I'm sure most everyone has heard about the unfortunate friendly fire incident that's recently come to light involving two Gowen Field pilots who mistakenly fired on a British convoy. That directly led to the death of a British soldier. The Idaho Statesman has a story today about how one Idahoan's comments to a British television station have created a backlash.
Eldon Anderson is a Vietnam War veteran and neighbor of an Idaho Air National Guard A-10 pilot thought to be involved in a 2003 friendly-fire incident in Iraq that left a British soldier dead. [...]
Many Britons took umbrage with Anderson's comments, which prompted a volley of e-mails to the Idaho Statesman from England and other parts of the globe.
See the video of Anderson's interview for yourself.
I would assert that most Idahoans do view the incident as an unfortunate accident and are saddened by the recent reports. I'd like to think, however, that most Idahoans don't share Anderson's narrow-minded views of the British, the U.S.'s closest ally for at least the last 100 years. Am I wrong?
Update 02.13.07 12:05: Quite a heated debate going on at New West including an interesting comment from the individual in question. Go read it all if you're interested...here's a little bit from Mr. Anderson's comment:
What did I say?
The British media, the BBC, The Sun and many others invaded our neighborhood investigating a story on friendly fire as if it was intentional and covered up. They were on my property uninvited. They were looking for a close neighbor of mine. They settled for me.
After wading through them like crickets on a hot summer day for at least 48 hours one reporter finally pushed the right button. I let him have it. They published an impromptu statement. But they published the parts they wanted not the entire statement. Our press does the same so why be surprised.
The discussion, not surprisingly, has somewhat segued into a broader discussion on past and current war. I say not surprisingly due to the current debate on the Iraq War Resolution in the House of Representatives today that's finally reflecting some of the debate that's been occurring throughout the country.
Update 02.14.07 14:21: Originally I attributed Mr. Anderson's remarks to his being frustrated, ignorant and thoughtless. I'm not ready to dismiss that conclusion yet but apparently he believes that this whole episode was a well-designed, coordinated attack on the media and liberals. From his latest, he says last, comment at New West:
I have waited a long time to get a chance at the media and to pull an inverse and diversionary move on them. To show them and the public what fluff headline grabbers they really are. To point out that there is not a journalist among them, and to show what a disservice they actually perform.
If offended any of you thin skinned and most proper Brits out there with my remarks please don’t take offense. You were just part of the bate, I needed the headline. But on the other hand if the shoe fits wear it.
Apparently he is saying that he did the whole thing on purpose. That tactic and admission, if true, is even more despicable.
Update 02.15.07 06:58: Jill at New West has confirmed that the commenter at her site is in fact Eldon Anderson who remains defiant about not making an apology. Read more.