Kiss My A–: MSNBC host decried for take on veterans, terrorism and border security
MSNBC’s Joy Reid ignited a firestorm on social media with a divisive tweet that questioned the motivations of veterans who served in the United States military and implied that many may have joined up for nefarious reasons. The tweet also drew parallels between terrorism and terrorism-fighting operations along the southern border.
On Monday, Reid tweeted, “When you’re saying that you serve your country for the freedom, you’re wrong. You do it for a paycheck, benefits, and sometimes, to kill people. Not for freedom.”
The tweet, which has been met with widespread criticism, prompted many to come to the defense of veterans who have served their country. “As a veteran myself, I am appalled and offended by your tweet,” said one commenter on Twitter. “We didn’t join the military for a ‘paycheck or benefits’ – we did it because we were called to serve something greater than ourselves.”
Reid’s tweet was also criticized for its perceived divisiveness and inflammatory language. Another commenter wrote, “Your tone is completely unnecessary and unbecoming of an MSNBC host. Why can’t you just respectfully disagree with others without resorting to insults and name-calling?”
The criticism didn’t stop there, with many taking to social media to express their disdain for Reid’s take on the U.S. border and efforts to combat terrorism. “Her comparison of law enforcement efforts on the border to terrorism is insulting and irresponsible,” said one user. “Does she think these men and women are ‘terrorists’ as well?”
MSNBC has since faced backlash from veterans and viewers alike, prompting the network to issue a statement in defense of Reid. However, the tweet has sparked a heated debate over the role of the military in society and the motivations of those who serve.