Wrath of McGrath Blog Peace Now: Dispatches from the Front Blowing the Whistle on the War: Gross Military Malfeasance in Iraq, No Stars Here!
Blowing the Whistle on the War: Gross Military Malfeasance in Iraq, No Stars Here!
Written by Jim McGrath Saturday, 01 March 2008 21:45
Malfeasance by the generals is not limited to Iraq. Military incompetence and culpability exist very close to home and very near the top. They exist at the highest echelons of the Pentagon. They exist on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, especially Air Force General Richard Myers and Marine Corps General Peter Pace, both world-class military “yes men.” Packing a total of eight stars, four apiece, they were two of Rumsfeld’s most reliable stooges, issuing rosy scenarios on the Iraq war, no matter that that whole country was aflame. History will render a very harsh judgment on both the military and civilian ends of this war. Bungling inside the Pentagon, from the Defense Secretary on down was breathtaking! The performance of Rumsfeld, Bremer and Wolfowitz was so ludicrous; they looked like the three stooges. Pity this was not comedy.
There are many generals in Iraq. If all of them assembled for roll-call, one would see more stars than there are in the Milky Way. Riveted on dress-green uniforms and combat fatigues, in galaxies of four, clusters of three, two in a row, or just one shining alone, they glitter like tinsel. In fact, if combined with all the medals, battle ribbons, and other colorful clutter on the generals’ uniforms, they would provide enough ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.
The generals in Iraq are military grandees. Standing tall in front of troop formations, their name tags as prominent as their stars, they cut quite a figure. Unlike the rank and file G.I.’s they command, their spotless, starched fatigues or immaculately pressed Class A uniforms have not a speck of battlefield mud or blood on them. They are Franks, Sanchez, Casey, and Abizaid, among others, and they have become household names. Generals are known for barking out orders, and expecting instant compliance. In Iraq, we have the case of the generals who did not bark back at Commander Bush. If they had, especially early on, the war would have been over.
Their cheery messages on the war, endlessly repeated, are equally well known: “making progress”, “slow but steady”, “three more months”, “six more months”, “another year.” Far more apt would be “from here to eternity.” All that cheer is in tune with Commander Bush’s basic theme song “Stay the Course,” trumpeted endlessly from the White House. The generals’ chorus line has a steady beat that goes on and on and conceals the toll of G.I’s lost, the killing of civilians, the gravely-injured soldiers arriving at Walter Reed Army Hospital, and the huge financial cost. Meanwhile the doomsday clock ticks steadily on toward Bush’s “Two Trillion Dollar Mistake,” and another Vietnam looms on the horizon. The Iraq generals would have been right at home in Vietnam, especially at its celebrated “5 O’clock follies,” where thirty-five years ago Westmoreland & Co. peddled a similar litany of lies to the press.
The combat zones in Iraq have become “killing fields” where G.I.’s heroically fight and die, and countless Iraqi civilians get killed in what amounts to “shooting galleries.” We have destroyed an ancient beautiful land, once the cradle of history, now the victim of colossal U.S. hubris. In Vietnam it was only a village. In Iraq the stakes are higher. Now we must destroy the whole country in order to save it.”
Condemnation of the generals in Iraq does not demean the sacrifice of the fallen G.I.’s. Their courage and heroism is of a singular kind, and stands on its own. Their sacrifice is forever immortalized in the biblical words of Jesus: “Greater love hath no man, than that he lay down his life for his friend.” Every fallen G.I. in Iraq fits that bill. Every death honors a fellow comrade-in-arms. Too bad the generals did not show similar courage.
Courage comes in different shapes and sizes, of course. One kind is facing the enemy in combat. Another is telling the truth and letting the chips fall where they may. With truth come consequences, of course, sometimes serious. The consequences of going public on this war, not in retirement, not safely back on the home front, not in civilian grey flannel suits, but on active duty in Iraq, in full combat fatigues, stars glittering, would have been explosive. True courage would have been if Franks, Sanchez, Casey, or Abizaid told the obvious truth: the war was a hopeless blunder, bungled from the start, with grossly inadequate troop levels, and that ordering another GI into such carnage to get his ass shot off, was an automatic death sentence and intolerable.
That action and the reaction of the media, Capitol Hill, and the American people to that message would have created a political firestorm. It would be another shot heard round the world. The fallout would be huge, but it would fall on Bush not on the commanding generals in Iraq. There would be presidential fury and reprisal, of course, but with the vast unpopularity of Bush and this war, there is no way Congress or the American people would have sanctioned the court-martial of top American commanders in Iraq for telling the truth. Far more likely would be a parade for them up New York’s 5th Avenue, like the one honoring General Douglas MacArthur’s return from Korea. It would be a red letter day, for once not written in blood. Still not one of them had the balls to do it.
By doing the right thing, the generals might have had to forgo getting another star or even give one up. A star is a star, of course, and through the wonders of military alchemy, silver is transmitted into gold. We are talking money here! Instead of a $100,000 a year retirement, they would have to settle for $95,000. What a sacrifice! That loss would be moot, of course, in light of the megabucks certain to come from the inevitable best-seller: The Generals Who Said No: Presidential War Policy Killed in Action in Iraq. Still, not one of them was (is) willing to sacrifice a star to tell the truth, a truth they all know and have admitted to each other in private, a truth that would have saved thousands of lives, tens of thousands of injuries, and untold billions of dollars. The dead G.I.’s in Iraq will have no retirement, let alone retirement pay.
Getting back to malfeasance, Marine General Peter Pace wins a gold star for his incredible performance. Terrified by the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, he viewed a potential outbreak of “gayism” in the ranks a greater threat than Al Qaeda, insurgency, or civil war. His lunacy on this point was surpassed only by his absurd statements on the war’s progress, one of which put the only dent in his military career. After one of the war’s worst weeks, when Pace characterized the battlefield situation as “fine,” his fawning finally backfired, and a craven Congress denied him the chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the fifth star that goes with it. Some thought he would retire after that, but the general is made of sterner stuff and decided to remain in the service.
Malfeasance among the generals soars when they do retire. After shedding their uniforms, with all of their stars protected and probably an additional one awarded for “distinguished service”; the truth finally comes tumbling out. Stars in the bank, truth now affordable, and talk quite literally cheap, they finally level with the American people on the war. “Inadequate force levels”! “Shortage of armor”! “Wrong war, wrong place”! What a difference civilian status makes for loosening the tongue. Better late than never, of course, but too late for those fallen in Iraq and their families. The generals have a lot to answer for in this life and the next.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by uggs outlet, December 24, 2009
Mancini to determine the new manager's plans for the club.
City officially unveiled their new boss on Monday, with Mark Hughes sacked following Saturday's 4-3 victory over Sunderland.
running shoes
Mancini has placed Champions League qualification at the top of his ugg boots for sale
ambitions for the season.
He is also keen to build bridges with some of City's biggest names, with a number of first-team players expressing their
disappointment at Hughes' departure.
written by ugg store, December 25, 2009
written by basketball shoes, December 27, 2009
When I’m asked to select any sort of all-star team,ugg outlet I prefer 22 players who can actually line up and play a game at their positions of choice.
So I always pick weak- and strong-side ends, weak- and strong-side outside linebackers and free and strong safeties on defense. ugg stores I also pick a right and left offensive tackle on offense plus a halfback and a fullback.
written by ugg boots on sale, December 27, 2009
running shoes not even a single blood test can detect HGH, but a series of blood tests administered over many weeks to detect the fluctuations causes by high doses of the stuff. Some folks have pituitary issues that can cause false positives. I spoke with a neurologist in depth on this subject, and he postulates that anywhere from 1 in 10 to 1 in 4 people have some kind of undetected tumor on their pituitary gland. Since that glad is the master control for all your glandsugg outlet, a person can have some really weird hormonal balances, not just hgh, but ANY hormone. So it's all a sticky wicket in that HGH testing isn't a test to detect cheaters that same way polygraphs don't detect lies.
written by wholesale watches, December 27, 2009
Money gayweather loves money and he says ''no way i'll turn a fight down if there is money'' It's the highest grossing fight and he is turning it down?ugg boot Pac-man said he will fight and get tested at the press conference and AFTER THE FIGHT!!! Floyd is simply too scared!!!tried to scare Manny by arraigninga March 13 fight thinking Pac-Man will need more time. trying to make it with cheap ugg boot 10oz gloves? saying there should be some wiggle room at 147? Man this guy needs to stop running
written by basketball shoes, December 28, 2009
The National Post is now on Facebook. Join our fan community today.
written by uggs store, December 28, 2009
they were spun a bit more: Peter Bjorn And John, Blk Jks, Regina Spektor, Glasvegas, Mavado, and Sa-Ra Creative Partners are nowhere to be found. The list -- one of oh so many lists -- is also refreshingly interesting in and of itself, a fine example of a publication stepping outside of the hive mentality and coming up with something that feels personal. Even if I don't personally agree with a lot of it.
written by cheap ugg, December 28, 2009
money anyway? Spend it on crap most likely. You are being forced to wholesale shoes
do something good in your lives for a change.
The CBC, I grant you has a liberal bias, but then most Canadians are liberal, so it reflects their values. It can't be blamed for not
pandering to right-wing hyenas; the broadcaster would not be able to plunge to the depths required to represent
uggs outlet storesthe squalid opinions of such people.
written by cheap ugg, December 30, 2009
The CBC, I grant you has a liberal bias, but then most Canadians are liberal, so it reflects their values. It can't be blamed for not pandering to right-wing hyenas; the broadcaster would not be able to plunge to the depths required to represent discount ugg bootsthe squalid opinions of such people.
written by uggbootshome, January 27, 2010
written by cheap Age of Conan gold, February 05, 2010
written by Barlow35Deann, February 24, 2010
written by business loans, March 05, 2010
written by NIKE air shoes, April 19, 2010
written by nike air max, April 20, 2010
written by supra shoes online, August 12, 2010
neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats cheap supra shoes and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
"Yep," the wife eplied, "in-laws."
written by china handy, August 17, 2010
written by supra shoes, August 30, 2010
written by ulysse watches, September 12, 2010
written by easytrade, November 08, 2010
easytrade003
written by ugg boots,belstaff, November 18, 2010
written by Nike Shoes, November 18, 2010
==========================================
wholesale Handbags&Jewelry
---------------------------------
cheap Clothing&shoes
written by leather uggs, December 08, 2010
written by ugg boots sale, December 08, 2010
written by uggs outlet, December 08, 2010
written by ugg boots, January 12, 2011
written by ClubPenguinCheats, March 01, 2011
written by chanel bags, March 18, 2011
written by herve leger, April 21, 2011
dress!
written by http://www.parisherveleger.com, April 23, 2011
has leapt dramatically. The findings suggest her
Front Zip Mini skirtdignified behaviour since the engagement in November has been greatly
to her credit, with women especially impressed.
written by ray ban 3025 aviators, May 13, 2011
written by Thomas jewelry, May 22, 2011
Thanks for sharing this nice post.I will keep your article in my idea.
wholesale jewelry
silver jewelry
written by cheap shoes online, June 07, 2011
written by cheap air max, June 09, 2011
written by Wholesale products, July 04, 2011
written by cheap clothes online, July 04, 2011
written by xueyaliu, July 07, 2011
written by Burberry Sale, July 13, 2011
And sore must be the storm
Burberry Sale
Burberry Hobos
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
written by Nike Dunk High, July 15, 2011
written by Puma First Round, July 16, 2011
written by Puma Lazy Insect, July 16, 2011
written by Oakley sunglasses, August 10, 2011
Oakley sunglasses AAA
wholesale sunglasses
Oakley Polarized
written by Nike Air Force Ones Shoes, August 11, 2011
and buy any pair Cheap Nike Air Force Ones Shoes
nike air force ones shoes.
written by Coach Bags, August 12, 2011
written by Juicy Couture Outlet, August 12, 2011
written by nike shoes cheap, August 17, 2011
written by cheap uggs on sale, August 22, 2011
written by Outlook 2010, August 23, 2011
written by Asics Running Shoes, September 20, 2011
written by Ed Hardy Swimwear, September 21, 2011
written by 78965, September 25, 2011
Depth The depth that a uggs outlet
watch can be used at is North Face Outlet
a bit confusing a watch marked as a water resistance of cheap Classic Short Kids Uggs & Chocolate outlet ugg outlet
meters you would initially think that you could safely use that watch in a swimming pool as stringy as you do not go sunk suddenly 10 meters! and Cheap UGGs Classic Short canada goose jackets
5825 outlet had canada goose sale
suddenly been brought forth to incriminate themselves in the usual way? many texts used in the well-known love this brand of abercrombie North Face Coats
and fitch clothing;
written by Nike Air Yeezy, October 14, 2011
written by cheap shoes, October 15, 2011
written by huyaoier, October 19, 2011
louboutin boots
With the ideal of democracy they louboutin boots went to the battlefields of Europe, witnessed an unprecedented massacre of mankind, through all kinds of suffering, deep by the "democracy" and "glorious", "sacrifice" the slogan of deception, of the society, a great disappointment in life. This genre also includes the war but did not participate in the future at a loss and delay the age of writers such as Fitzgerald, Eliot, and Wolf , etc. Lost Generation writers in the arts have their christian louboutin sneaker own characteristics, their major achievements in the years flashing, after they parted ways.Literary and artistic creation of a tendency. As a creative approach, rejection of naturalism on the one hand romantic imagination, exaggeration dwy
written by authentic gucci handbags , October 22, 2011
written by moncler jackets, October 24, 2011
written by ugg boots clearance, October 24, 2011
written by ugg booots sale, October 24, 2011
written by Office 2010, November 13, 2011
written by hermes wiki, November 22, 2011
written by Replica IWC watches, December 01, 2011
written by uggs outlet, December 05, 2011
written by Bridal Wedding Gowns, December 14, 2011
outfits are undoubtedly change the high temperature on when dressing up for an evening out ebenholzfarben is often a universal popular as well when you just cannot go incorrect with it
alongside while Necklace using ideal aspect could it be is fast to accessorize.If your desires
are simple, then try out the silk skirts or embroidered dresses. wyy
written by cheap uggs, December 15, 2011
written by Maggie Sottero Monica Marie R1093, December 29, 2011
written by Maggie Sottero Monica Marie R1093, December 29, 2011
With the proper technique and by taking a few simple steps you can have a sketch of a Pronovias wedding dress in short order,Perfect Allure wedding dress for your important occasion.
written by Maggie Sottero gown, December 29, 2011
A formal wedding party gown .
The thought of surprise, isn't it? supply some effortless steps.
written by Maggie Sottero gown, December 29, 2011
written by Cheap Jordans, January 13, 2012
written by Maggie Sottero, January 13, 2012
written by Pronovias, January 16, 2012
will become a bride, Pronovias Frenesi gown is the most important item. Your sharing is
important, but also very practical.
written by Maggie Sottero, January 17, 2012
in cocktail Pronovias wedding dress, he wants me to try this style of Maggie Sottero bridal gown, but I don't have
any experiences and courages, thank you for your advice
written by Daverichallen, January 18, 2012
distributor,
but his Discount Coach Purse
only blemish was his running Replica Coach Online
with ball in hand. I wish
he ran more, as reflected in his 7 test tries.
written by amanda9dollar, February 03, 2012
written by western style ethnic necklaces, February 03, 2012
Recent RMB exchange rate appear [b]3D Crystal Apple Three-dimensional Puzzle Educational Toys with Light[/b] moved, this let we laying stress on the road of the RMB internationalization. In fact,
written by cosmetic handbags, February 03, 2012
Recent Videos
Condolences Condoleezza
Latest Dispatches
Latest From United for Peace & Justice
|
|
©2008–2012 Wrath of McGrath All rights reserved.
However, the idea of bringing in a general manager wholesale shoes and a director of sport was discussed at a meeting last Thursday by Club France - an organisation created as an advisory board by the FFF.
And reports suggest Club France will recommend installing Lens chairman Gervais Martel as general manager and former Liverpool ugg boots, Lyon and France manager Gerard Houllier as director of sport when the FFF meet on 29th January.