American Soldier: Some Thoughts on Tommy Franks' Book

self | 8/19/04 | LS

[BloomNTn]

Thank you for this thread! I am a housewife with little interest in military things, but for some reason I bought this book at Sam's. I'm halfway through and it is excellent. Franks subtlety insults Clinton's "pinprick" military actions and you get he idea that he didn't respect many of Clinton's people. Are the modern day Democrats capable of running the military? They are too into social "touchy-feely" things to ever run a war.

I think Franks gives Bush the praise and respect Bush deserves. I respect Bush even more after reading this book. Bush is a man's man and lets the military do their job. Did anyone know Bush smokes cigars? That was a surprise to me. I appreciate Franks' honesty and frankness, even though a few statements seemed to be over the top like when he claimed on Sept. 7, 2001 that the thing that kept him awake at night was, "A terrorist attack against the World Trade Center in New York…"

I almost hesitated to buy this book after Franks' comment that Kerry was "fit for command." Why did he make that statement? Kerry doesn't seem like the kind of real man Franks would respect. Overall, this is a well written, interesting book and a great vacation read. I can't wait to finish it this weekend.

[LS]

I can't recall, but I don't think Franks "dissed" a single soldier in the book, including some he disagreed with like Powell or Schwartzkopf. So it would be out of character for him (like McCain) to question another soldier. Don't worry. I have a feeling we may see him at the RNC.