Alexander Haig, former secretary of state, dies

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6876752.html ^ | 02/20/2010 | AP

[tsmith130]

WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, who served Republican presidents and ran for the office himself, has died.

[Highway55]

Rest in peace, General Haig.
Thank you for your service.

[kacres]

I really liked him. Now I have a question...Does a former Sec. of State, and 4 star General get to be (not sure if this wording is correct) buried in Arlington, but also final veiwing in the rotunda? Sorry if wording is wrong..just some thoughts that crossed my mind.

[Admin Moderator]

Please refrain from profanity.

[LadyPilgrim]

Amen...

[DannyTN]

I remember before the fall of the Soviet Union, when General Haig called Russia a “miserable failure” by any reasonable standard. He was clearly anticipating the fall.

[LadyPilgrim]

I agree...thank you...

[Mouton]

Amen

[myprecious]

Agreed. He was a complex man and those were complex times. There are opportunities for multiple interpretations.

[EDINVA]

get over yourself already.

Genl Haig’s reputation stands on its own. He made one unfortunate remark that was phrased incorrectly and wildly misinterpreted as to its meaning. That’s just fact.

[Never on my watch]

His intent was to establish a measure of calm reassurance over chaos, for the watching public.

It also gave a reason for the Soviets to keep their missiles in the silos. It was a very dangerous time.

[newnhdad]

The man had some epic confrontations with Alan Colmes when he was with Hannity..

[TalBlack]

“While I am sure that he was a genuine patriot and hero in so many ways, and he deserves credit for those things...that moment was quite unfortunate.

But hey, we should get used to people claiming authority when they have no business doing so.”

You are an ass. You counterbalance General Haigs’ entire life and accomplishments with a moment in a chaotic room of shouted demands and questions AND THEN compare him to Obama!? Wow.

[Yorlik803]

Like all great Military men, he should have stayed out of the beltway swamp and stayed in, retired and became a writer or advisor.
RIP Gen Haig. You were a great man and hero of the country.. Tell President Reagan we miss him.

[usconservative]

He was trying to calm things down IN THAT ROOM. The press was offended that he was trying to settle them down. The quote was twisted into a broad statement as though he was overthowing the presidency. As I watched it live, I was amazed how fast the press turned against him. He was trying to maintain calm in the storm of chaos in that room.

I remember watching the press conference and thinking much the same thing. You know it's a real tragedy in this country when a good man like General Alexander Haig who served this country honorbly and with distinction is taken out of context and pilloried by the media, democrats and sometimes republican's alike for no other reason than to make themselves feel better about themselves and smarter than everyone else. This is why the lamestream media (as I've called it since 1990...) has been losing the American public ....

RIP General Haig, prayers of condolence and our Lord's protection over his family during their time of grieving.

[Madame Dufarge]

For most federal officeholders, lying in state is the rare honor granted by the United States to a deceased official wherein his or her remains are placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., for public viewing. The casket is guarded by members of the armed forces. By regulation and custom, only Presidents, military commanders, and members of Congress are granted the honor of lying in state. Except for Presidents and former Presidents, the honor is not automatic.

Lying in State in Capitol Rotunda

[buccaneer81]

but the whole “...I am in control here” stank to high heaven of coup d'etat.

You have no idea what you're talking about. The man made a poor choice of words while under pressure.

Put your tinfoil hat away and read about that day in 1981.

[Theodore R.]

Also scorned by the American people who feared his dour demeanor

[usconservative]

...that moment was quite unfortunate.

What's unfortunate is that you've bought into the media lie behind what Haig said and the context in which he said it, and because you don't understand the difference continue to propagate the media lie.....

That's what's unfortunate. Stop trashing a good man.

[sheikdetailfeather]

I remember it too. With his military training and experience he would not be a shrinking violet but rather, a leader in an emergency. I salute him for all his military service to our country and for serving our country under so many presidents. Prayers sent up for all his loved ones in this time of loss.

[US Navy Vet]

Roger!