President Obama needs to have a serious heart-to-heart with his generals. Reminding them in no uncertain terms that we have a civilian-led military, and that their job is to carry out the mission as defined by those civilian leaders, in particular the commander-in-chief--no questions asked, and no personal opinion tolerated unless it is requested. Period. Apparently they didn't get the message when McChrystal was fired resigned.
General Conway is scheduled to retire this fall. That schedule needs to be moved up just a bit. Like to tomorrow. Anotherfiring resignation is in order here, and as many more as it takes until the military understands who's in charge, and until they learn how to show due respect to their commander-in chief.
"The top U.S. Marine general made a sharp departure from the White House's talking points on Afghanistan, saying President Barack Obama's promised July 2011 deadline to start withdrawing troops from the country had given "sustenance" to the Taliban.
"We know the president was talking to several audiences at the same time when he made his comments on July 2011," Gen. James Conway told reporters on Tuesday. "In some ways, we think right now it's probably giving our enemy sustenance....In fact, we've intercepted communications that say, 'Hey, you know, we only have to hold out for so long.'"
General Conway is scheduled to retire this fall. That schedule needs to be moved up just a bit. Like to tomorrow. Another
We are suppose to have a civilian led military, however look at how much we go to war and how much we spend on the military. Sorry people, but we are a militaristic society controlled by corporatism.
It is all well and good to pretend we are a democracy, but lets stop fooling ourselves.
I would subpoena the "intercepted communications". I don't believe that. It is a campaign talking point.
Obviously we need to re-do the old saying to:
"Old generals never die, they just put their foot in their mouth."
These guys must hold MacArthur in high regard. If I recall, Truman had a little touble with him.
The generals need to quit giving their personal opinions to reporters. Period. I am certain that President Obama knows enough to know that he doesn’t know that much about military strategy. He studied political science and law in college, after all. That’s why he has advisors and why some of those advisors are generals. General Conway’s assessment may very well be correct, but I would think that a seeming lack of respect for authority by our military leaders would make us look even weaker. I also think General Conway should know that.
Unbelievable. Just freaking unbelievable. Can we court-martial these guys for stupidity?
I'm amazed at the (poor) conduct of these Senior Officers, McChrystal and now Conway. Imagine a young Corporal or Lt. making that statement about their Commanding General, much less the Platoon Sgt. or Company Commander. There would be hell to pay and rightly so.
Here's a simple message for the General:
Sir, you know better. Follow orders and don't complain. If you must disagree, resign and then make your comments.
Outrageous! Out with him!