Stars & Stripes letters: Dissent is patriotic/Retired generals courageous

[lebkuchen]

I will add these to The List of similar "Stripes" letters critical of the Bush administration, found here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/18/45138/421

Dissent is patriotic

In “Pace: Generals had chance to oppose war plan” (article, Stars and Stripes, April 13, Europe/Mideast http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=35574&archive=true), Gen. Peter Pace said “in the run up to the war we had then and we have now, the opportunity to speak our minds. And if we do not, shame on us because the opportunity is there. It is solicited from us.”

Recent revelations from retired Marine Lt. Gen. Gregory Newbold, retired Marine Gen. Tony Zinni and others offer some explanation about conditions permeating the Pentagon in the run-up to war in Iraq; an implicit claim that an environment of retribution existed that fostered timidity among the top brass. But dissent and criticism did exist. The Army’s former chief of staff, Gen. Eric K. Shinseki spoke his mind and he got fragged.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice claims tactical mistakes were made and in the same April 13 issue retired Army Gen. Colin Powell claims strategic mistakes were inherent in the pre-invasion plan — “we didn’t have enough boots on the ground. We didn’t impose our will.”

Seems a shame that the same folks who are validating Shinseki’s congressional testimony for a 200,000 to 300,000 invasion force did not express those views when he was vilified for dissenting from the “widely” shared opinion in the Pentagon that our military would encounter light resistance and only required a force of about 100,000.

It’s clear the rebukes Shinseki was dealt by senior Pentagon leadership in voicing his opinion of “Gen. Tommy Frank’s plan” in open congressional inquiry substantiate claims some retired generals have made, the Pentagon’s current “cavalier and arrogant” civilian management style, then and now, needs to be transformed so they can win not only future military campaigns but also the nation’s trust, which through Pace’s own admission they are struggling to regain.

John F. Kulick
Kaiserslautern, Germany


Retired generals courageous

Regarding recent articles about retired generals calling for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation: “Whatever our commanders on the ground tell us they need, they will get.” So sayeth (and repeateth and repeateth) the Bush administration and its secretary of defense.

Unfortunately, with time, this mantra has become more and more hollow, political and fabricated. America is learning the truth from firsthand sources, generals involved directly with the invasion of Iraq and the war. This “revelation” is a significant “vote” of no confidence, with the military starting to express a public voice of mistrust for the present civilian leadership at the Pentagon.

Civilian control of the military is mandatory for our American democracy to move forward and succeed. However, the perversion of this civilian control for partisan, political purposes cannot be tolerated. History will show that these courageous although unusual actions by our retired generals are worthy of the designation “profiles in courage.”

Saul B. Wilen
CEO, International Horizons Unlimited
San Antonio

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=36612

[dweller]

1. thanks! Rec'd.

and cross-posted: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x205111

dp

[lebkuchen]

4. Thanks for posting it, dweller!

I hadn't seen it posted, but I agree w/you, it's worth a read.

[chookie]

2. LebK:

I always look forward to your posts and find them enlightening and reassuring that the US military has not lost its mind, as the civilian leaders of the Monkey administration has.

There is much wisdom among the ranks, and it is humbling and gratifying.

I pray that those of us outside military service will effect the election that can provide sane leadership for our military. It is my fervent goal.

I salute you, Sir -- as I do whenever I read one of your valuable posts. Just want you to know that....

[lebkuchen]

3. Chookie

Thanks so much for your kind words.

I love reading the thoughtful letters written by members of the military community as well. They restore my faith in America.