Quote:
Originally posted by boatin
How does the fact that lifetime soldiers are saying these things, and writing books to back it up strike you? For me, it says all is not wine and roses. Does this concern anyone?
Can the folk on the 'right' set aside that these words came from Gore's mouth, and respond? Or are we just blindly partison?
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First, a few does not equate to "many". Second they are retired officers who, while I'm certain are very intelligent and well versed in the military capabilities and resources of their day, are no longer as up to speed as those in service now. Those who are in service now who say that things are going well are immediately written off as being pawns of the administration. Those retired generals who are supportive of the war and the accomplishments of the military in Iraq aren't stories so they don't get the press. Drawing conclusions based solely on the words of people who are just about as far out of the loop as the average citizen is ridiculous.
Additionally, General Hoar was never the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was the Commander in Chief of the Central Command (which covered the Middle East) but he retired in 1994. Most of what he "knows" about the current situation in Iraq is what he reads in the paper.
General Zinni is the same man who thought refuelling ships in Yemen was a smart move.
But hey, to those who take their words as gospel, feel free to believe that they know everything and that the cause is lost. I'm sure they must be right because it's critical of the Bush administration.