Rumsfeld Blasts Top Brass

ny daily news ^ | 3.29.2 | RICHARD SISK

[kayak]

Or, perhaps, the media have created a story where they wanted one. Frankly, after reading the transcript, I certainly would not say that Rumsfeld "blasted" anyone.

The media have their own agenda and will go to any lengths to push it.

[quimby]

If someone in the current administration had actually served in the military (except powell) things might be running a bit more smoothly.

Sure, algores vast military experience was a big factor, and Sec Def. cohens vast military experience was a huge factor, too.

Sorry, troll, leadership is not an issue here.

[Antoninus]

Well I don't know if we ought to be broadcasting shortages, real or imagined. I was surprised Rummy dressed them down in public but he was asked about it and Rummy always answers if it isn't about secret stuff.

Hmmmm. Maybe it's all mis-information? My guess is that if this were really the case and these two guys blabbed about it publicly, they'd have been quietly replaced a week or so from now, rather than dressed down so publicly.

Honestly, I'm wary of anything that happens publicly. We'll figure out what the administration's war plans are only when we click on the TV and see that the bombing has commenced in Iraq. For the record, I predict a late summer campaign....

[veryconernedamerican]

you are not completely correct on this congress in affect did declare war, on terrorism. don't try to nit pick on this, the green light has been given by congress.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thanks for posting that picture. Tears and prayers for the brave Navy Seal and for those he left behind.

[stands2reason]

It'd be gone, because our enemies would know just how to destroy it!

[Grampa Dave]

You ignorant pos>

Rummy was a combat pilot as well as serving in the defense department before. GW was a jet jockey, and there are others.

This admiral and general are the pos that you are!

Our military is running better than it has since WWII, and that is driving you up the wall!

Read the transcript of this meeting, and you might learn something!

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Correct. We are in, however, a "War on Terrorism" - which means we have not declared war against any country - yet. And while what happened in Viet Nam and Korea and Kuwait were not official "wars" - we were fighting a deadly enemy - just as we are now. That is the point.

[RetiredArmy]

I think Rummy was sending a very big message here. Keep your big mouth's shut in public! Remember, it is he and important others who submit names for higher promotion when it comes to "stars."

[Grampa Dave]

The terrorists declared war on us on 9/11. We are just responding, but don't let that get in the way.

[clintonh8r]

Time for Kernan and Natter to retire.

[Robert_Paulson2]

I think we are dealing with different kinds of personality types.

Some folks equate being busy, with being stressed out, tired, sore, worn out... at the very end of their rope. To them happiness is a day at the office copier.

Other folks equate being busy, with meeting a mission in life, doing a great job, getting things done, enjoying their work (even if it is slitting throats), and absolutely LOVE what they do... and warriors actually LIKE war, KILLING the enemy, BREAKING things, SNAPPING spines and honoring their families, nation and friends by laying their lives down EVERY DAY.

During the Clinton years, a LOT of the first kind of folks made advances in their careers. These are the "coffee shop" promotions. I think it is safe to say that these clowns are NOT going to progress any further. We need to call back some of our older warriors, and insist these idiotic pukes resign. Today.

A question or two for you. Who in the military does NOT know to keep the pie hole shut during a time of war? PERIOD?

And HOW the hell did these ever guys get an officer's commision to begin with?

Do you think this could possibly be a contrived "spat" for international consumption? I hope so.

[Almondjoy]

I think you don't tell the world that our troops are too tired to fight.

[Robert_Paulson2]

I am wondering... are we in point of fact, COUNTING on their listening? With 1-2 million muslims here in America, this could be a "public gaffe" for islamic consumption worldwide. Otherwise we look pretty stupid. Having to tell our top folks to shut up.

The military men I have in proximity to me, cannot wait to get orders. Look forward to doing their job, winning the war, and kicking the bad guys arses, wherever they are sent. To a man.

Why would we be telling the evil axis that we are incompetent, tired, unprepared and at our wits end, unless the "game were afoot?" I just don't get it. That MAY be a good thing. heh heh.

[ImpBill]

I like what wardaddy said. Besides even if the information was factual it should not be disclosed in open sessions of congress. It should be reserved for classified sessions.

Remember on each reply form here on FR is the slogan "Loose lips sink ships." That saying is definitely aimed at this type of blunder made by these senior officers.

Military Readiness should be discussed with Congress by Rummy. PERIOD Oh to be sure he could carry along any "stars" he wished, but decissions to discuss readiness should be his alone, and I am quite certain not only these two officers know that but every other officer in uniform. They should have know it before they shot their mouths off.

[Mo1]

"Reprimands are usually done in private for going off the reservation," he said.

Times are a changing and when the Top Brass shoots off their fat mouths and put not only they military in danager but also all Americans in danager then they should be blasted for it ..

Good for Rummy

[kayak]

Another quote from the press conference:

Rumsfeld: Well, first, I don't believe some of the CINCs did say, quote, "that the American troops are overextended and exhausted." There may have been a CINC who said it. And there's no question but that if you looked around the world, you could find a troop or two who's tired, and with good reason. They've been doing a great job.

But I think it would be a fundamental misunderstanding for him to think or for anyone to take his words and believe that the men and women in uniform around the world for the United States would even begin to fit that characterization. They don't. Those of you have been out and talked to them, you know that. You know they're up. Their morale is high. They're doing a great job. They're proud of what they're doing. They recognize the importance of what they're doing. And it's a disservice to them to leave that impression, in my view.

[The italics are, obviously, mine to emphasize an important distinction that Rumsfeld made.]

[gov_bean_ counter]

Something very strange is going on here. Three weeks ago the ASACW (Assistant SecArmy Civil Works) is sent to Congress to defend the President's civil works budget. He does just the opposite. Complained that the Corps of Engineers would lose jobs and the mission would not be fulfilled. Now these two are in front of a non-secure House panel discussing manpower and ordnance issues. Even this civy knows those topics are off limits. The Army (of course) and the Air Force are huge COE customers. (Don't know if this is connected). However, what I don't understand is the apparent lack of appreciation of the appropriate use of the "Chain of Command" and the use of discretion in the discussing of sensitive issues.

Also there is the spectre of Kerry complaining about admin decisions last week.

[monday]

"This could have been put out in some type of security briefing in private without TELLING THE BAD GUYS what OUR STATUS IS!"

Perhaps they didn't think a congressional House Panel were the bad guys. Should have know better I suppose. Incidently this looks like a security briefing to me. Were they supposed to lie to them?

I know congressional Reps lie to everyone else, but it might be that they thought they were doing the right thing by being honest. Would it be asking to much for the Congressional Reps to keep their mouths shut?