How about having Powell replace Rumsfeld?

[da loser]

powell is akin to the middle easterners that live with terrorists nearby. they know who they are, but don't tell anyone.

if you condemn powell, then you must also say that those people deserve death and are not innocent bystanders.

quite frankly, you can't blame rumsfeld or powell. their job is to enact the wishes of the president. not to do as they see fit. unfortunately, the american public didn't feel as yall do, and re-elected bush.

 

[ntdz]

I'd support that, but Powell will never come back...

 

[blackangst1]

You guys are forgetting the most important and relevant reason Powell will not be Sec of Def...he isnt eligible. From Wikipedia:

The United States Secretary of Defense is the head of the United States Department of Defense, concerned with the armed services and military matters. The Secretary is appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate, and is a member of the Cabinet. By statute the secretary must be a civilian who has not served in the active component of the armed forces for at least 10 years (10 USC Sec. 113).

 

[conjur]

Well, he retired in 1993, right? 2006-1993 = 13.....13 > 10

 

[blackangst1]

Was it really that long ago? ack how time flies

 

[CaptnKirk]

Originally posted by: blackangst1
Was it really that long ago? ack how time flies

. . . when you're in a coma . . .

 

[da loser]

newshour had an interesting conversation with gen. keane vs. lawrence korb about the generals speaking up.

keane's position is that it's not right, like powell. his reasoning is that there is a separation between the military and political process. and when the military interferes in political decisions, it erodes the separation and apolitical nature of the military which gives it its reverence by the american public. however, he also says the military screwed up by not considering the possibility of guerilla warfare and purging the military of guerilla tactics after vietnam. he basically says the same thing as the generals apart from casting blame on rumsfeld. Also, it's the first time, i've heard the military saying they screwed up in iraq.

It brings up an interesting dilemma. If generals participate in political decisions, they end up becoming politicians. However, if they don't, then those decisions can negatively affect their performance, thus leading to failure.