BAGHDAD, Iraq - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iraqi leaders on Thursday they have limited time to settle their differences and that the escalating waves of violence are intolerable.
so Condi goes to Baghdad on a "surprise"visit"
Just curious as to how the military feels about this woman who, as of late seems to be losing her touch. also we were told early on that military handpicks which soldiers they want as 'backdrops' when someone like Condi visits. True?
2006-10-05 19:40:18 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Personally, I don't care either way. Secretary of State or some other big hat like SecDef in country? If he's not visiting the FOB I'm at, I'm happy. That means no extra details, no restrictions on going to the DFAC, Food Court of PX, no Sergeant Majors and First Sergeants running around trying to burn every loose piece of string on everyone's uniforms so no one looks out of place. VIP visits are wacky, even if you do like whoever it is that's paying a courtesy call. I remember when the President came to speak at my installation in 2002 right before a major holiday and we all had to cram into a stadium. That was a cluster if there ever was one.
As for the members being handpicked, yes. They take people with clean uniforms, and a mix of usually the tallest members of each unit, or those who have earned the right through being most decorated etc. Do you think we're putting some supply clerk whose sole contribution has been going back and forth to Burger King and the PX getting fat, without a clean uniform to his name, on national television?
I concur that as of late she seems to be losing her touch, but I wonder if she really did have a "touch" as you call it, on par with the likes of James Baker or Warren Christopher. I don't work with her on a personal level so my commentary is strictly restricted to what she's written for the likes of the Council of Foreign Relations vis-a-vis what her accomplishments are to date. She certainly has the toughest job in the Cabinet right now, without a doubt.
2006-10-06 05:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by Nat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is always cool when someone comes to visit. Back in the day VP Gore came to visit us. Did he ever have any 'touch' to begin with? But despite that we appreciated it. He came by, made a brief political comment, and then talked for an hour on anything we wanted too. Heck, he talked about the WWF (now WWE). He also promoted a couple troops. He definetly showed some of the charisma and emotion people claimed he didn't have. So it isn't like all business and propoganda. It rather changed my opinion of the guy. Still wouldn't vote for him, but I like him.
I don't know what Sec. Rice's plans are beyond talking to Iraqi leadership, it would be nice if she popped in to talk to the troops. I don't know about her losing her touch, can you elaborate?
As for the troops picked to stand up there, they usually earn the right to do so, so no big deal.
2006-10-05 20:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by Wig 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have the up most respect for our Secretary of State. I believe she is a true American who loves and dedicates her life to our country. If she would ever run for President she certainly has my vote.
I've had the honor of guarding her a couple times. I don't know anything about the military picking backdrops for visits though.
2006-10-05 19:50:40 · answer #3 · answered by SGT 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Neither would Nader. Just tell them it's an American and they'd be in trouble. Good for us though, keeping security tight and Jihadis off the streets.
2016-03-27 06:55:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the same when anyone comes to visit
2006-10-05 19:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by E3_Army 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
lmao
2006-10-05 19:48:25 · answer #6 · answered by seilygirl 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
perturbed, then surprisingly hot
2006-10-05 19:42:29 · answer #7 · answered by cowsurfer2 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋