Newsmax Pulls Column Calling For Military Coup Against Obama (UPDATED)

Yesterday, conservative website Newsmax posted a column by frequent contributor John L. Perry entitled “Obama Risks a Domestic Military ‘Intervention,’” justifying the possibility of using military force against President Obama. But by today, the article had disappeared from the site without comment, although the headline still appears in a search for Perry (screenshot below). Luckily, Gawker’s political writer Alex Pareene was quick enough to snag his own screenshot of the entire piece. And it’s a doozy! 

In it, Perry was clear about his ideas from the beginning, wasting no words and coming right out to say what he meant:

There is a remote, although gaining, possibility America’s military will intervene as a last resort to resolve the “Obama problem.” Don’t dismiss it as unrealistic.

But he moves on quickly from outlandish claim to detailed fantasy:

Imagine a bloodless coup to restore and defend the Constitution through an interim administration that would do the serious business of governing and defending the nation. Skilled, military-trained, nation-builders would replace accountability-challenged, radical-left commissars. Having bonded with his twin teleprompters, the president would be detailed for ceremonial speech-making.

And for Perry, lest you think his line of reasoning dramatic or illegal, this is a legitimate action and viable possibility:

Unthinkable? Then think up an alternative, non-violent solution to the Obama problem. Just don’t shrug and say, “We can always worry about that later.”

Non-violent opposition, he says, is practically impossible. Just you try to think up an alternative! Not only is this sort of tea-bagger’s wet dream intellectually stunted — it’s dangerous and threatening, devised out of anger and a lack of any rational ideas. And for those whooping about the sanctity of the Constitution, could there be anything less democratic than a military coup?

But far more egregious than the article’s ridiculous premise is its sly removal without so much as a statement. Doesn’t Newsmax realize the internet is forever? When Mediaite called the Newsmax office for comment about the sudden deletion, we were told by a receptionist that we could “comment on the website.” After asking to speak with an editor we were told that everyone was at lunch and that editors “usually don’t talk on the phone” but that she would take our information and pass along our request. We will update this space with any comment from Perry or Newsmax.

UPDATE: MediaMatters has the following statement from Newsmax:

In a blog posting to Newsmax John Perry wrote about a coup scenario involving the U.S. military. He clearly stated that he was not advocating such a scenario but simply describing one.

After several reader complaints, Newsmax wanted to insure that this article was not misinterpreted. It was removed after a short period after being posted.

Newsmax strongly believes in the principles of Constitutional government and would never advocate or insinuate any suggestion of an activity that would undermine our democracy or democratic institutions.

Mr. Perry served as a political appointee in the Carter administration in HUD and FEMA. He has no official relationship with Newsmax other than as an unpaid blogger.

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