Listen to the Generals? Gooood morning Afghanistan!
Dear editor:
Republicans are questioning President Obama’s upcoming decision on increasing troop levels in Afghanistan, spouting “Listen to the general.” The general they are citing is General McChrystal, and his request for 40,000 more troops to finish the job in that eight plus year old war. On top of that, former Vice President Dick Cheney is demanding that the president stop “dithering” with his decision. Maybe if Cheney, one of the leading architects of the Iraq War, had “dithered” a little more, over 4,300 American troops would still be alive.
Yes, the hue and cry is to listen to the generals. We know from history what they mean, as we saw with President Johnson listening to General Westmoreland’s proven lies, increasing troop levels in the disaster of Vietnam. He didn’t have the guts of “Give ‘em Hell” Harry Truman who didn’t listen to General Patton who advocated continuing the Second World War and attacking Russia while our troops were strong and in Europe. Truman also put General MacArthur in his place and stopped the demand by this self styled Caesar to attack China during the Korean War. He listened, thought, debated, and then did what was right for America and not just for the military. That’s what Obama should do.
Our Constitution and laws set up a government and military that is civilian controlled, unlike the military dictatorships found around the globe. Listen to the generals? Listen, Mr. President, but make the decision that is best for the country and not for the men who wear the stars. Think of the brave heroes who are over in Afghanistan now, putting their lives on the line every day. Think of those that preceded them and gave their all and their lives while the generals and politicians talked of “winning.”
And remember, changing the mission from “winning” to “finishing the job” doesn’t change a thing. Bring our brave men and women home from Iraq and Afghanistan, as you promised during your campaign for president. Put a stop to the waste of American lives and money. We need both here at home.
Republicans are questioning President Obama’s upcoming decision on increasing troop levels in Afghanistan, spouting “Listen to the general.” The general they are citing is General McChrystal, and his request for 40,000 more troops to finish the job in that eight plus year old war. On top of that, former Vice President Dick Cheney is demanding that the president stop “dithering” with his decision. Maybe if Cheney, one of the leading architects of the Iraq War, had “dithered” a little more, over 4,300 American troops would still be alive.
Yes, the hue and cry is to listen to the generals. We know from history what they mean, as we saw with President Johnson listening to General Westmoreland’s proven lies, increasing troop levels in the disaster of Vietnam. He didn’t have the guts of “Give ‘em Hell” Harry Truman who didn’t listen to General Patton who advocated continuing the Second World War and attacking Russia while our troops were strong and in Europe. Truman also put General MacArthur in his place and stopped the demand by this self styled Caesar to attack China during the Korean War. He listened, thought, debated, and then did what was right for America and not just for the military. That’s what Obama should do.
Our Constitution and laws set up a government and military that is civilian controlled, unlike the military dictatorships found around the globe. Listen to the generals? Listen, Mr. President, but make the decision that is best for the country and not for the men who wear the stars. Think of the brave heroes who are over in Afghanistan now, putting their lives on the line every day. Think of those that preceded them and gave their all and their lives while the generals and politicians talked of “winning.”
And remember, changing the mission from “winning” to “finishing the job” doesn’t change a thing. Bring our brave men and women home from Iraq and Afghanistan, as you promised during your campaign for president. Put a stop to the waste of American lives and money. We need both here at home.
posted by Sam Schoolsky | 1:20 PM
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