was major factor in the release decision. That is why I am appalled at Biden and his woke sycophants. It was just a suck up to an ever increasing powerful lobby. Apparently those attributes were more important than trading for an arms dealer who was indirectly involved in the killing of several US military personnel. Shame on Biden. And for a nod to Jorg, the Western world is appalled and mystified as well according to their press.
Paul W is a former Marine... let's leave it at that. I agree. He knowingly did business in a country with an ax to grind against the US. I'd like to see him our, but the only thing our government may be able to do is visit him to make sure his treatment is not inhuname.
I also agree that the politization of prisonet releases is wearing thin. Cue Randi Weingarten...
So, Mr. Grocott, let me get this straight. Because President Biden, in his role as Commander-in-chief has not negotiated a release for Mr. Whelan, a dishonorably discharged soldier, you are questioning his entire role? As a veteran, I appreciate that the VA Health system works eons better now than under the previous incompetent administration. I also appreciate our armed forces are no longer losing lives in the Afghanistan War. Your rending of the whole barrel spoiled for one bad perceived apple is indeed puzzling.
Paul W received a Bad Conduct Discharge and he may be entitled to some VA benefits depending on the type of court-martial that led to his discharge.
There is no percentage in criticizing the quality of VA health care unless we want to take an honest look at other past administration as well. Matt's column is about a former Marine and Matt's belief that the Biden administration should do more to secure Paul W's release..
Let's do what we can to bring another American home. What we don't know is whether what Paul was doing in Russia has made negotiating for him more difficult.
CNN just reported that the Taliban released two Anericans in Afghanistan. So, let's keep our fingers crossed that the Biden administration is working behind the scenes to get Paul W out.
Unfortunately, Mr. Grocott, for the reasons you’ve highlighted, Biden is more a Coward-in-Chief than any stretch-of-the-imagination definition regarding a “commander.” All the OxiClean, Tide-To-Go, Shout, and other stain removers will never remove the stain of Biden and complicit Democrats from their Make America Last treachery. Merry Christmas, Mr. Grocott, to you and your family. I look forward to your perspectives in the upcoming year.
Hi Ray – thanks for the FYI. I’m not familiar with the Washita battle but I’d have to assume that Custer won. I guess the bigger question is whether any leadership qualities Custer exhibited during that battle may have been a foreshadowing of Custer’s last stand. As for “Killers of the Flower Moon” I recall reading it years ago, but like many college textbook lessons, the information has been erased from my RAM memory. I’ll add Mr. Pico’s book recommendation to my list and look for literature on Washita but they currently fall behind James Herriot’s bevy of animal-centric books.
Like I said, I'm not a fan of Custer but he was a successful and lucky tactician. I read T.J. Stiles biography, "Custer's Trials," a couple of summers ago. Custer's story begins with a disciplinary hearing not long before he left West Point... three months after the shelling at Fort Sumter. Oddly enough, he was looking at another court-martial and begged President Grant to let him rejoin the 7th Cavalry. Grant relented and the rest is history. Did Washita foreshadow Little Bighorn? I don't think so. Custer had a decided advantage at Washita. I think if he would have known what was waiting for him, he would have maneuvered to join Reno and Benteen in a defensive position. Maybe. Custer survives, runs for president in 1880, and beats Garfield. Uh... maybe not.
It was made clear in news stories that there was no path forward to getting Paul Whelan released on this round and that the best they could do was get Brittney Griner home. Should Brittney Griner have left a prisoner just to make a point? Paul Whelan's family did not think so. It's a shame that Trump wasn't interested in getting him home. Also, Viktor Bout, while he may be "one of the most dangerous men on the face of the Earth,” the fact is that he would have been released in about 6 years anyway.
Westy - has it occurred to you that neither Trump nor Biden took any action on his release because they knew/know more about his background? Then we have this refrain, "once a Marine, always a Marine". That badge should not and cannot protect one from everything. Perhaps there is much more to the story and our two presidents made a decision accordingly. I still think they should have left Griner over there, who incidentally denounced being an American on several occasions, and they should have kept the arms dealer locked up here until a better deal could be reached.
All good solid thought expressed above. However I really think Jorg has nailed it. Once we have an Orange haired convict with the initials of DT, we 'll have the perfect person to exchange for whomever. wadayathink?
Good one, Dirk! We may want to do the same inspection with Mr. Caggiano as his record isn’t much better than Jorg’s. Perhaps blue nails are another side effect of Trump Derangement Syndrome…
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(18) comments
Matt - Just about all of the decisions that Biden has made have gone against the grain. The list is too long to even start. His bumbling Press Secretary is probably the least qualified person on his team which is not saying much. One point regarding the Mr. Whelan is that he was decorated but for unknown reasons to the public was dishonorably discharged according to an AP source. Assuming that the story is correct, he would have forfeited all VA benefits.
Hey, Dirk
We know why Britteny G was in Russia, but Paul W's business in Russia is a lot less clear. Even if the spying charge leading to Paul's conviction in a Russian court is bogus, it's possible ol' Vlad may still have a reason to hold Whelan. We don't really know for sure.
I am glad Brittney is home. Could the president have negotiated for Paul's release at the same time Brittney was exchanged for Viktor B? I think so. Why? If Paul was not truly set up by Russian authorities, it doesn't appear his sketchy business dealings in Russia come close to matching the reasons Viktor was incarcerated. In that case, trading Brittney and Paul for Viktor would be a good deal for the Russians.
Should there be a heightened level of concern for members of our military? Yes. Should that heightened level of concern be extended to a former military member with a Bad Conduct Discharge? What do you think?
Ray - unless members on active duty in the military are in Russia, or elsewhere for that matter, they should be aware and feel protected by their status. But if one is no longer such a member, and regardless of his or her discharge cause, one is on his or her own. Griner was a poor choice in my opinion as the Press Secretary openly admitted her sexual orientation and race was major factor in the release decision. That is why I am appalled at Biden and his woke sycophants. It was just a suck up to an ever increasing powerful lobby. Apparently those attributes were more important than trading for an arms dealer who was indirectly involved in the killing of several US military personnel. Shame on Biden. And for a nod to Jorg, the Western world is appalled and mystified as well according to their press.
Paul W is a former Marine... let's leave it at that. I agree. He knowingly did business in a country with an ax to grind against the US. I'd like to see him our, but the only thing our government may be able to do is visit him to make sure his treatment is not inhuname.
I also agree that the politization of prisonet releases is wearing thin. Cue Randi Weingarten...
How does Bowe Bergdahl fit in this conversation?
So, what did Trump do to get Paul Whelan released? Nothing. Zilch. Zero.
However, we’ll soon have the perfect exchange for his release: Traitor Trump! Good riddance!
So, Mr. Grocott, let me get this straight. Because President Biden, in his role as Commander-in-chief has not negotiated a release for Mr. Whelan, a dishonorably discharged soldier, you are questioning his entire role? As a veteran, I appreciate that the VA Health system works eons better now than under the previous incompetent administration. I also appreciate our armed forces are no longer losing lives in the Afghanistan War. Your rending of the whole barrel spoiled for one bad perceived apple is indeed puzzling.
Merry Christmas, Rel
Paul W received a Bad Conduct Discharge and he may be entitled to some VA benefits depending on the type of court-martial that led to his discharge.
There is no percentage in criticizing the quality of VA health care unless we want to take an honest look at other past administration as well. Matt's column is about a former Marine and Matt's belief that the Biden administration should do more to secure Paul W's release..
Let's do what we can to bring another American home. What we don't know is whether what Paul was doing in Russia has made negotiating for him more difficult.
CNN just reported that the Taliban released two Anericans in Afghanistan. So, let's keep our fingers crossed that the Biden administration is working behind the scenes to get Paul W out.
Unfortunately, Mr. Grocott, for the reasons you’ve highlighted, Biden is more a Coward-in-Chief than any stretch-of-the-imagination definition regarding a “commander.” All the OxiClean, Tide-To-Go, Shout, and other stain removers will never remove the stain of Biden and complicit Democrats from their Make America Last treachery. Merry Christmas, Mr. Grocott, to you and your family. I look forward to your perspectives in the upcoming year.
Hi, Terence
I posted a comment following your remarks about the Sawyer Camp plaques. FYI
Hi Ray – thanks for the FYI. I’m not familiar with the Washita battle but I’d have to assume that Custer won. I guess the bigger question is whether any leadership qualities Custer exhibited during that battle may have been a foreshadowing of Custer’s last stand. As for “Killers of the Flower Moon” I recall reading it years ago, but like many college textbook lessons, the information has been erased from my RAM memory. I’ll add Mr. Pico’s book recommendation to my list and look for literature on Washita but they currently fall behind James Herriot’s bevy of animal-centric books.
Like I said, I'm not a fan of Custer but he was a successful and lucky tactician. I read T.J. Stiles biography, "Custer's Trials," a couple of summers ago. Custer's story begins with a disciplinary hearing not long before he left West Point... three months after the shelling at Fort Sumter. Oddly enough, he was looking at another court-martial and begged President Grant to let him rejoin the 7th Cavalry. Grant relented and the rest is history. Did Washita foreshadow Little Bighorn? I don't think so. Custer had a decided advantage at Washita. I think if he would have known what was waiting for him, he would have maneuvered to join Reno and Benteen in a defensive position. Maybe. Custer survives, runs for president in 1880, and beats Garfield. Uh... maybe not.
It was made clear in news stories that there was no path forward to getting Paul Whelan released on this round and that the best they could do was get Brittney Griner home. Should Brittney Griner have left a prisoner just to make a point? Paul Whelan's family did not think so. It's a shame that Trump wasn't interested in getting him home. Also, Viktor Bout, while he may be "one of the most dangerous men on the face of the Earth,” the fact is that he would have been released in about 6 years anyway.
Westy - has it occurred to you that neither Trump nor Biden took any action on his release because they knew/know more about his background? Then we have this refrain, "once a Marine, always a Marine". That badge should not and cannot protect one from everything. Perhaps there is much more to the story and our two presidents made a decision accordingly. I still think they should have left Griner over there, who incidentally denounced being an American on several occasions, and they should have kept the arms dealer locked up here until a better deal could be reached.
All good solid thought expressed above. However I really think Jorg has nailed it. Once we have an Orange haired convict with the initials of DT, we 'll have the perfect person to exchange for whomever. wadayathink?
Mike - if you ever meet Jorg in person, watch his nails. They are solid blue from the times his hammer missed the nails that you speak of.
Dirk! You're comment is pulling stitches from past surgeries! [smile]
Ray - I couldn't resist. A bit of humor can go a long way in our otherwise bleak political landscape.
Good one, Dirk! We may want to do the same inspection with Mr. Caggiano as his record isn’t much better than Jorg’s. Perhaps blue nails are another side effect of Trump Derangement Syndrome…
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