the rachel maddow show, transcript 07/14/10 - home battery pack

Host: Good evening, Keith.
Thank you very much for doing so.
Keith olbermann, MSNBC host: Gather your army.
MADDOW: Thank you for staying with us for an hour at home.
Republicans are inviting all of us to live in an impossible world where tax cuts help with the budget deficit.
We're going to discuss this tonight.
Today, a senior Republican has launched a major campaign in the war in Afghanistan. And the first-
Rachel Mado's comic book voice
In the theater, don't ask, don't say questions.
I must tell you that it is well received.
It's here this hour.
But the first thing we have to hear tonight is the big news about the health of former Vice President Cheney.
Acute cardiovascular disease needs last week
Cheney underwent advanced surgery.
Now, the nature of the operation clearly reveals the severity of Mr.
Condition of Cheney's heart
There was no real thing when the whole event happened.
When it comes to the health of the main public figures, we are used to the public awareness of time.
The Cheney family revealed in a statement today that,
Cheney underwent heart surgery at a hospital in Northern Virginia last week to fight heart failure.
Heart failure means that the heart cannot deliver enough blood to other organs of the body. Mr.
Cheney's operation installed a small pump called "left heart assist", which helps the heart's main pump chamber pump blood into the body through battery power.
The Cheney family's press release included a statement from the former vice president himself, part of which was, "I have been dealing with coronary artery disease for decades.
When I started going through more and more heart failure a few weeks ago, it was clear that I had entered a new phase of the disease.
After a series of recent tests and discussions with my doctor, I decided to take advantage of one of the existing New Technologies to implant left heart aids. The L-
Vad is a small implantable pump that improves the function of the heart and can restore me to an active life. ” Mr.
Cheney has been suffering from coronary heart disease for more than 30 years.
A mild heart attack in February was his fifth since his first heart attack at 37 in 1978.
On June, the former vice president was admitted to the George Washington University Hospital in Washington after complaining about his physical discomfort.
This incident resulted in a build-up of fluid around the heart that he received medication.
But the latest episode is not the same.
The installation of this Lvad, the device, traditionally short-to medium-term treatment of heart failure, is often used to support patients who require a heart transplant.
The American Heart Association's website calls the device a bridge to transplant.
That's what they said.
Sir, equipment.
Cheney received something like a belly bag that was worn out outside his body.
His statement said the operation was successful.
He said he recovered well.
NBC News's Steve handsmann made additional reports by talking to a doctor who was involved in the care of the former vice president.
The doctor told NBC News that Dick Cheney is doing a good job right now, but he had heart failure before the operation.
The doctor described
Quote Cheney, he was running in three cylinders.
Now the doctor says he started running at 8.
Of course, Dick Cheney is one of the most important and polarized figures in modern American politics and policy.
As usual, we sincerely wish him good health tonight.
To help us understand the status quo of the former vice president,
Alan Stewart is joining us now. Dr.
Stewart is a cardiac surgeon and director of the aortic surgery program at the New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr.
Stewart, thank you very much for coming. DR.
Alan Stewart, heart surgeon: Thank you for inviting me.
MADDOW: I think I have some basic things and some explanations are wrong.
What did I get?
Is it completely vague?
Stewart: Well, you're right with all the points.
This is Mr. Cheney has.
It is mainly inside the body and the battery pack exits through a small drive line that exits the abdomen.
As you can see, this cardiac aid is very small and connected-
Is this the actual size?
This is the actual size.
Oh my God, it doesn't look small.
STEWART: It includes a leaf wheel pump that flows into the device, a rotary pump that rotates about 8,000 to 10,000 rpm and flows out of the body.
It is connected by taking a hole in the chamber, as shown in the figure, which is a pump chamber of the heart.
This will be connected here.
The pump will be located at the top of the abdomen and then rotate.
It rotates in a continuous manner to allow the blood to be pushed into the aorta containing the blood and to allow the blood to be distributed to other parts of the body.
MADDOW: so is essentially a mechanical bypass that allows the heart of a healthy individual to pump itself?
Stewart: That's right. MADDOW: Okay.
What impact does it have on Mr.
Put this into Cheney's body?
As far as I know, this is usually a short implant-term basis.
It sounds like he's going to put it in his body permanently.
STEWART: There are two options, one is a cardiac aid device.
The bridge of the transplant, this is a short
That means he will end up with a transplant.
The reality is that there is no indication
Cheney had a transplant.
Another option is that it can be called destination therapy, which means it's his destination.
This is his final result.
He will have this cardiac aid for the rest of his life.
MADDOW: what does this mean for him, for his lifestyle and for his health?
STEWART: you can have a pretty good quality of life on the cardiac AIDS.
These devices are now smaller and very durable.
The device is expected to last three to five years and can then even be replaced with another device.
MADDOW: one of the things you pointed out when we talked to you earlier about explaining what that meant, I think --
It tells you an important point about how this works, that is
Cheney is not expected to have a real pulse.
Stewart: Pulse. That‘s true.
He won't have a pulse.
STEWART: It's an ongoing cardiac aid that means the blood is being pushed.
It is not a pulse device.
So, if anyone thinks, Sir
Mr. Cheney, his wrist.
Cheney has no pulse.
MADDOW: because it flows like a garden hose, not intermittently. No pulse.
Stewart: That's right.
There is expansion and contraction in the normal heart, which leads to bumps, or twice
Beat the pulse we feel
The valve is closed.
Now the valve will remain closed and the blood will flow in a continuous way.
MADDOW: through the rotating motor in the machine.
Stewart: Yes.
MADDOW: How common is a device like this, Mr.
Cheney gave you a suggestion on the severity of his condition?
Stewart: Well, that means he has come to an end in terms of health care.
He had coronary surgery.
He made a permanent bracket.
He has a pacemaker.
He had medical management and failed for a while.
This is his last step.
Either he will die from heart failure or he will insert a mechanical device.
This means that he is very ill during surgery and does not have a long time to survive without a fatal event.
MADDOW: It's shocking to hear the doctor describe his heart failure during implantation.
The last detail on this, for people like me who don't know about these devices, it seems to be eye catching again --
As you said, part of this, motivation is worn out of the body. Does Mr.
Cheney has to wear this belly bag all the time now?
Stewart: of course.
The device is powered by a battery and is not tied for six to eight hours outside.
He would bring some battery packs, either in his handbag or in his seat belt, which had become very small and could not be seen under the clothes.
However, at night he needs to be connected to the power adapter on the wall. MADDOW: Wow.
No pulse.
Stewart: no pulse.
MADDOW: the state of technology is amazing.
This is a strange way to learn it, obviously, this is a serious concern for Mr.
Cheney is healthy but charming. Dr.
Thanks a lot, Stewart.
I really appreciate your help in this regard.
Stewart: Thank you. MADDOW: Dr.
Alan Stewart is a cardiac surgeon who is the director of the aortic surgery program at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center.
So the Republicans have solved the economic problem.
If Bush and Cheney's tax cuts for the rich are permanent, the rich will pay fewer taxes permanently.
Of course, this means that any problems we encounter in the economy will be solved.
Next, Senator Sherrod brown will discuss the issue with us.
Don't ask the military later, don't tell the policy seems to be cartoon misleading to you?
It's not as cartoon misleading as you look after seeing this.
Please stay with us. (
Business break)
MADDOW: also in front, don't ask the military, don't tell the teaching comics.
Yes, the comic book "voice" of Rachel Mado show will bring a vivid life to the teaching comicsover theater.
Unidentified male: Madam, I have been talking to the pastor for the last few weeks and I think I may be gay.
Woman: stop there. (
Business break)(
Start Video Editing)
Jim Bunning: George Steinbrenner died yesterday, 2010, because he was smart enough to die in 2010 and there was no tax liability for the estate tax. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Republican Senator Jim Bunning is as elegant as ever.
He said George Steinbrenner was smart enough to die yesterday, so his family could avoid paying taxes on his legacy due to loopholes in the Bush tax code.
At a time when Jim Bunning rushed to use the death of a man who had only died for about 24 hours to sue for estate tax, you can see Jim Bunning's noble and Republican enthusiasm for talking about what they now think the upcoming election will be their problem.
Yes, there's going to be a fight between immigration and Republicans over unemployment.
Yes, there will be a fight about energy.
But one big problem you can see Republicans are currently preparing is taxes.
George W in particular. Bush tax cuts.
Bush's tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 will expire by the end of this year.
Panic, everyone!
Republicans are now excited about extending Bush's tax cuts to make it a permanent campaign.
In Florida, for example, Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio has just released his 12-
The first step in solving the economic problem.
12 ideas will make the economy run again, he said.
Marco Rubio's first idea is to extend the tax cuts by 2001 and 2003 permanently, and Republicans are excited not only about Bush's tax cuts.
This is Bush's entire tax agenda.
Marco Rubio used all these things as his ideas, but they were not just his ideas.
The tax spokesperson we drafted tonight can actually help us with these issues.
For example, Marco Rubio's second idea is to cut taxes on American businesses.
"With tax cuts, we can stimulate job creation in the United States. ” Mr. Spokesman? (
Start Video Editing)GEORGE W.
Bush: tax relief is right. tax relief is urgent.
Helping small businesses means work for Americans. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Addrubio idea No. 3: "permanent end of death tax. ” Mr. Spokesman? (
Start Video Editing)
BUSH: We must abolish the death penalty. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Mado: Mark Rubio, No. 6.
"Fundamentally reform the United StatesS. tax code.
He said, "AmericaS.
There should be a simpler tax system, "or as the spokesman said --(
Start Video Editing)
Bush: we simplify the tax law by reducing the tax rate from the current five to four. (END VIDEO CLIP)
MADDOW: before you go on-
In addition to continuing to work on such an awesome Bush economic and tax agenda, other Marco Rubio's ideas "follow up very closely with the proposals made by House Republicans this year.
"Such as ending the dividend and capital gains tax, reforming the alternative minimum tax.
Taxes are what Republicans want.
The problem is that they want to continue fighting the deficit. (
Start Video Editing)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Americans say to us that you spend too much money.
You have too much debt and we hope you can do something about it.
Michael Steele: I don't think it's shameful to want to lighten the debt of our children.
I think this is a good conversation now with the United States. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Republicans want to be anti-Republicans
Deficit and counter
But they also want to continue with Bush's tax policy.
This is the great embarrassment at the core of Republicans now.
Because George W.
The impact of Bush's tax policy on the deficit is like the effect of "I only eat fried cheese" on cholesterol.
In 2001, Bush spent $1 on the first tax cut. 3 trillion.
Two years later, Republicans passed a new round of Bush tax cuts at the expense of $350 billion.
None of these tax cuts were paid.
They just added them to the deficit.
Republican Senator Olin Hatch admitted to The Associated Press on December that "not paying is standard practice during the Bush administration.
There is no doubt that this has increased the deficit.
"In 2005, the Congressional Budget Office looked at the impact of Bush's tax cuts and estimated that in just one year, they had increased their deficit by $539 billion.
If it weren't for Bush's tax cutsS.
In that year, there was a surplus in the budget, not a deficit.
Do you remember how George Bush sold tax cuts?
He basically said, don't worry.
Don't worry.
We can afford tax cuts.
We have a surplus.
It's okay. (
Start Video Editing)
MADDOW: because the tax is too high, the government charges more than it needs and the surplus is increasing.
The American people were overcharged and I asked for a refund on their behalf. (END VIDEO CLIP)MADDOW: Whoo.
We got more.
We have to pay a huge price for it.
Remember when they would complain about the surplus? Yeah.
So, as a Republican, how do you support the deficit bomb that extends Bush's tax policy and say you are against the deficit?
You did it with magic.
Republicans are now bluntly arguing that tax cuts are simply magically not going to affect the deficit at all.
On Sunday, Republican Senator Jon Kyl argued that you should not pay for tax cuts at all.
He is now supported by senior Republicans in the Senate.
Mitch McConnell said in a talk point memo today that tax cuts do not have to be paid because "there is no evidence that Bush's tax cuts actually cut revenue.
They increased their income.
"Despite all the empirical evidence to the contrary, Republicans now believe that tax cuts are good for deficits, just as fried cheese is good for your cholesterol.
You heard that Mitch McConnell said that tax cuts have increased government revenue.
He believes that cutting income will increase income.
Cats also like to take a bath. Even George W.
Bush's former chief economist called bullpucky in this absurd logic.
He recently wrote, "I do not think this statement is credible on the basis of the available evidence.
I never did.
As our friend Ezra Klein wrote today in The Washington Post, "all the magic thinking about math and deficits helps, republicans have made these claims publicly at least now.
People like Marco Rubio and House Republican Jon Kyle and Mitch McConnell.
They're writing these things down.
They said on the tape, and that made us show what they really offer.
This is, including mathematics.
This is the case with the Republican campaign.
At present, the national deficit is about $1 trillion.
That's how we are-
If nothing happens, it's where we are now.
What happens if Republicans are elected and they do what they say?
First, they say they want to extend Bush's tax cuts by 2001 and 2003 permanently. So—all right.
That's fair enough, deficit.
Am I right? They want to—
Yes, very good.
I knew it would. Wait. Hold on. How‘s that?
Look, our wall is a little less magical. All right. There we go. They want to—
Yes, very good.
I knew it would be! Wait. Hold on. How‘s that?
Look, our wall is a little less magical. All right. There we go.
Permanent extension-'01 and '03 tax cuts.
Hey Ritchie, can you help me out?
Can you help me? There you go. Hold that.
This will add $2.
3 trillion of the national deficit.
Thank you, man. thank you.
As you can see from Marco Rubio, Republicans also want to abolish the replacement minimum tax, that is, AMT, and they want to permanently cancel the estate tax and the gift tax.
It will cost another $1 to do these three things.
A deficit of about 1 trillion.
Marco Rubio's first thing in 12 years is not tax cuts.
The Point plan scrapped Obama's care plan.
Abolish health reform.
You hear this now from a lot of Republicans, including John Boehner, the highest Republican in the house.
If you do, you will add another $19 billion.
You will add another $138 billion to the deficit.
Marco Rubio's next idea is another Republican's favorite to stop cap and trade energy legislation from becoming law. If you do that—
I bet this is the only one who really insists on watching this --
If you do, you will add another $19 billion to the deficit.
So it's $3 in total. 5 trillion.
That's why Republicans are proposing to increase the deficit.
At the moment, we have a deficit of about $1 trillion and Republicans are proposing an increase of $3.
Give it 5 trillion more
Thank you very much.
Let them all fall now. Well done. There we go.
Don't let the door hit your financial responsibility when you go out. All right.
Now we are joined by Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio.
Senator Brown, thank you for joining us tonight. SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH)
You had so much fun, Rachel.
I had so much fun.
I enjoy it whenever there is an obvious glitch on the TV. BROWN: You do. And we do!
Well, thank you.
Let me ask, though, except for the good double-stick tape.
Are Republicans basically campaigning to add all the tax cuts to the deficit?
Brown: Yes, in a sense, what you're missing is that you're only telling half of the story, so that what they're doing can not only prove to have increased the deficit, we know, in the first few years of this century, the deficit has indeed increased.
We know you proved that.
Besides that, it did not create jobs.
Compare the last two 8-
Administrative year.
During his eight years in office, Bush created 3 million jobs.
During the eight years of Clinton's administration, 22 million net jobs were created.
So I absolutely care about the deficit.
But what I'm more concerned about is the opportunity for people to join the middle class to create jobs.
We see 22 million jobs created in the Clinton era.
Because they are responsible for selective tax cuts and selective tax increases, they are responsible for government projects they have formed and dismantled.
Over the past eight years, the average American has created 22 million jobs and increased income.
In the next eight years, only 3 million jobs have been created in the Bush administration, which is not enough to keep up with population growth.
Therefore, in this sense, employment creation is relatively reduced.
Wages are flat or even worse for ordinary Americans. So—
In addition, what Republicans have done in eight years is that they cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans, ease controls on Wall Street, and ease controls on workers' safety.
See what happened to the mine.
Deregulation in terms of safety and the environment.
See what's happening in the Gulf of Mexico.
This is the same story.
When I saw who they were running for this year, in my state, Republicans were stepping out of Mike defein, a former US president. S. senator.
Former US president Rob PortmanS.
Budget Executive and trade representative under Bush.
John Kasich, former chairman of the Republican Budget Committee ).
They ran out and they said the same thing.
They want to do the same thing Marco Rubio wants to do.
Tax cuts and regulatory cuts will create jobs.
No, this has lost jobs and increased the deficit in the United States.
As you point out, economics is so clear at this point that the budget is terrible in all the big things they do.
Tax cuts, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies were rescued in the name of the privatization of medical insurance.
All these hundreds of billions of dollars were not paid to our grandchildren.
They have the hypocrisy and the courage to say that Democrats are not responsible for the budget?
Let me have a rest.
MADDOW: it turns out that not only is it right for people with bad luck, but one of the massive economic stimulus measures is to extend unemployment benefits.
As Republicans continue to block, this is something you and the Senate have dealt with over and over again.
Do you think the Senate can postpone next week?
Brown: I think so, because the candidate to replace Senator bird will be appointed by the official residence of West Virginia.
We need one more vote, but this is hypocrisy. They insist we—
They give tax cuts to the rich, they start a war, they give money to medicines and insurance companies.
To our grandchildren.
Now all of a sudden, we have to pay unemployment benefits for workers who have worked in the job market for 20 or 30 years.
They are out of work.
They paid for it.
Republican senators seem to think 41 of them have voted against unemployment again and again.
They seem to think unemployment is welfare. It‘s insurance.
You pay when you work and you get help when you don't work.
For them, we don't pay tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, just add this to our grandson's balance sheet.
Let them pay, put it on a credit card, but say you can't do unemployment compensation unless you pay.
I see someone who used to work for Bob Dole tonight who doesn't believe that today's Republicans won't extend unemployment benefits on both sides at the same time.
We always do that.
This is counter-cyclical, which means that you want to make the pump the best when the economy is not good, as you pointed out in the show, Rachel, that's good economics.
Every dollar you put into unemployment benefits creates $1.
Economic activity 60.
So, don't forget the cost of humanitarian, humanitarian issues.
It is good economics to provide extension of unemployment to hard-working and unemployed people.
Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, thank you for your time tonight.
I don't think I'm very clear when I explain this, and you are very clear.
No, you made it very clear.
You just don't mention that they are destroying the economy in addition to the budget deficit.
But you did a good job as always.
Thanks Rachel.
Thank you, Sherrod.
Nice to meet you.
So don't ask, don't tell us how well policy is going. S. military?
Well, eight years after it was implementedS.
The military has published a comic book guide to help military personnel understand how it "works ".
The sound of the comic book "Rachel Mado show --
Next, the over theater will make its debut. (
Business break)
MADDOW: using comics, using Comic Formats to publish announcements that are basically public services, to solve social problems, has a long and strange history.
For example, poison, with the help of threatening Dennis, is published here in the form of a comic book.
Or drug abuse, published here with the help of two charming blonde comic drug stores.
These and many other attempts to take advantage of the power of comics to solve social problems are recorded on the excellent website "problematic Comics.
Our friends in "BoingBoing.
This week, "the Web" reminds us that "comics with problems" have released rare discoveries.
It is called "dignity and respect ".
"It seems to be an American. S.
Communicate the proper implementation of military efforts "without saying anything" through comics.
They apparently published it in 2001, which means that in the eight years of "Don't ask, don't tell the policy," "This policy is very effective and the army has to resort to comic books, trying to convey to the soldiers exactly what this policy means.
But this confusion may be understandable when you look at the details.
Take the definition of "gay behavior" described in the comics as an example.
Quote "The military defines homosexual acts as acts, statements or tendencies that engage in homosexual acts, temptations others to engage in homosexual acts, and same-sex marriage or attempted marriage.
"Have you failed to get married?
Maybe your feet are cold?
Okay, maybe it's not always clear how people get fired, but that's why we turned to Rachel Cherry show's comic book voice.
Go to the theater and clarify. (
Start Video Editing)
Unidentified male: Sir, according to the order, reported by PFC Howard.
I got a report saying you were being seen being gay.
I think this information is credible.
I will investigate and would like to ask you some questions.
But first of all, I have to tell you your rights under Article 31.
As I explained, do you understand your rights?
Yes, sir, I know.
But I don't know what's going on.
Unidentified male: As I said, I received a report that someone saw you and another male doing gay behavior in the barracks yesterday.
Unidentified male: Sir, I would like to speak to defense counsel before making any further statements.
Unidentified male: no problem. I understand.
ISG will help you make an appointment with a lawyer.
By the way, if you need to talk to someone else, the only person you can talk to with confidence is the pastor.
Please let ISG know if you want to date him as well.
Unnamed male: Shortly after Howard left
Unidentified male: Madam, I would like to give you an update on the case of PFC Howard.
Woman: Okay, how about it?
Man: Well, like you said, we decided not to make a statement.
He is contacting military advisers through ISG.
Woman: Good, captain.
Thank you for your update.
Unidentified male: a few days later, a trial defense lawyer was consulted by PFC Howard.
Unidentified male: Sir, can you explain the process?
Man: of course.
First of all, let me introduce the actions your commander may take and the potential releases you may get if you are involved in gay behavior.
Unidentified male: later, the same comic book
Unidentified male: Based on my review of the statements made by Sergeant Hall and Johnson, as well as discussions with your chain of command, I decided to recommend the commencement of the separation action.
You will receive a memorandum informing you of the call-in of the actions of the authorities.
You can talk to the military advisor about your options.
Would you like to discuss it at this time?
No, sir.
I think I'll see my military advisor first before I talk about it.
Man: OK.
You were fired.
Unidentified male: a few weeks later
Unidentified male: ISG, I have just received a message that the discharge of the PFC Howard has been approved. (END VIDEO CLIP)
MADDOW: It's neat.
When others leave you, they say so.
What about when you go out on your own?
Dignity and respect, what do you say? (
Start Video Editing)
May I speak to you, Madam?
Woman: of course.
Is it okay if ISG stays?
Man: Yes, madam.
Unidentified woman: Sgt, what are you thinking? Williams?
Unidentified male: Pastor Ayres and I, Madam (ph)
I think I may have been gay in the last few weeks.
Woman: stop there.
Before you go further, I want to make sure you understand that under the gay conduct policy, saying that you are gay can be the basis for discharge.
You may also want to talk to the assistant legal officer about this matter.
Man: Yes, madam. I understand.
I have also spoken to legal aid officials.
Woman: Do you know the gay behavior policy of the army?
M: Yes, Madam, I know.
But I 've been struggling for a long time and I decided to tell you I'm gay.
Unidentified woman: Do you understand the consequences of what you told me?
Man: Yes, madam.
I need to let you know that I do understand the consequences of my actions.
Unidentified Woman: So, sergeant, I will talk to SJA and the battalion commander.
I may have more questions to ask you after that, so I can confirm that you are serious about it.
I would also like to make sure that you understand the meaning of your statement.
I see, madam.
Thank you for your time, Madam.
Woman: Don't thank me, Sgt. Williams.
Unidentified male: later in the commander's office
M: So you are very sure about the sincerity of this police officer?
Unidentified woman: ISG, I think so, especially after talking to the platoon leader and platoon leader.
We don't see any other reason for the Sgt.
Williams will make this statement at this time.
Unidentified male: So, Madam, what are you going to do?
According to Williams, I may have to start the discharge procedure.
But first I have to contact the battalion chief and then get advice from SJA.
Unknown man: Captain
Smith called the balance commander and then SJA.
Female: Major
Mr. storm, I'm captain. Smith.
I'm thinking about gay behavior separation for Sgt.
John Williams from my command
Man: later that week
Unidentified Woman: How is the Sgt going.
Ms. Williams?
Unidentified female: After talking to SJA, I and the battalion commander agreed to recommend the Sgt to retire. Williams. (END VIDEO CLIP)
MADDOW: retired with dignity and respect according to the Army's comic book on how to do this.
We will be back soon. (
Business break)(
Start Video Editing)SEN. RICHARD LUGAR (R-IN)
Our path in Afghanistan is of great concern.
At some point, we seem to be working to reshape Afghanistan's economic, political and security culture.
So far, we should know that such ambitious goals are beyond our resources and capabilities.
We started in Afghanistan because we thought it was al-
Al-Qaida used to and now wants to disrupt any activity that could threaten us and the United States.
Today, 10 years later, as we all point out, we are still there.
I'm here to conclude that we attack the original al-
Al-Qaida members trying to reform or reshape Afghanistan may not end up being where we should start or end up.
The question is, how do we move on?
I just think that we really have to start polishing our goals, because the wealth of this country is not endless, and there are no casualties in our troops and the number of people we have.
Based on relative progress, we cannot give up measuring our military and civil activities in Afghanistan.
It can be said that we can make decades of progress in security, employment, good governance, women's rights, other goals --
Billions of dollars a year.
No satisfactory conclusion was reached.
In this case, it is essential to avoid the spread of tasks towards unattainable goals. (END VIDEO CLIP)
MADDOW: These statements are not notable as concerns about the United States. S.
War in Afghanistan.
Of course, the public is skeptical about our ongoing war.
It is worth noting that the senators who made these statements are the highest --
Republicans on the Foreign Relations Committee, Republicans, Indiana Richard Luger, if the Republicans start to align with him on Afghanistan and his doubts, not, say, senator "stay forever" McCain.
Three Americans were killed in Afghanistan yesterday.
Five more people were killed today.
Three and four British died yesterday.
In the exact area of the United States, I reported on this program, said Afghan interpreters and three Afghan police officers. S.
Last week, police work was carried out in Afghanistan.
We have more to do.
Please stay with us. (
Business break)
The countdown is coming, and Keith talks with Congressman Ed Mackey about the BP oil disaster.
Still ahead in this show, let the Afghan people from AK-
They always use American weapons inexplicably.
This is coming. (
Business break)
MADDOW: Obviously, I don't have the authority in direct shooting.
I am neither the authority of the shooting nor the authority to proceed directly.
But whether the Afghan army can shoot straight is one of the most interesting and unexpected things I have ever encountered during my trip to Afghanistan.
We are building a $10 billiona-
The army and police force of a country with $14 billion. a-year economy.
Now it's hard enough to swallow.
When you realize how bad we have been in building military and police forces for so long, you will be more difficult to accept. (
Start Video Editing)(on camera)
So I came with Lt. Jeff Korshayne(ph).
He is from Minnesota and has been here since January. It‘s July now.
He was involved in direct training of Afghan National Army recruits.
This is basic warrior training.
It will take about eight weeks.
Yeah, Lieutenant? LT. JEFF KORSHAYNE(ph), U. S. ARMY: Yes. MADDOW: OK.
During these eight weeks, it is clear that we are now doing gun training.
In terms of what they are trying to do with the gun, where do you want to take them?
Where should they be at the end of eight weeks? KORSHAYNE(ph)
: At the end of the eight weeks, we hope that they will be eligible at a rate of about 98%. That‘s what (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
The team now, to achieve their goal of 98% people a year, personnel.
These are M-
Are they using 16 rifles? KORSHAYNE(ph): Yes, it is.
MADDOW: so I know you 've made some significant progress in gun law.
When you get here, a group of 1,400 Afghans take 8-
Courses are 30 to 35% a week.
It was January.
Now, July is 95%? KORSHAYNE(ph): Yes.
How did you get such a dramatic improvement? KORSHAYNE(ph)
One of the things we did was that we introduced stricter basic instructions for rifle shooting.
So even before they get into range, we make sure they know everything about weapons, how to pull the trigger, how to aim correctly, etc.
And then here we have some classes.
You can see an example.
This kind of instruction has two days, and before they come up, it just puts its hands on the weapon.
MADDOW: from what we see here, these are the charts of the weapons, and understand the situation of the weapons. This is about -
If this is your goal, you need to adjust your technology in a specific place (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? KORSHAYNE(ph): It is -MADDOW: OK. KORSHAYNE(ph): Yes.
You have to know how to load weapons.
The second difference here is (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
What it looks like, what they will go through, and explain that this is something you did wrong with each shooting group.
So on the left, they have breathing and vision (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
The one in the upper right corner is (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
The shooting group was close, but they were everywhere.
They just go through each and every one and if you are using the right one they can show what it should look like (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
MADDOW: and how to diagnose what's wrong with your technology based on what's happening with the goal. KORSHAYNE(ph): Yes. MADDOW: I see.
As far as these young people who are about to join A and A are concerned, do they have any weapons experience before they arrive here, or do they usually know about rifles --
Learning rifles for the first time? KORSHAYNE(ph)
: They have no experience with M-16.
Many of them have had AK-47. MADDOW: Yes. KORSHAYNE(ph)
But it's a very different weapon.
So we have to teach them about M-from the very beginning-16 rifle.
May I ask them some questions?
Woman: Yes.
MADDOW: how many changes in training before 2009?
How did it change from the past to the present? GEN.
Afghan Army aminullah patyani: We have completely changed (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Now, we are training with a new and better device. (END VIDEO CLIP)
What I want to ask is-
What I want to ask is how training changes over time.
What fascinated me was when I asked the Afghan general what he was asking. Patyani there -
What he proposed was that training began in Warsaw.
Russian weapons, AK-
Weapons against NATO, M-16s.
I'm not asking them about weapons.
I asked about extensive training.
That's the question he raised.
Afghans who use American guns
This is a huge deal on the ground. (
Start Video Editing)KORSHAYNE(ph)
They're in M-16s here.
MADDOW: in M-16 -OK. KORSHAYNE(ph)
: When they arrive at the course, I don't think all the classes are filled (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
They are in a transitional period of receiving the United States. S.
We call it NATO weapons. So there is U. S. M-16s or NATO M-16s and (UNINTELLIGIBLE)machine guns. MADDOW: OK. BRIG.
David Patterson, who is in charge of training the Afghan army: emphasis on accuracy rather than spraying the target area.
Yes, that's right. Accuracy.
This is a microcosm because it is a problem in millions of different problems.
But actually-
It says a lot.
You know, you probably don't need to maintain AK either.
You don't need that kind of training to maintain this weapon, but you can never count on the accuracy of NATO weapons.
Patterson: That's right.
MADDOW: it's actually a bigger problem.
What do you need if you have
Patterson: To a certain extent-
Generally, Afghans also have a certain degree of pride because, you know, they have the right modern NATO weapons. MADDOW: Yes.
Patterson: That's the only part.
They feel different.
They're not like the guy on the street with AK. 47. MADDOW: Sure. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Brigadier General David Patterson of NATO is responsible for training Afghan troops for NATO.
I'm not sure if I don't use AK-is there something to be proud?
47 like anyone on the street who uses Americans
It made weapons.
But there must be a big difference between the two. AK-
47 years old is common in that part of the world.
They must be less accurate than Americans. made weapons.
But they are strong.
They are almost indestructible and require little maintenance. (
Start Video Editing)PFC.
Resell Ethan, United States of AmericaS.
Army: It's a bit difficult because you have to take care of them --
But I don't have to worry about taking care of them. MADDOW: Yes.
But actually the most popular option here is AK-47. MADDOW: Yes.
Sublet: So this is almost (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
You can hardly clean it up. MADDOW: Wow.
If you can choose AK-47 or M-4 (UNINTELLIGIBLE)
Which would you choose?
Sublet: probably AK-47.
Yes. what about you? SGT.
YERIAL Barbosa, U. S. ARMY: M-4.
You will have M-4? How come? BARBOSA: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
Do you have a romantic attachment? 4?
BARBOSA: usually, M4s is better than AK-47. MADDOW: Yes.
They do have a bigger round. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Two American soldiers set out from two different angles.
One said he liked AK better.
Some people say he likes his weapons better.
Legitimate politics
Knocking from Russia or Russia
Weapons like AK
NATO weapons, M-16s, M-4s.
Your rifle politics depends on your personal taste, training, and goals.
But your rifle politics is also a political issue, and the best friend in politics is of course money.
Afghanistan's economy is about $14 billion a year. $14 billion.
The training budget for Afghan security forces last year was about $9 billion.
This year is about $10 billion.
It's about $11 billion next year.
So, on average, $10 billion a year, training security forces-
In a country with an overall economy of $10 billion a year, $14 billion a year.
Richard Engel of NBC reported these training budgets for us.
They have never been reported in the United States. S. media.
So have your own news.
It's your scoop, but it's your problem.
When you make $10billion-a-
Agency in $14-billion-a-
A year's country, what impact does this have on that country?
We are building a military-led Afghanistan.
If the Western countries provide $10 billion to the military there, it will dwarf the rest of the country's institutions.
It is not possible for the agency to eventually be restricted by any civil authority.
It may not be the worst thing in the world, but our goal is achieved inadvertently. Even if the U. S.
The combat mission in Afghanistan is over today, I haven't spoken to anyone from any country, no Afghan officials, no NATO officials, no US officialsS.
I think we will stop building Afghan troops soon. (
Start Video Editing)
Patterson: but relatively good. MADDOW: Yes. PATERSON: Yes. I met (UNINTELLIGIBLE). MADDOW: Yes.
Of course, when talking to Afghan officials earlier, they were-
You know, they know very well that this is a very important part of making this --
The strength of the Afghan National Army.
Of course, it raises the question of whether the scale of power is sustainable for governments with such small GDP. PATERSON: Yes.
This is a problem.
I think NATO, the United States may include that particular bill (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
MADDOW: from what the American public thinks about America's role here and what we think about as part of this alliance --
Obviously, this NATO training mission, do you think that what is happening now is sustainable in Afghanistan?
Only the environment?
After the coalition leaves, will Afghanistan itself be able to maintain the training required by such a large police force? BRIG. GEN.
Anne McDonald of DEPCMDR.
For police development: Well, that's exactly what we're trying to do, is to lay the groundwork for being able to train leaders.
We are now very concerned about the development of leaders.
We are investing in literacy for youth police and army soldiers who recognize that this is the cornerstone of building the foundation here.
If we can get them to read and write, they are not only better police and army soldiers, but also better citizens, and then they can take the gift and pass it on.
It will take time for them to maintain this.
We believe they can do it.
Fiscal sustainability is another problem now. MADDOW: Yes.
MacDonald: how can they afford this?
The answer is that the alliance will stand here shoulder to shoulder --to-
Shoulder for a while.
MADDOW: Shona ba shona (ph)-
Shoulder to shoulder.
If all goes well, we are building an Afghanistan in which the army is the dominant body and will be supported even if we need to reach the Western $10 billion per year.
But keep in mind that we have now insured their expenses in the USmade weapons.
America, taxes when you work(
Business break)
MADDOW: that's what we do tonight.
The "Countdown to Keith albeman" is now on.
This is a report card in a hurry.
This copy may not be in final form and may be updated.
End Copyright 2010 roll call
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