As do I for him and all our troops. But if McChrystal assess this as a recipe for disaster; then it's his patriotic duty to resign his command IMHO. A good commander will not waste men on a causeless fool's errand. The welfare of his men must always come first, regardless of the consequences to himself. A soldier, sailor, or Marine deserve nothing less from their commander(s).
Semper Fi; it means a helluva lot more then Hope and Change does Mr. President!!
I am going to assume for the moment that McC has no political agenda of his own.
By stepping down..his commitment to the safety of his troops would be highlighted.
But would that be interpreted by his troops as abandonment?
I put myself in his place (assuming he is genuine). If I stay, I put many troops at risk. But that will happen if I am replaced. We have a weak CIC. Am I smart enough to fight a war under these circumstances with the limitations imposed on me?
If I go..my limited troops are really vulnerable. I have made a statement..but what about the boots on the ground that are having to fight a war with a change in the ROE? If I go...there is no hope that I will be able to perhaps help my troops with my expertise.
Talk about a rock and a hard spot!
If he does, then our Marxist Media will not stop until they destroy him. The Justice Department will hunt him down and find some uncrossed t's and destroy him. And the Republicans will run for cover.