Posted on 11/14/2008 8:24:25 AM PST by BykrBayb
WASHINGTON (AP) From its humble beginning 33 years ago at Fort Sill, Okla., the career of Ann E. Dunwoody is ascending to a peak never before reached by a woman in the U.S. military: four-star general. At a Pentagon promotion ceremony Friday, Dunwoody was adding a fourth star and later, at Fort Belvoir, Va., her birthplace being sworn in as commander of the Army Materiel Command, responsible for equipping, outfitting and arming all soldiers. Just five months ago, she became the first female deputy commander there.
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I think that you've hit on it.
Are you a veteran?
I am supportive of the troops, and feel the best, most qualified people should get leadership positions. I do not feel anyone should ever be promoted to promote a cause, or because it “breaks the glass ceiling”. That’s crap, and endangers our troops. So the point of your post #62 is wholly meaningless.
If you are supportive of someone based only on sex, race, sexual perversuasion, etc. in because that means you are NOT supportive of the troops.
Supporting 0bama because he’s (half) black is wrong, and thinking this person is a good choice just because she’s female is similarly wrong.
What do you know about Dunwoody? Have you researched this obviously excellent soldier beyond the article, or are your comments based on almost no knowledge of the subject at hand? Is she more or less qualified than the other candidates? I think that’s what a lot of others are feeling as well. Was she really promoted on merit or was some other factor(s) involved?
Exactly, WD. Seems some folks have a difficult time making that obvious distinction.
if I read between the lines, you are saying you are not a Laurie Dhue fan? Ok how about Patty Ann Brown? Or Julie Banderas or Lauren Green?
Yes, I do know a bit about her. That’s why I posted the announcement.
I don’t intend to go back and read all the posts again, and sort out who made what comment. You know what you said, and whether or not it was among the offensive posts.
I believe she’s qualified because of her accomplishments. It never occurred to me that there would be such a backlash from FReepers. I guess I’m naive, but I thought the military presence was strong enough here that I wouldn’t encounter such blatant sexism. The assumption that she couldn’t be qualified because she doesn’t have a woody is something I find extremely offensive.
If you wish to discuss whether or not this was a politically correct move, based on the facts, then that’s obviously not what I was referring to. It’s one thing to question a politician’s motives. It’s quite another to disregard an honorable career in the military with flippant remarks about the soldier’s lack of a penis. That has the effect of insulting all of our troops, male and female. It suggests that nothing a soldier does matters, as long as he has a penis. It dismisses the sacrifices and accomplishments of all soldiers.
There is nothing between the lines. That post was to everyone who had commented up to that point. Some were supportive of the troops, and I thanked them. Some were insulting toward the troops, and I gave them a piece of my mind. I think everyone knows where they stand, and don’t need me to tell them what they said.
Silly, and not worthy of further response.
I’m surprised you believe that. I was under the impression you were interested in her qualifications. I don’t think the sacrifices and accomplishments of our troops are silly at all. I will always find it offensive when anyone rates those sacrifices and accomplishments below the accomplishment of being born with a penis.
See, you are getting your panties all in a wad based solely on the sex of the person in question. Your argument is no different than the people who call me racist because i refused to vote for 0bama, even though I have voted for a black person for president in the past.
I never said “the sacrifices and accomplishments of our troops are silly at all. I believe you are puttting WAY to much into the sex of the person being discussed, and it’s obvious you posted this to whine about any comment that came up questioning why someone would be promoted to the position as being sexist. Now, isn’t that sexist?
I don’t give a damn what sex (race, religion, ec. ad nauseum) the person is, I merely want the most qualified for the spot. Is a logistics person more qualified for the spot than any other candidate?
Are you a veteran?
Strike that last sentence, it should read “Is Dunwoody more qualified for the spot than any other candidate?”
Right, but with no facts, armed only with preconceptions, some have decided that this is a pc promotion, and then proceed to comment as though their opining was fact.
Notable achievement.
Good point.
We were discussing the offensive remarks made on this thread. I am not being sexist by complaining about the insulting remarks about her lack of a penis. If you missed those remarks, go back and look. I see nothing sexist about objecting to that vile crapola.
General Dunwoody deserves the respect due her rank. If you have some evidence that she has stolen the glory, present it. The Army does not hand out rank based on genitalia. Nor should they.
Grow up, and recognize the sacrifices and accomplishments that have kept you free. And quit attacking the messenger.
We can all serve — maybe not all the same, but there has to be some recognition for jobs well done — no matter who does them.
Do I think she should be Gen. Patreus’ (sp?) job — ah, no. Do I think she should hit the top paygrade and the perks that go with it, you betcha’, baby. After that, I don't give a rats petutti.
you’re welcome! It was definitely worth the doing!
Others have legitimately questioned if they have indeed done just that.
By post 13, you were enraged, having gotten exactly what you expected to get in posting this thread.
Grow up? Quit attacking the messenger? I'm not attacking the messenger, I am merely pointing out that you are angry, using a line of logic that is exactly what you are decrying, sexism. Your posts are the most sexist on the whole thread. I despise sexism. When you grow up, you may, too, and will understand what it's like to not be a hypocrite.
Have a nice weekend!
Don't you agree the most qualified person should get the job, regardless of race, gender, etc? That is what others, i truly believe, are questioning.
I highly doubt very many people, men or women, questioned this: http://www.msc.navy.mil/N00p/pressrel/press03/press52a.htm
Worth noting,too: Pope AFB is part of that huge Army post (literally surrounded!). 82nd Airborne has a rich history, and if she’s tough enough to lead a battalion under it, then she’s definitely worthy of those stars she now wears.
Having been in a mostly male environment for 20 years, my deepest respect for any female who continues on serving at a higher rank such as colonel or general officer. Their lives are NOT their own; they have tight schedules, lots of eyes on ‘em, and they’re in a lot of hot spots that others run from. I’ve met my share of good and bad military officers who were in leadership positions. If she’s one of the good ones (and I think she is), then I hope she has a positive impact on the men and women she leads in the Army. Yes, senior leadership jobs in the military are political, just like every other senior CEO or CIO or CFO job in the civilian world. It’s nice to see a good person rise to the top!
“Don’t you agree the most qualified person should get the job, regardless of race, gender, etc?” Yes, sir.
Who’s to say she isn’t the most qualified? There’s no evidence that she wasn’t. I will say, however, I learned long, long, long ago (REALLY long ago), that life isn’t fair.
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