"Retired military officers on Monday bluntly accused Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld of bungling the war in Iraq, saying U.S. troops were sent to fight without the best equipment and that critical facts were hidden from the public."
These are professional soldiers, whom i keep hearing the right call them Republicans.
Ouch!
2006-09-25 18:06:02 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
They are not all retired. I've seen Naval officers (in uniform) boo him.
But then, I heard an Admiral refer to Bush as President Dickweed.
And, sadly, I've seen too many young men and women at Walter Reed AMC who have legitimate complaints
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barrettinn -
Wouldn't you agree that it's hard to find an upside to just defending yourself and the foreign geography you happened to end up at. I never saw a positive, but then, I only saw a civil war coming - and they haven't even started in on the Kurds yet - and then there is Turkey - and Syria, who doesn't much care for the Kurds either - and then there is all that oil in northern Iraq.
The only thing that can unite the Sunni and Shia will be a temporary alliance to reclaim the oil fields.
Then they return to the war they've waited so long for.
Did I mention Iran....
If ever there was a rats' nest.
2006-09-25 18:12:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am a retired military officer and have been a Republican since I turned 21 many years ago. I opposed this war in Iraq from day one for I knew what was going to happen. It is not the military that is losing this war it is the politicians. It is Vietnam all over again where the politicians will not listen to those of who know what they are doing.
I do not think Rumsfeld is incompetent. I think he is being kept on a very short lease by an administration that wants to have its cake and eat it too. They want to win but they do not want to do what is necessary to win.
World War II lasted three and a half years in Europe and three years 8 months in the Pacific. And when it was over it was over because both enemies were totally destroyed. This has dragged on and on and on with no end in sight because our weak kneed politicians do not have the will to win. If we do not have the will to totally destroy our enemy then we do not need to be sending Americas young men and women in harms way.
2006-09-25 18:26:09 · answer #2 · answered by barrettins 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is disingenous and lazy for Rumsfeld to say that he never heard any complaints from generals on active duty since the war in Iraq began in 2003. From what I have read, Rumsfeld doesn't take criticism too well - he can fire any officer at any time he wants. So the only time these leaders are able to voice their displeasure, and with attribution, is after they retire.
I hope that even more generals and admirals, active and retired, speak up about the lack of leadership in the Secretary of Defense's office. Rumsfeld thinks he knows it all, and doesn't listen to anyone who disagrees with him.
2006-09-25 18:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The retired military officers have the right to vilify Rummy for the mess he helped caused in this illegal war and subsequent occupation in Iraq. Just let them say whatever they want to!
2006-09-25 18:49:50 · answer #4 · answered by brian 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am glad that they are stepping up and being heard. I only wish that more officers and soldiers would do this while serving, but I know that is practically impossible to do without losing their job.
2006-09-26 08:29:14 · answer #5 · answered by Patricia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
America is a free country and they are entitled to entertain any opinion they prefer. Hindsight is always 20/20 however, and it is no great strain to criticize those who have to make important critical decisions, especially if you are thinking of getting cozy with some political group for whatever reason. I noted that no one who thought Rummy did a good or even adequate job was invited to speak on what appears to me to be a VERY political partisan anti-war committee (as in we-will-do-ANYTHING-to-
get-that-%$#@ed-Bush).
2006-09-25 18:13:27 · answer #6 · answered by Mad Roy 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
He is retired & has the right to speak his mind. Others have been saying the same thing and no one listened. Now maybe, I doubt it, but just maybe someone will listen.
" Poor Bush, he would not be such a wolf if the Americans weren't such sheep"- Paraphrased from "Julius Caesar"
2006-09-25 18:15:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Amen! it truly is an impressive submit and thanks for it! My husband is a Vietnam vet, my dad fought in WWII contained in the Pacific, and numerous relatives individuals in my relatives were contained in the civil conflict and WWI. i'm so pleased with all of our military and thank them each danger i'm getting. between the suitable techniques to honor our military is to be sturdy voters ourselves - through obeying guidelines and respecting those who serve and guard. God bless you and your husband.
2016-11-24 19:30:42 · answer #8 · answered by meske 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GWB should have accepted Rumsfeld's resignation when he offered it. GWB is letting personal loyalty screw up his legacy.
2006-09-25 19:07:12 · answer #9 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it shows that sometimes the obvious is so clear that even the blind can see it. runsfeld never served in a war. He makes me sick
2006-09-25 18:10:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋