They may be 100% wrong, but they have earned the right once they're out to speak their mind. They have credibility that none of us have earned, since none of us are retired generals. They were in a better position than we to know if Rumsfeld bungled the Iraq occupation and reconstruction.
Why would you even include "they may be 100% wrong" if they have any modicum of credibility? They've earned much respect for what they DID -- past tense.
They demean themselves when they don't preface ALL their comments with "I'm a civilian now, privvy to no intel and know, basically squat, but when I was in charge..."
Anything beyond that is pure speculation and should be treated as such. Every war is different, as THEY will tell you. The middle east is an complicated as any war has ever been. NOTHING simple about it.
I CRINGE when I listen to them. I say, "Please, just go away and shut up, sir." Wesley was PARTICULARLY embarrassing. It's like hearing Muhammad Ali or George Foreman talking about fighting again. PLEASE, just be quiet and go away. Write a friggin' book and spout away, but get off the air with your airs of past glory. They sound just like GAS BAGS. Clinton and Carter come to mind.....just write a book and close mouth. GeezLaWeez.
They were in a better position than we to know if Rumsfeld bungled the Iraq occupation and reconstruction.
Not necessarily.