US Army General Speaks Out (in public!!!)

A few days ago I heard an amazing statement from a General in the United States Army. He indicated that he was eligible for a promotion from Major General (two stars) to Lieutenant General. That is, from a two star General to a three star General. This is a pretty big deal when you move in the circles at the top of the US military.

He went on to say that even though he was eligible, he seriously doubted that he would be promoted BECAUSE OF POLITICS. He stated that he had testified on several occasions before Congress. When asked his opinion on issues involving President Bush's policies (strictly relating to the military and its current actions) he gave his HONEST opinion. That opinion differed from that of the administration. Here you have one of the subject matter experts stating before Congress on multiple occasions, that the President's policies are wrong.

WOW.

This was said in an open forum where the press may have been present. There were definitely non-military people present recording his speech. After "Retired" General after "Retired" General suddenly getting the backbone to speak up in public, it is refreshing to have one that is on active duty stating in public that he disagrees with the Administration.

Unfortunately, politics will win and he will never get promoted because of it.

Fortunately for us, the Honest Truth won out over personal ambition.

The new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Not to knock the guy, but why would a Naval Admiral be placed in charge as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a time period when there are two major land battles occurring? Not exactly loaded with smarts the man that made that decision.

I happen to be able to hear the good Admiral talk on 7 Nov 07. He mentioned that the war against terrorism would be take generations. Hmmm, could he mean that we will be in Iraq for decades to come? Mayhap.

State Department personnel say Iraq is a death sentence

The State Department is finally feeling the pinch for their deployments to Iraq. At a town hall style meeting various State Department workers objected to the plan to involuntarily place people on assignment to Iraq.

Before you start laughing at these suddenly nervous individuals understand this: The Federal Government is using a clause in their employment contract which allows for postings wherever the Government needs people.

Ever wonder if your contract has the same language? Ever wonder if ALL contracts with the Federal Government state the exact same thing? Now isn't that a scary concept for the comfortable lives of all Federal employees?

Also, the positions that are still open are mainly with the Provisional Reconstruction Teams (PRT). The PRTs are way beyond the pointy end of the stick. They are the bait in the trap and the worm on the hook. They do not have a lot of protection. Little to no Armor. Few weapons. And only the locals to depend on if things heat up really fast.

Now the good Ms. Condi Rice sends and e-mail stating that everything will be okay. Of course she sent this e-mail from within massive layers of security in our own dear US of A. Her reassurances would be a lot more heart felt if she relocated her office to Iraq.