AP sources: Gates plans to retire June 30

[Viva_La_Revolution]

Source: AP/KEPR

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is making it official, telling staff and key lawmakers that he plans to retire on June 30.

Officials close to the situation tell the Associated Press that Gates is describing his plans ahead of a White House announcement that CIA Director Leon Panetta will be the president's choice to replace Gates.


Read more: http://www.keprtv.com/news/national/120803109.html

[Kolesar]

1. Room for improvement in that position! eom

[pasto76]

2. If you call "improvement" someone who will keep feeding that fat pig of defense...

I literally stopped my car and danced a jig around it when I heard Rummey had resigned. Sec Gates has done a SUPERB job. He has streamlined a lot of things. He PUSHED FOR REPEAL OF DADT. He axed the F22 raptor, "future warrior" system and billions of other worthless, never going to field systems to put more money into the war budget - hold on, he has actually tried to pay the bills. Stopping the wars is not up to him.

Im very apprehensive to see he is resigning. I hope someone similar to him is appointed.

SGT PASTO

[Kolesar]

3. I liked that he axed those weapons systems, but we need to axe much more

I like his proposal to end that overstaffed European military presence.

Gates' budget plan was actually a slightly growing defense budget. There is no need for that. We can cut personnel costs now that we are withdrawing from Iraq.

Congressmen Frank and Paul recommended the end of the B-52/B-1B nuclear saturation bomber fleet and a number of other programs.

There was a proposal in the Progressive Caucus (Congressman Grivaldi?) that proposed cutting about 280 Billion from the defense budget. Those are the kind of cuts that are needed. Thanks.