Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Time To Go...........

Just heard on the news that General Stanley McChrystal shot off his mouth a bit too much to Rolling Stone magazine and has been called back to the White House to consult with the Light Bringer.

Let me start out by saying I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the General. His leadership and wisdom has made a bad situation in Afghanistan much better.

To put it bluntly, however he has screwed the pooch with his comments. What he said, while it may very well be true, and I more than likely agree with 99% of his conclusions, he had no business stating them publicly. A soldier's duty is to receive and follow orders, Period. If at any time, a soldier can not in good faith follow his orders, he should state so and take the consequences. I firmly believe in civilian control of the military. Without it, America would have been just another 3rd world tinpot military dictatorship with Presidential elections held after a bit of unauthorized target practice at the Presidential palace.

America has in the past had these difficulties before. Washington at New Windsor Cantonment, President Truman vs. Douglas MacArthur in Korea. All done to assure civilian control of the Military. Again, our country could not survive any other way. McChrystal should be relieved of his command.

1 comment:

Geodkyt said...

Amen, Mike. This old NCO agrees.

Best result for the Republic? Obama publicly fires him, but allows him to retire in grade. Then Obama fights the war teh way McCrystal wants it fought.

Principle preserved, but pragmatism also served. A Twofer.