Rumsfeld Apologists Never Say He was Correct

[louis c]

I've noticed from the chorus of guarded support for Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld (and by extension, President Bush) that no one says "that was a great decision to invade Iraq and a great battle plan that was devised."

It seems that the criticism centers around the opinion that Generals should never disagree publicly with their civilian superiors, even when they are retired.

Now, it seems like we will have another KKKarl Rove political attack against these critics, complete with Pentagon memos (talking points).

Link:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/04/17/rumsfeld_gets_more_backing_over_iraq/

[xultar]

1. True. Unfortunately kool-aid drinkers don't recongise that fact.

[atreides1]

2. Not only kool-aid drinkers

But those like General Myers, who have family members working for BushCo.

[C_U_L8R]

3. In a way, they are right

the real blame goes to Bush,
Rumsfield is his surrogate.

[BlueEyedSon]

4. Bush? Try Cheney... Bush is a Cheney surrogate!

[Atman]

5. Bush has no power, except in public perception

That is his job. If Bush goes before the camera and says "Rummy must go," then the public hears it and says, oh, okay. But that is his entire purpose, to cheerlead for those pulling his strings, Cheney and Rumsfeld. The only thing Bush can be blamed for is being stupid. And even that probably has more to do with Bar's drinking during pregnancy.

[louis c]

6. "scapegoat"

Rumsfeld's supporters have used the word "Scapegoat" in referring to Rumsfeld.

Isn't that term used to pin the blame on someone for a FAILURE?

Are they admitting that the policy in Iraq is a failure or the strategy is a failure or both.

And if Rumsfeld is a "scapegoat" for this apparent failure then who is really to blame?

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. Words only mean

what they mean for them to mean.

They make the definition of "is" sound straighforward.

[C_U_L8R]

11. Bush is Commander in Chief

whether that's just an honorary title or not...
BUSH is responsible and should be held accountable.
He weasels out of everything by feigning to be a nitwit.
Well.. nitwit or not... I want to see some asskicking around here.
Someone fucked that war up and OUR people are dying for it.
If the Chimp is truly held responsible... the rest will go down.

[louis-t]

8. The other talking point you hear is:

"Well, I didn't hear them complaining BEFORE they retired."

[louis c]

9. Of course not

If they disagreed publicly, that would be grounds for dismissal.

MacArthur and Truman 1949.

[Avalux]

10. I caught a retired AF LtCol this morning berating the Generals -

Can't think of the guy's name; he was on MSNBC. Anyway - he questioned why these Generals have come out all at once, and also said they're damaging troop morale and shame on them.

The swiftboating is underway.