A look back at McChrystal in words and actions
As the firestorm over Gen. Stanley McChrystal's comments and the resulting fallout continues, look back at McChrystal in action and words from the past year.
December 9, 2009: History and war
In an interview with CNN, McChrystal talks about lessons learned from the past.
December 9, 2009: On the Taliban, insurgency and Pakistan
In an interview with CNN, McChrystal discusses the risk for a future resurgence of the Taliban, critics of Obama's timeline, Pakistan's strategic role and the troop strategy.
December 2, 2009: Talking to the troops
After Obama's major troop increase announcement, McChrystal address the U.S. troops in Kandahar.
December 8, 2009: Testifying before Congress
McChrystal testifies before Congress on the plan for the surge of U.S. troops into Afghanistan.
June 2, 2009: 'No simple answer' in Afghanistan
Shortly after President Obama picks McChrystal in June 2009 to be the top commander in Afghanistan, the general assesses the situation during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Have you ever spoken to anyone high on drugs? they will agree with or argue against anything you put to them, it's just the drugs talking.
Why do you racist always blame Israel for everything that happens to this Country??? Blackwater is owned by Cheney and Bush not Israel!!!
I hope he runs for Prez in '12....this country needs someone with balls!
I believe it is a good thing to rotate the c.o. in any war.All strategies seek to win the conflict anyway,and a change keeps the enemy guessing.Furthermore it allows the military to have more generals with actual experience.Its not like there are a shortage of generals capable of conducting this war.
@ TJ in Iraq,
You ask the billion dollar question, how do you extract information from a POW without using a Power Drill, Blow Torch, Beatings that crush facial bones, Hosing the POW with ice water and attach them to a air condition?
Let me begin TJ by stating the obvious, namely the Taliban fighters will skin the flesh from a captured officer almost entirely during a extremely brutal 3 day interrogation. Lower level non-officers, not as brutal but death after 1 day of severe interrogations. Does America and NATO strive to do the same? Of course not, lethal torture is really detrimental in regards to the few options that a enemy has if you, or a fellow soldier were captured.
Nearly ALL of the passengers on the Turkish flagged NATO cargo ship that was attacked in International Waters and taken to Israel, were strongly interrogated for several hours each. Strapped into a chair, beaten in a less than gentle manner and had copious amounts of cattle-prod styled shock prods applied to various parts of their body's. Yes, they sang like a choir in three part harmony. And yes that does seem rather harsh to submit civilians to, however it would have worked with the Iraqi POW's just as quickly and effectively.
Water boarding someone 82 times in a span of 30 days? This is utterly ridiculous, the only explanation is that Gen. McChrystal and his team along with the 'private' contractors were being paid a bonus per 'session' and milked it for as much tax dollars as they could. Even the experts in SERE's have quietly stated how utterly ridiculous that was.
funny how all these guys want support for the mission but cant help themselves from throwing others equally essential under the bus. if this is leadership, the army is in big trouble. this guy was trouble from the onset, and the president did the right thing in removing him and did the brilliant thing in bringing petraeus back; not that he walks on water either, but he has proven to be capable and sincere maybe we can get out by 2011 yet.
Gen. McChrystal had long worked in directing extreme black Op's in the Pentagon prior to the Pentagon pushing him onto President Obama as the best man with the strategy to be successful in Afghanistan.
Gen. McChrystal's comments to Micheal Hastings that President Obama didn't know Gen. McChrystal's background was correct, otherwise President Obama would have realized the Pentagon was pushing a extremely sick, perverted and very cruel individual upon him to shock the Afghanistan people into turning away from becoming a Taliban fighter.
What is stunning is that no one in the Senate Confirmation hearings even had the guts and courage to directly ask Gen. McChrystal what his role was in overseeing the worst, most depraved torture camp in all of Iraq (NAMA).
Torturing Iraqi POW's was clearly illegal by American and International laws and the torture that took place under Gen. McChrystal was far, far beyond that briefly described by Bush-Cheney. Power drills, blow torches, bone crushing beatings, POW's frozen to death, the use of air conditioners to freeze POW's.
SERE trainers that took photos of blow torch burns on the Iraqi POWs torture victims there were confiscated and their lives were said to have been threatened, Photos of POWs tortured to death also were confiscated, Photos of POW's with broken facal bones from beatings requiring hospitalization confiscated.
Army investigators themselves were turned away and told no admittance, Red Cross was turned away and refused admittance, SEREs trainers that previously visited McChrystal's NAMA torture site had their blow torch burn torture photos they took of the POWs confiscated and felt their very lives were threatened, CIA agents were also ordered by their main office in Langley to stay away from the McChrystal NAMA site.
It seems no mistake why the Republican New Right is so enamored by Stanley McChrystal, his resume would be nearly identical to any SS high ranking officer in the 3rd. Reich. I'm not surprised that someone as depraved and corrupted would be unable to win the hearts and minds of the Afghanistan people.
To Smith in Oregon:
At my first reading of your comment, I could (for a brief second) agree and understand with what you posted. However, The more I thought about it, I can't help but disagree with your frustration in Gen. McChrystal. I agree that war, torture, POW's, and all things associated with war are truly horrible things. What you need to realize is that all of Gen. McChrystal's tactics, plans, and strategies are only a fraction of the horror our enemies do to our soldiers. I would hope that you know war is not pretty. My question to you is, how would you effectively get information from someone who (prior to being captured) was just trying to kill you? All the while, you know that he has information that could help save your fellow soldiers lives and get one step closer to bringing us all home.
So I ask again, How would you do it?
My first suggestion is, leave Oregon and come over here to Iraq of the Stan and see what the reality of this war is.
Thanks,
TJ
Smith, where do you get all that propaganda from? Do you have a yearly subscription to the American Taliban Magazine or The Facist Capitalist Daily? The Republicans supported McCrystal because the Commander in Chief did. We don't throw a heroic General with decades of honorable service to the wolves just because his Aids made a few off color remarks about the crazy war policies coming out of the White House. I hope McCrystal rebounds and takes Obama on in 2012. He just might win after the truth gets out about Obama's running the war from the White House.
Did anyone think maybe Gen Stan MC was suffering from battlefield fatigue, did he get the re-entry evaluations that are needed, did this change have to be made? why not make him 2nd in command, all that experience is now wasted. he has been engaged with the enemy for decades, the man went from the battlefield to the living room in 24 hours and blasted by his peers and superiors in the media, does anyone care about the man. Who cares about the comments, I spent 20 years in the Infantry and I heard and been called alot worse, "you can't be thin skinned in this business". The man is a warrior and a legend. I hope he is okay, and I pray for him and his family. God, Bless Gen MC for his service. Let us all not judge we have all made mistakes. Allowing gays to serve openly in the military is far bigger than "bite me" or what ever else he said. I would like to see an infantry 1SG wearing a pink miniskirt and haltertop with is young boyfriend kissing at the unit picnic that would be great for discipline and unit morale. Drive on Gen MC you will be missed by the real soldiers that really get it. Hey CNN was there any truth to the comments I want to see a story about that, is the national security team engaged enough? Somebody sit down with Gen MC and let him tell the unmuzzled truth. Rangers Lead the Way!!!
Let's face it, if Obama didn't let McChrystal go, Republicans would be complaining THAT was wrong. Republicans don't know what to think until Obama takes a position so they can be opposed to it.
Hi, I am from Thailand.
I find Americans to be very childish and unreasonable lately, especially those anti-obama. Small or big, right or wrong is no matter to them, they just want to criticize and blame the president. Gen. McChrystal case is no matter of debate, he need to go regardless how experience or importance he is, because that is just how a modern and reasonable society would do. Here is recommendation for those who sympathize with him "Tomorrow, start talking bad about your boss, and see if he would smile at you."
A Year Review yeah that's good, lets go back a few more when he was trying to cover up the fratricide of Pat Tillman.
How many of you have read the article? If someone takes a few words out of each one of your sentences to make a new sentence and present it as your original one, you might end up in the same situation. This journalist reflects on his opinion. These are bits and pieces that he chose to present to the public, not the whole picture. Do you not realize that now the troops will be in AF even longer? When you change a Commander, everything changes, the strategy as well.
This was a good writer, poor journalist who needs to realize that quality of live is based on the morals, not how much money one can make by destroying the lives of others. Well, at least he did not give away grid coordinates..
Gen. McChrystal is in my prayers! We love you, Sir!
The general is right Obama and biden are both jokers, nothing but a joke ???? They do'nt look like politicians at all.
I smell Donkey dung all over this one!
Anyone want to bet they don't let the General retire until dec 2012???
Un-Official Rules:
(1) Never trust a politician.
(2) Ambassodors are politicians.
(3) Presidents are politicans. (even 3rd world country presidents)
(4) When someone attempts to use you as a patsy, stop playing the game. (take your marbles and go home)
(5) Time is on the side of truth. (No one strives for a lie)
I smell a rat in Denmark!
Obama will not be president until he seals the border, challenges the chinese, pushes back against the muslim, and tells the rest to f off.
Not acceptable! !
When an american leader makes such remarks.
Acceptable ,
if an Isreali leader does same
Poor American !
Gen. McChrystal is gone and General David Petraeus is replacing him. I say we are in a better position than before. BTW, Gen. McChrystal's remarks and comments from his staff were undermining civilian control of the military. That is the reason Gen. McChrystal had to go.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal was in a boiler room cubicle running extremely Black Operations for the Pentagon for the past FIVE years!
Only the most twisted souls direct the Pentagon's extremely Black Operations around the world. Invariably as those Black Operations fail or the intelligence is wrong, a large number of civilian deaths occur. And over the years those collateral damage 'costs' add up on the individuals directing them. Hence, the answer to McChrystal's beady rodent like dark sunken eyes.
I can't imagine the twisted thinking by the Pentagon that would pull someone like that from a dark cubicle where he was planted for FIVE years and push him onto President Obama as the best man to place into the Afghanistan and actually expect him to succeed as the Afghanistan field commander in his 'shake and bake' strategy in a large regional battlefront.
Comparing Gen. Patton to Gen. McChrystal is a gross misrepresentation of Gen. Patton's accomplishments and duty's to his fellow soldiers.
Black Op's depend on deception, lies and subterfuge to succeed, undoubtedly Gen. McChrystal's past FIVE years as a director of extremely Black Op's in the Pentagon explains McChrystal's decision to award Pat Tillman's body with The Silver Star when McChrystal knew that Tillman had been gunned down by his own men, and lied to the American public about that fact and continued to do so until several months and private investigations entailed until the truth was revealed.
You know things happen, and of course, when it's comes to the President not everyone is gonna agree with what he do/say And that's fine, but in President Barack Obama's case, I think it's more of a racial issue than anything. If you're not happy with what's going on, and not happy with having a "black" president, then why don't you run for Commander-in-Chief, if you can do such a better job. And, I know this comment has nothing to do with this article, but it does when I see hating comments about "OUR'S Commander-in-Chief. The least you should do is be blessed that you're in this great country, and stop complaining about the little things. Whatever decision our President comes to about General McChrystal, whether you agree or not, he's still our President and his words will stand. And as for us Americans, we need to stick together and be there for one another. Be Blessed and God Bless America.
This general is a conservative right wing political a,,,hole who needs to be fired and stripped of his rank. He should also be banded from being permitted to air his dirty laundry for a period of 5 years. The other mouth off’s need to be court martial and dishonorable discharged. It is all about trust. This country has many quiet strengths, just waiting for an opportunity to show case his or her talents. The problem with this war is and the other, is that you need endurance and courage. This war is a test of will, skill and determination. You are fighting people with nothing to lose until recently. Most recently, with identifying the minerals in the region, gives these people a better and flourishing future. It also relieves our future burden of financing this war and the aftermaths. These people who are making millions of the suffering of others, including the general should question who side he is on and he like the others who make their millions on pointing out to our enemies what is happening all the time in the war zone should question their patriotism as well. The President should start kickin a,,,, and callin names. The first a,,,, kick for today should be the General.
Gross violation of freedom of speech anyone?
History repeats itselfs once more!.. If General's are not allowed to run the war the way they see fit – then its a President's Right to fire him or her!.. and so its been throughout history!.. Our system of check and balance applies to the entire sprectrum I am proud that General McChrystal as taken care of this and that he has taken responsibilities for his staff's lack of continence. I am proud to have known him for his service.. He is a great General – and whether or not Obama agrees he let a very good man go over stupid ass politics!.. He is the Commander in Chief agreed!.. but it is right also to listen to his commanders who are fighting this war – not him – they are in the forefront of it all – and its all a shame that this CIC took this decision and he is saying: "I AM THE BOSS!".. and don't we all forget it!..
The general voted for Obama, and this situation must have been hard on them both.
My country right or wrong... Anybody remember that?
My hope and prayer for this country is that we make it in one piece through this president's term, and as well that the people of this country have enought sense to vote him out. He has, in just a few short months, undone what has taken years to build. The relief of command of Gen. McChrystal is only another to add to Obama's list of idiotic, self-centered, childish actions!
What exactly took years to build...a war? An unpresidented debt? Worst division between Americans? I think you speak of GWB breaking down this country. How exactly would anyone do handling the mess the last admin got us into, wake up and smell the history.
There are laws in the military. He broke one he should be court marshalled. If a soldier doesn't agree with their commander and trash talks him what happens.
What General McChrystal did was wrong, but was needed. McChyrstal isn't the first and won't be the last General lost because of the stupid politicians on Capital Hill and the white house. I hope The general writes a book about his frustrations with the ignorant "know it all" Obama Administration. Political correctness has gone way to far this day and age.
A leader is only as good as his leaders. The President won based on two reason's first he's black, and second he is a attorney so by default he can speak well. He is not a born leader, he is developing his leadership traits, but to be a president in my eyes you need to be a born leader. Gen. McChrstal is a soilder that alone makes you a born leader. We do not need to reflect on his accomplishments or his rank. Obama, never served for our country, i have personally met officers who met him in Iraq, only because that person was from Illinoies and Obama wanted the publicity. He was not aware of were major bases were in the states. Ask McChrstal how many warriors have died, he will know. Ask him who he met just for the publicity he will laugh. Now ask me why i wrote this, in my heart McChrstal did what he earned, spoke his mind. Ooohrah General, and please teach are President the value of being a Natural born leader.
A natural born leader would know better than to run down his superior in a public forum like that. A natural born leader would know better than to get trashed with his buddies and invite a press member to the event. A natural born leader would know better than to ever EVER run down someone with whom they disagree.
Denigrating and insulting someone is never an appropriate way to lead. Leaders inspire. Leaders command respect through their own actions. Leaders ensure they listen to all side, opposing included. Leaders cammand through influence and persuasion....not bullying.
Just as there are bad politicians, there are bad military commanders. That is NOT to say McChrystal is a bad field commander...but his position requires more than battlefield strategic and tactical knowledge and experience.
Additionally, SHAME on you for running down a president for not having served in the military. We have had many MANY presidents who have never served, and some of the greatest presidents to date never served meaningfully: Abraham Lincoln never saw combat as a meber of the State Militia, Ronald Regan was only a reservist during WWII and never was deployed, and Franklin Roosevelt who presided over the US during our most important and decisive military campaign NEVER served in the military at all!
Service and patriotism to one's country can be done in many ways. Military service is NOT required.
and for the record, before anyone suggests otherwise, I am a retired NCO from the US Army. I proudly served my nation during Desert Storm.
It is always acceptable to question an order. Soldiers and Marines are tought and trained to be smart about the commands given. BUT...questioning an order is meant to be done respectfully and properly. Getting bleep faced and trashing your superior while inebriated to a member of the press is NOT EVER acceptable. No matter what job civilian or military someone has, if they did that...they'd get canned, disciplined, etc etc. It is ESPECIALLY even more reprehensible for a GENERAL...FOUR STAR NONETHELESS...to do this with the Commander in Chief.
"Captain Sobel, we salute the rank, not the man." says it perfectly. Respect the rank, even if you do not like the man. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are ultimately a senior officer's bosses. You don't like them and want to kvetch about them behind closed doors to you friends...go ahead. To the press/media...yeah, fairly stupid move on McChrystal's part.
Four Star Donkey!!! Hee Haw!
I have to wonder if the General knows something that he can not publically share about what's going on and this was his way out. General's don't get to that level by not being good stratagists..... just saying!
WHEN DID WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BECOME SO DISRESPECTFUL.
This is not only sad, but scary. After 911, any such show of dissent towards the Government was deemed UnAmerican or an enemy combatant. People were encouraged to get behind the President giving him all that he needed to "protect America" and fight terrorism. Bush stated either you are with us or you are with the Terrorist when anyone spoke out against his administration's policies. When the Dixie Chicks spoke negatively about Bush, they were not cheered, they were sent a heavy message by the "Real Americans" and the Dixie Chicks lost millions of dollars. Charlie Sheen was also attacked when he question 911 and so was Rosie O'Donnell and a host of others. Anyone who openly questioned the President at that time were looked into as an Enemy Combatant. As a matter of fact any such show of dissent was deemed as aiding the terrorist.
McChrystal was not a private citizen, he was on the front line of the fight against terrorism, and he did worst than the Dixie Chicks, Charlie Sheen, Ms. Sheehan, Rosie and others. What he did let's the terrorist know they are winning or at least heightens their morale. Some of you don't see the bigger implications here. If the idea is to show to the terrorist that we are united and strong, how is what this General did makes sense? It is because Barack Obama has dark skin and married to Black woman with Black children that he is attacked. It has nothing to do with his politics it has everything to do with the Black side of him. Bush and presidents before him made horrible decisions that placed this country in a mess, but Obama you say, has done more in two years to destroy American than any other president in history. He is called a "Child". A child???? Why child? Why are white males calling THIS president a child? The only time I have heard a non-white man's manhood being disrespected was during my upbringing in the South when it was customary for White men no matter their age, to call non-white man no matter his age, "BOY". You are who call (y)our President "Child" are calling him "Boy" just as your ancestors would have. You all are some sick animals/
What General McChrystal did is in direct violation of ART. 88. UCMJ "CONTEMPT TOWARD OFFICIALS
Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."
He and anybody on his staff who is named could be subject to trial by Court Martial, the maximum punishment is
"Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year."
A four star general knows better, he either did it with premeditation or he is the most ignorant general officer ever appointed or at least the most egocentric since 1950.
He has obviously allowed this environment to exist among his staff, and possibly encouraged it.
Since LTG Dave Rodriguez (a fine soldier by all accounts) is on the staff, he is implicated by association and should not replace McChtystal if he is relieved.
Despite the toll on the War McChrystal has got to go. All soldiers know that you do not criticize the President, particularly in public or outside your peer group. A unit that does so lacks discipline and therefore leadership.
To be completely honest, Gen McChrystal is tired just like the troops he leads. In fact, he is probably even more tired due to the large responsibilities of fighting this political and untraditional war that we are dealing with now. Before you attempt to criticize someones actions or words place yourself in their shoes. McChrystal has seen this war go on for 10 years now and when placed in charge was given President Obama's war strategy, not his. So understand the frustration that this four star general of over 30 years military experience must feel whenever a civilian who has no combat nor military experience gives him a strategy not of his own. Granted he should not have said what he did but the man is human after all. Obama should scold the man but the progress these past two years have been more than in the last eight. So yeah, go ahead and dump McChrystal. Then you will all be complaining as the past two years of progress crumble and we find ourselves stuck here for another 10 years.
I'm sure the General is tired. But he was also wrong. McChrystal made a move a move that a private would have know not to do. He's been around the military long enough to know better.
I agree that he should have expressed his opinions directly to the president and his staff if he had problems. Doesn't sound as though they were receptive to what the person they chose to lead this war had to say about what needs to be done. That's a difficult position from which to navigate.
While I agree that the way he said was he said was disrespectful and innappropriate, why is it that no one seems to focus on WHAT it was he was trying to say. Seems to me that is equally as important as the venue he chose to express his thoughts.
According to the UCMJ, technically this isn't disrespect.
Disrespect has to be directed at someone. So, if you say that so-and-so is acting stupidly, it is not disrespect. However, if you say to a superior "You are stupid," that is disrespect.
I understand what it is like to work for a totally incompetent child and unfortunately that is just what Obama is; just a child. We have a leader who although is mouthy and opinionated, he is doing a good job, so keep him in place so the situation in Afghanistan can be rectified. We do't need politics interferring with the fight on terror over there, just a good military strategist with the guts to act.
Dear JohnM. Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest Presidents and greatest communicators. Obama is not. I would highly doubt, Lincoln would have done any such thing knowing his history. When politicians run wars for their own ambitions and legacies the military always gets blamed for failures. The General is a great man and that is very hard to find. A career military officer who has put his life on the line so we can live free is being ruined by a man who cant take criticism and who built his career mostly on lies. A man with no business or political experience is now running our country and when someone dares to say something about his shortcomings he cant take it.
The General sets the example for the soldiers in Afganistan to follow. This will lead to nothing good, if he is not fired or relieved. The General can no longer affectively lead, because Soldiers will now see that it is ok to undermine the chain of command.
I agree with most of you in 2 ways. McChrystal violated the "code" present in the military, you don't speak out against your boss and infect your troops. You go behind closed doors, take off your stripes and talk it out. However, I do agree with his criticism of the relevant parties....just not the way he communicated the message.
Sorry...meaning he should resign or be removed. Then, of course, he could voice his opinions any way he desires...and probably will run for office!
It may have been said before, but it needs to be said again. The General, via his chain of command, probably has had a direct line to the President any time he needed one. If he had an issue, pick up the phone. If he felt that his problems were not being handled or he was being stonewalled, resign. If he were to have resigned due to his frustration with the administration, he would have made a substantial statement through his actions, way more than could have ever been done through Rolling Stone or a small press conference. It's too bad a General has to (probably) end such an honorable career on a note like this.
LET HIM GO. FIRE HIM REPLACE STRONG COMMANDER.
your ingnorance is overshadow by your lack of competence of the that of the rank of a FOUR STAR GENRAL..... find a "stronger person to replace him" A special rank of General of the Armies, which ranks above General of the Army, but its only been used and conferred twice in the Army the rank of General of the Army is reserved for war-time use only There have been 214 four-star generals in the history of the U.S. Army. There are currently only 13 4 star..... when the last time you served....
GROW UP!!
Sticks and stones people.
Didn't you make it through grade school?
You call someone a bad name, or you don't agree with everything they say, so you get fired ?
Your worried about protocol?
No wonder our country is messed up.
The game is being played at a school yard level!
Where are the independent thinkers?
The independent speakers?
We aren't brave enough to hear the TRUTH!!
Shame on all of us for being so childish..
Should the General have "dissed," the President?
Only if the President is ..... dare I say.... WRONG!
but....SERIOUSLY.....
The General's error comes in having his comments, and those of his staff, recorded by the media (or for that matter, having the media anywhere near him).
The General is free to comment, all he likes, about the cowardly wimps he works for (and their utterly misguided policies, inability to prosecute a war, constant bickering, lying, out-and-out obfuscations of fact, willingness to blame military personnel for lack of decisive action in Washington, awkwardness in social situations, complete inability to command; lack of leadership quality; poor responses to changing situations geopolitically and militarily; desire to spend time pandering to the Olympic Committee in failed bids to attract further revenue to the Hall; desire to enhance the value of their own properties at the expense of the American people; willingness to sacrifice the troops for failed health care initiatives; appearing on television, saying nothing, 45 times a day; or anything else that offends the General.
The General is NOT correct in having these absolutely factual and correct remarks published by anyone, much less a liberal tool such as Rolling Stone. The General, however, has apologized for his conduct, and should be released to continue to prosecute the war – the only way, by the way, to be going "well," at the moment.
Mr. Obama has no innate (or even learned) combat expertise or leadership ability. He is, however, correct in remonstrating with the General and having done so needs to release the General back to combat arms.
You heard it here first!
So you agree with giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Why do you hate America?
Peter Live!
I advise you to talk bad about your boss starting tomorrow. You know, just speak your mind out loud, nothing serious, would you dare do that?
If this were some soldier, general or not, bashing Bush you liberal nutjobs would be calling him a national hero. What the hell is wrong with you people?!
Your typical west point snot. Sounds like and education, and I say that loosely, bought by daddy. Once a looser, always a looser!
Your typical west point snot
Keep the General, get rid of obama, biden, pelosi and the rest of the clowns in the circus.
Amen, Ron. Amen.
Ron you have said it all.
Yep, Ron said it all. The general was wrong to speak out against the President in the way he did... but now that he did, you have to wonder if it was Obama's lack of understanding that fueled all the frustration and set the scene for the general to make the mistake. Lets get over it and reassess the strategy there... and lets admit that Obama doesn't know what he is doing.
Once again we see the ignorant, the racist and the just plain stupid being represented on this blog. If I see one more blog of an apparent GOP member or supporter dis the president like they have I am going to puke. All these voices and yet none have anything constructive only negative. Put your hood down for 5 minutes and realize that at least this man is not the one that has sent 1000's of our soldiers to their death and drained our pocketbooks. He started it not the current president. If you don't like the direction, better check again who brought out the map and marked an x where we should attack next. It was not this president. Regardless of party, you have to admit the last one was the dumbest one we have had yet and still he was able to fool us more than once. Facts are facts, check 'em before you go on a rampage of ignorance, you sound more like a drunk.
Bush kept this country safe. Now we are being invaded with illegal's by the tons with this one. Even those that were involved in 9/11 are in his cabinet. Bush would of never put that guy in office. You will wake some morning if 2012 don't get here soon to find your ASS is on the street with just a blanket while we cater to the illegal's per this leader. Aparently you are young and have not done your History these past 8 years.
You couldn't be more wrong. Obama has borrowed money from our children and our children's children....there is no bigger debt he could create. He also increased the number of troops in the middle east and is not letting our generals complete their missions effectively. My guess is that you got a hefty stimulus check and now you think the economic crisis is over.
The President has to fire him, has no choice.
The comments reflect a problem in the ranks, one which will continue as long as we elect people like Obama. Maybe the public will fire Obama next election but till then the General has to be replaced.
My soapbox for the day. Does anyone really think, at least those with Military History and background, believe that a four star General would slip up and make such comments if he himself was confident that the job he was doing was supported by his administration? Does anyone here really see the underlying issue at hand. Here we have a General that has a reputation for "rocking the boat" and telling it like it is. He makes a couple remarks about Obama and his administration, clearly out of shear frustration. What does that tell you about the support level he is getting from Obama?
Now he is going to be judged by someone who has never served, someone who questions his every decision and creates study panels to determine if his recomendations are truly needed. The Generals comment "I was selling an unsellable position" seems to sum it up in my view. Not only for the lack of support but the shackles that have been placed on the Military for collateral damage. We cant "win" we can't "overcome" we can not accomplish our goals as long as what we need to do is being supressed by political oversight and fear of success. General McChrystal comments in line one of the article posted by Rolling Stone sums it all up. 'How'd I get screwed into going to this dinner?"
You nailed it , I agree 100%!
Could not agree more..
I agree.
OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASS-HOLES; EVERYONE HAS ONE
The president did believe that SM was doing his job, executing the strategy that he (SM) advocated. The strategy is not proving successful. So now he mouths off about his superiors (boss). Hmmm, when I was young, immature, and naive I did that. ONCE. I was fired. SM should be court martialed and fired like SM would do to any of the men that report up to him. I guess he was so focused on the war he forgot that he had a boss when he mouthed off about the President of the United States. What an embarrassing situation to be caught doing that by a second tier magazine reporter. That shows great insight and the courage of a soldier (that has lost his focus).
As a General he want respect but doesn't know how to give respect, PLEASE!
And Obama didn't give him respect either.....publicly brushing him off when they met....another of O's big photo ops.
General Stanley McChyrstal broke United States Military LAW when he disrespected his Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Obama. In fact, he broke a few of them. That is grounds for a Military Court Martial. General McChyrstal should consider himself lucky if President Barack Obama only fires him.
McCrystal was wrong to speak the way he did but that does not make what he said untrue.
If you check the general's disciplinary problems while at West Point, you might get a better understanding of his chronic problem with authority. A leopard rarely changes his spots!
Has anyone considered that McChrystal and his staff may just be covering their historical hind ends and he is falling on his sword (with full realization that he is going to get fired – or at least resign – rather than be the fall guy for the failure in Afghanistan.
SO LONG SUCKER!
First of all McCrystal is a fool going public to any magazine, radio talk show, stone etched, message in a bottle carrier pigeon whatever! He meant every word he said about the President and others. He has a history of a temper, anger, and a mouth that shoots off like a missle. Hey tea party/republicans/right wingers/Independent right wing whoever whatever they want to keep changing to: ISN'T MCCRYSTAL's BEHAVIOR UNAMERICAN BY SHOWING DISRESPECT TO THE PRESIDENT?
His "choice" to do this interview was more likely NOT his "choice". The pressure from the media to obtain front line information is so great that our own Adminstration bows down and grants these interviews. I am sure, the General didnt have a say in the matter. This shows by the amount of frustration that he displayed in the interview. His mistake was not granting the interview, it was the content of the interview and the lack of control over his staff. If you had several reporters pulling at your coat strings for two months, wouldnt you be a bit frustrated and angered as well?
The reporters would leave him alone if he'd have pulled his "General's .32" out of his desk drawer and fired a few rounds at the feet of the reporters...
Imagine the meeting in the Oval Office:
Mewling Reporters: MMMMr PPPPresident, he was sh-sh-shooting at our feet.
President: General, why were you shooting at their feet?
Gen: Well Sir, they intended to throw my men, my staff and me under the bus to sell a few more papers.
President: Ahh. Indeed. Mewling Reporters? Any questions?
Mewling Reporters: Bbbut, shot, shooting, our feet. What are you going to do about him?
President: About HIM?!?! General, please have a safe flight back. Leave these clowns here with me. But, before you go, did you happen to bring your sidearm with you?
General McChrystal has violated the basic principals of military leadership. By freely venting his personal feelings he has aided and abetted the enemy as much as if he had revealed a previously unknown or unacknowledged weakness in one of our key weapons systems. History says, give the guy a face to face meeting; allow him a few hours to resign on his own; and then fire him outright if he doesn't do the honorable thing.
Here we have a General of the United States Army having thousands of soldiers under his command continuing making and breaking rules that govern the military Chain-Of-Command. Not once but three time and what is so hurting about this is, he is referring to the President and Vice President of these Unied States of America! The UCMJ must be in place like it is for any enlisted man or woman. It is wrong to convict any enlisted man or woman under this article and not convict an officer no matter his rank. If he is not convicted under UCMJ....then every other officers and enlisted now convicted must be set free. General and anyone else knows that this was not the right things to do when we continue to have solders to die for the causes we sent them into battle and yet, a general make such statements that is totally against the President and Vice President of these United States of America......he must be fired!
The General was very respectful when he arrived at the WhiteHouse and said " Oh Mr. President what wounderful clothes you have".
This guy is trying to get fired because his surge is failing.
McChrystal should be fired for insubordination. To keep him on will undermine the authority of the president.
President Obama is right in every aspect of this. He is Commander in Chief. What the H#@* is going on? I have enough respect for our President that he will listen. He has been given one H#@#$ of a lot of garbage in both Houses to deal with.
Every President has had a lot on his plate. That is what the job is all about. I am tired of hearing that as an excuse....can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Forget freedom of speech as a factor in this debate. It is a well established principal of military conduct that the military itself is exempted from many of the freedoms they are dedicated to defend. Freedom of speech is not part of the Uniform Code of Military Conduct to which all our armed forces are pledged. In fact the Code specifically prohibits many forms of personal expression including the ones Gen. McChrystal committed and/or tolerated by his subordinates. Think about it. It's the only way a professional military can work. McChrystal needs to go quickly so we can move on with the war in Afghanistan.
Ever heard of the UCMJ. TOTAL lack of Discipline. Art 88- Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. Maximum punishment.
Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
What do you think would happen if an enlisted man questioned McChrystal?
Get over it! I think the General knows more of what needs to be done, since he is over there, than those sitting in Washington, DC trying to play war. Leave him alone and let him do his job. Every minute you are bothering him or emailing him – is a minute you take away from him trying to save our soldiers.
Agree!
Forget all the kudo's some folks here heap on McChrystal. And I don't know him. But based on his current actions, for a top soldier, this man is seriously lacking professionalism. He has absolutely no control over his own staff. Usually Generals wait until they are out of uniform and out of service before they make comments. But in this case, boy, if I was his boss, I'd have serious worries. He most likely lost some support from his own soldiers by politicizing this.
You have NO idea what you are talking about. The Gen expressed what the over all feeling is in Afghan by most of our military. The reporters over there have been reporting that the frustration is felt by almost everyone over there, not just the Gen. Ours soldiers are not happy with Washington and the Gen spoke for them! Kudos to him!! It needed to be said, maybe this admin will get the point now!
Hats off to the Gen!
I think it is you that has no idea what you are talking about. It is not the general's position to mouth off to his boss "on behalf of his troops". It is his position to execute the strategy he advocated and the president agreed to and supported. He has shown no valor, no common sense, no discipline, no.....get rid of him so he can write a book and make a huge amount of money off idiots that buy into the idea that insubordination is acceptable if it's done for the "right reason". Wrong!
Country at war, the Big 0 goes golfing.
Economy in the dumps, the Big 0 goes golfing.
BP oil spill, the Big 0 goes golfing.
IF the news reports are half way correct, yes the General must go for insubordination.
By the way, weren't all the troops supposed to be pulled out of Iraq by this August 2010? Why don't we hear anything on the news about troops preparing to withdraw? August is only 5 weeks away.
The General is history. Obama is Commander In Chief. God Bless America
Another nail in the Failbama political coffin.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/25/us-commander-afghanistan-bans-burger-pizza and this
Of all the comments I have read, here and elsewhere, there appears to be a common thread. The military or ex military say its too bad, but he has to go. I suppose its because they understand the chain of command and its worth.
It's the UCMJ- Uniform Code of Military Justice. And things like Navy Regs, Standing Orders, etc. Quite different from civilian life, in that most all benefits received are not rights but privileges. Concepts like "conduct unbecoming" and "conduct not conducive to good order and discipline" are critical for officers.
Flag officers are selected for promotion based very much on political skills, so someone cut some corners here. (There has been extended debate in the services over fitness reporting; the process is pretty bizarre.)
This is what should be discussed... Our troops...
http://consumerist.com/2010/04/no-more-burger-king-or-dairy-queen-for-soldiers-in-afghanistan.html
I believe Steve is traveling with Rockloper.....
I hope he becomes our next president! The one we have now has no stones.
Rockloper must have gotten access to a computer while locked up or he got out for the weekend. He should probably wait until he has been back in the mainstream and understands what is really happening in this United States and abroad before he blogs. I have always maintained that is better to let someone think you are ignorant, than to open your mouth and erase all doubts.
The Rolling Stone article gives a telling insight into how a arrogant, conceded and out-of control general surrounded by a sycophantic staff is trying to implement a doomed to failure strategy (COIN), Actually the Biden strategy is more likely to succeed. McChrystal should be fired out of hand and not allowed to simply resign. As McArthur, Patton, Westmoreland were slapped down, so should McChrstal.
bush cut all vets benefits, he never cared about any servicemen or women; he cares about oil and 'protecting' resources; gop doesn't care about you or me. they never have and they never will....the sooner we learn this, the quicker we can stop this circular history repeating failures of the GOP and their pandering condescending approach to "governing" or ruling over all the 'little people' or peons with their trickle down bs.
One thing does stand out on his uniform the badge with the rifle on it is an infantry badge he does not have a any thing around it so this means he has never seen combat himself just directed it. Is he a good leader, I would say yes you do not get to 4 star General by making bad decisions. Should he step down yes at his level you don't do what he did and stay in the position.
There is a point when your commander in chief reaches a level of incompetence that even a life long Commander finds himself expressing his disgust with the lack of military intelligence by his "do called" Commander in Chief.
McChrystal was wrong by military standards and code of conduct, but it is Obama that needs to recognise his incompetence and resign as Commander in Chief, as president. Obama is over his head in every way. He has methodically driven this country into the ground at the disgust of the people..
This guy does not even know what a Corpsman is or how to pronounce the name!
BO, please resign
The Lil’ General has two choices – obey orders or resign. You don’t go whine to the press and make stupid jokes about your boss. BTW – Obama inherited this mess from bush – the two phony wars, the economy, everything. It takes a while to get over eight years of the Bushwhacker!
It's true, military folks defend freedom, not practice it. There is a duty of loyalty to our civilian bosses, even if we disagree with them. The general, sadly, must go.
He's saying what needs to be said. I trust a career military officers opinion over any of those pencil-pushing civilians.
Whether it's a Republican President or a Democratic President, there can be no compromise when it comes to insisting that military commanders respect their civilian Commander-In-Chief and his appointed deputies. The alternative is a military that formulates the war policies of the United States instead of the American people through their democratically elected President and Congress. Granted, it's not always the best solution, but the alternative is a military dictatorship.
^^^^ what he said. Its like having a rabid full grown pit bull in your house. It must ALWAYS be under control. Any person who served in the military understands it. What the General said was a poor choice of words and could be forgiven. The contempt towards civilian rule that appears to be prevalent in his staff is not.
YEAHRIGHT – You mean like when Obama took office and wanted our wounded vets to pay for their injuries with private insurance?? Go away..
I think "YEAHRIGHT" is bored...
And I don't think you have an answer about limited government....until it suits you.
ITS BUSH"S FAULT!!!!! WAGGGGGHHHHH!!!!! Getting old...
No, I was thinking more along the lines when Bush cut health care benefits for veterans. Nice try. Try harder.
http://www.factcheck.org/article144.html
Overshine,
Where did you get the information about Obama's wanting the vets to pay with private insurance? Where are your sources? Do you know something that we don't know?
Ann – He did it in his first few months in office. Look it up. It got slapped down very fast!
YEAHRIGHT- When Bush was president he was committed to our troops , PERIOD. I know its hard for you to have a debate without bringing Bush into it, but I think if you ask anyone in Afghan (our military) who they would rather have at the helm right now today, its not Obama.
I'll stop blaming Bush when I stop blaming Hitler.
That sounds totally constructive.
Jesus the comments on CNN are straight off FOX news these days. I remember like not even that long ago that I could come here and see at least a little sane and rational discussion.
Now I just see fox news with a blue background.
One could argue that W was less "committed to the troops" than he was using them, in the fashion of recent republican presidents- getting way too buddy-buddy with them. Using them for political benefit. Then nickel & diming them afterward re psychological and medical care.
Not to mention sending them to war for no valid reason, then spending close to $1B in vain trying to find the WMD afterward. Pathetic!
yawn..
I agree with you. I think if the question was asked, I think the vote would be 20-1 for Bush to be back in office.
Maybe if Obama and Company actually cared about the troops the General would not have spoken his mind. Must be frustrating watching all your men a woman getting shot at and killed and not getting ANY help from Washington.
I hope the Gen. quits and takes a job at Fox and tells all about how much of disgrace this admin is to the country!
Share with us the conditions at some of the medical hospitals a few years ago while caterwauling about disgrace.
Any president who sends troops to get killed for no good reason doesn't care enough for the troops. Oh, wait, it was Bush who did that. Sorry.
KG – Really?? Why are in we in Afghan? Whats the mission?? Whos running the country now?? The Bush blame game is getting old , especially when the Big 0 has been in office for two years!! When is accountability going to happen, this guy needs to be accountable for something!
Yes it was Bush,and yes he did care about our Troops and our Troops cared about him. If it weren't for Bush and our Troops your sorry ass might be living under Bin Laden today. I am not sure The feelings are the same with the Present. I have heard a lot of talk. LOTS of people will be glad for 2012 to vote for some thing new.
It is the General's responsibility to implement policy. Not design it. If he doesn't like it, step down. Bush's policy didn't work and you idiotic Republicans consistently get in the way of someone trying to do something.
Keep in mind, the General was appointed by Obama. It wasn't too long ago the Republicans were hollerin' he was the wrong choice and now you're hollerin' to leave him in the position. For crying out loud, PLEASE MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
I would can him. A General who makes comments like that sends the wrong message to the troops. Obama is the Commander-in-Chief, not the General.
How some idiots bring "freedom of speech" into the equation is beyond me. Generals have no freedom of speech. As part of their military code of conduct, statements that undermine the government or elected officials is considered insubordination, and is punishable not only by discharge, but also by court martial. I be all the "freedom of speech" people now are the republicans who were calling liberals (who weren't in the military mind you) who spoke out on the war unpatriotic just a few years ago.
Ashwin, why let facts get in the way of a good argument?
LEAVE THE GEN. ALONE,WHITE HOUSE IS FULL OF SISSIES,THIS COUNTRY IS FULL OF SISSIES,JOHN WAS RIGHT,BUT HE FORGOT MC ARTHUR,ALL BAD ASSES.
Time for some Palin cheese riverrat teatard
You say sissy like it's a bad thing. I'm a sissy. I would never invade a country under false pretenses. And if I started a war, I would have a good reason and I would win it. I wouldn't putz around and a no-win war for the next president to clean up.
Any insubordination undermines the entire effect of the U.S. military. McChrystal has have two free get out of jail cards in the past. He is once again, insubordinate to his Commander In Chief. He must be removed, or the president will undermine his own authority. "the graveyard is full of irreplaceable generals" There is no one in the military that can not be replaced. If you served in the military, you know this.
Hi Lynsey....interesting that you show mock distress over a oil spill when four months ago you were spewing that government needs to stay out of people's affairs. Typical hypocrisy from the kooks on the right.
The head of the tea party movement berated Obama for even voicing concern over the oil spill. RAND PAUL admonished Obama for even considering a federal reponse to the Gulf of Mexico spill and asked him to stay out of the Oil companys' business. Now suddlenly it the governments fault. Republicans are two timing neanderthals and sick upstairs.
Yeahright – I love you. Unless you're a guy. Then I just think you're pretty cool. But if you're a girl on the other hand, I love you.
Yeh, you want someone who's had NO war experience to run a war? And ever heard of freedom of speech? KEEP McChrystal, he's a smart man.
Perhaps you should brush up on what free speech is really about. Guess Glenn Beck doesn't have an answer for you on that.
Why would anyone on the left care if we had general who was not experienced enough to run a war? They elected a community organizer to run the country!! This is what happens when you elect with your bleeding heart and not your brain.
Obama and his admin could give two shytes about our men and woman in uniform!!
Share with us how well the war was going when Bush was president. And show your work instead of letting your emotions own you.
THEY elected him? Uh, WE elected him. Just like we elected Geo Bush, the idiot. We had to suffer his ignorance and failed policies for two terms because WE elected him. Now, you have to suffer through a president you don't like. It feels crappy, but that's democracy for you. Slightly less than half of us will always be miserable.
actually, Obama has done more FOR the troops (armor for trucks, housing, pay, medical...) than Bush ever did.
Bush sent troops into war without the proper armor for their trucks. They came back to hospitals that were in poor condition. Stop listening to Beck, Rush and Coulter and do a little research and thinking for yourself.
Better a community organizer with a Harvard education who has a brain, than your BRAINLESS heroes Bush/Cheney, who ran the country into the ground, left 2 unwinnable wars and an economic catastrophe with the half the workforce unemployed.
To quote the movie "Billy Madison":
"...what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
Perfectly said...and again another President not in uniform expierence to question anothers expertise in unifrom...and decorated at teh highest level...same old BS politics!
Overshine...don't you dare to pretend you speak for me or any of my military brothers. The closest you've seen to the battlefield is a tea bagger rally when they hand out the free bourbon.
That has been obvious in more ways than one.
This doesn't embody free speech teatard
Can we please stop using the word "TEATARD" it really detracts from the message of every single person who uses it, and every other person who shares your message You guys sound like rabid right-wingers using the word "LIBTARD". You guys should really be ashamed of yourselves.
Beyond that those people represent the general dissatisfaction we've all been feeling with the government for a long time, even if I believe they've been duped and misguided, I think you'd be surprised how much in common many of us lefties have in common with our counterparts on the right, we've all forgotten this and it's helped put our country in the political mess we're in right now. What democrat doesn't agree that the government needs to reign in waste, fraud, and abuse? What republican doesn't believe that a single mom with an absent ex-husband should be left to completely fend for herself?
Of course neither will happen as long as we continue bicker and to allow ourselves to be manipulated by our emotional puppet strings.
Blondie,
You can count me among those who think he should stay. However, there is no such thing as freedom of speech for a military man. If he had criticisms of obama he should have addressed them personally behind closed doors, that is how all of his subordinates would be expected to do it... and even then people have ruined their careers that way (Which I believe is wrong, but whatever the military has a lot of stuffy dorks on power trips)
Well worth the read.
Written years ago, this piece still stands strong today.
Truth never dies..it just fades from memory..
http://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/warisaracket.pdf
Billy Mitchell, US Grant and Patton were trouble makers...and they were correct.
GET OVER IT!! No liberal loudmouth has any problem blasting their opinions everywhere! Sorry your feelings were hurt Mr. President, but it's time to move on to more important issues. Why don't you set sail for the Gulf and try to figure out the spewing oil crisis. WHAT A DISGRACE!!
Teatard you're not smart enough to realize the ramifications of this. Go back to drooling over Palin's b**b job
Well darling, if you're so smart, school us rather than just lowering yourself to calling others names. Exactly what ARE the ramifications this? Teatard, indeed. Troll much?
What exactly can the President do to stop the oil leak?
Do you really belive that the best minds are not working on this problem?
I agree the best miods are working on stopping the leak. What about the cleanup? Think of this as a major fire and the Administration is focused on blaming who started it and not lifting a finger to do anything to help. Their is no question as to BP's guilt but why is the Administration not doing anything to help with the larger problem – the cleanup.
So you want a guy who doesnt know how to run a war to run it? Fool.
Like Bush's efforts were successful. Help me if this is revisionist history, but wasn't Gates an appointee of Bush after the rousing success of Rumsfeld?
I'm sorry, isn't Obama president today? What does Bush have to do with Obama's screw-ups clown boy. I thought Bush was the worst president in the history of the country. If that is the case, why would you keep comparing the savior Obama to Bush? I would think you would want to set the bar a little higher. Sorry everyone, i'm just tired of people bringing up the last president when the current president looks incompetent.
He must go, the president does not need some one who bad mouths him run a war. In reading his backpround it seems this guy is a trouble maker. Obama dump this guy right now
I'm sorry, but if Obama let this guy go because he said a couple of bad things about him, than Obama is equivalent to an 8-year old that tattles on the other kid in the school yard because he called him a "dumby."
There is historical precedent. So you're the one with the childish reaction.
That's "dummy", dummy.
Haha I said "dumby" to express how DUMB it really is.
Steve,
In the military we are tought to follow orders and respect the chain of command. If this General is allowed to publicly trash the civilian leadership then by virtue of his actions all lower ranking Soldiers can now do the same, but not only to the civilian leadership but the entire chain of command and you can see were that leads to.
You don't have to look far to see an example. Most of the comments came from the Generals staff which means he let his staff feel like it was ok to do it. As the leader he was supposed to correct those Officers and discipline those who continued.
If you went on Facebook and trashed your boss you would probably be fired. This is the same situation.
Thank you General for your service, but it is time to retire.
Whatever happen to "Shut your mouth and do your job?" The General was out of line by speaking against his Commander and Chief. Anyone who has served in the military, like myself, knows that regardless of your personal feelings, you follow orders and do not comment about it; certainly not publicly. End of discussion on that.
Never been in the military have you?
McCrystal was wrong to say what he did, but that does not mean his perceptions are incorrect. Obama is not a good Commander-in-Chief. And Obama himself has publicly made fun of Biden.
Say what, you call the President childish? You need to get your mindset of the good ole boys mentality and get a grip to reality. When bush and cheney were in office for 8 years, non of you people protested, raised hell, made threats, ran your mouth chanting freedom of speech in reality they are the ones responsible for this entire SHAKE UP/SHAKE DOWN this country is experiencing, but you want to use President Obams as your scape goat because of the hate in your blood. Let me remind all of you fools that President Obama is BI-RACIAL his mother was and always will be white and father is/was african from Kenya. So does this mean you people hate all bi-racial men, women and children in the United States of America because this county is full of bi-racial people-REALITY CHECK PEOPL!!!
He may have been wrong in saying what he did, but certainly not for feeling that way.
This is how it works: The generals report to the president, not the other way 'round. A unified front must be shown to the world. General McChrystal's type of behavior has never been tolerated and will not be tolerated.
Bro, "than" should be "then". I think you should take a step back and look who at who can relate more to an "8 year old" girl, you or the President of the United States....
You obviously know NOTHING of the Military, it's structure and why ours is the greatest on the Planet.
If Abe Lincoln was president, he would shoot McChrystal on the white house lawn, on the eve of July 4th!
Steve.. a war is a major event and support wholeheartedly is important. This is not a schoolyard or a debate ..this is a war where terrorism threatens the entire world.. If a grown who has a respectful position but acts undignified...it is questionable of his judgement. If you boss knew, that you said horrible things about your colleagues..do you think you will be around? probably not.. and that might just be within some local, inconsequential company. but imagine this taking place at the highest ranking office of the country..clearly he has been caught and something needs to be done. Its too sad that we cannot slap him in the wrist and let him go ...because setting an example is important at this level. Sorry you don't understand that ..and you compare this to a school yard situation.. you must have a small mind.... and ....
As a veteran of the US Army, one thing I learned early on is that you don't have to respect the person, but you do have to respect their rank. General McChrystal showed gross insubordination with his comments about his superiors.
I wonder how the General would react if his subordinates spoke as franky, and disrespectfully about him as he did about the White House, and the Commander in Chief. My guess is heads would roll, but it seems that too many Bud Light Limes were consumed, and in a drunken stupor, General McChrystal let his backside show by opening his mouth.
As a retired senior Army Officer, I know General's get relieved for alot less, ie. having his driver drive him home in a military vehicle. This is considered misappropration of government funds. To be this insubordinate to the President, Vice President, and the Secretary of Defense, the President has no choice but to relieve him. This type action will only lead to the soldiers under General McChrystal command to believe that it is ok to be insubordinate to their leaders. The only difference is they woun't get away with it.
It seems like we all can't admit our mistakes. Yes, Bush was not a good president, but neither is Obama. Why is it everyone defends Obama with, "Well at least he isn't Bush". Don't we deserve something better from our leaders? Don't we deserve someone who's greatest accomplishment isn't that he isn't as bad as the last guy? Democrats, just admit this guy is not a good president, get involved in your party and take him off the ticket for 2012, or vote for a different ticket. Don't feel the need to defend your pick blindly because you want to justify your vote back in 2008. We need someone that can protect our liberty, defend our country, and deal with economic, social, political and other issues that arise, Obama is not that person, take the blinders off and let's try to find that person regardless of which party he respresents.
You know nothing about the military code of conduct.
What a very childish analogy!
This is a very childish analogy!
This is a very childish analogy! McChrystal must be fired.
It's all about respect. The army is a noble profession where people live with honor and respect for their superiors. Put it another way, if a private in the army said the same things about his/her general wouldn't the poor lad be court martialed? Wrong is Wrong period!
Apparently, none of you stopped to think about where my comment was coming from (I understand many of you jump the gun before thinking, it's cool). I just think it's rather childish that the commander was (or will be) fired for some comments that were off the record, yet a strategy that is putting young men at greater risk (spare me the "YOU DON'T KNOW LOL" comments, I've heard enough stories from the half dozen people who are/were there) than they need to be (there's correct use of "than" for you... make sure to never make a grammar mistake or I'll call the grammar police too) wasn't grounds for a firing (or at least a scolding). I'm not saying it's right what he said, but the reaction seems rather childish. Did any of you even read the full article?
You've obviously never been in a position where chain of Command is important. A foot soldier disagreeing with his CO or authority in an open forum is very bad and you have to squelch that right away. A General, let alone THE General of ground forces in Afghanistan to say something disrespectful out in the open is outrageous and can't be tolerated! EVER!!! Nothing will work with out a chain of command. Obama had to replace him!
Maybe part of the reason why we're in this mess is because we have a bunch of "yes" men at the top? McCrystal is the top commander of the armed forces in Afghanistan. His boss doesn't have a clue about the military (I'm not claiming I'm the military genius of the century... but I'm not in a position of power). Try reading the article.
Steve – comparing this to 8-year olds on a playground just reinforces the mentality of this whole thing. GROW UP! The guy's poison, and he needed to go. I'm proud of Obama for sticking to his guns on this, since he hasn't always done so when I think he should have. This is a mature, brilliant, sensible administration, and if you weren't so full of hate and closed-mindedness, you might be able to see that. Again, GROW UP!
You sir are truly a fool and clearly non-American! Pres Obama is our Comander and Chief with the best intrest for ALL Americans!
You are a FOOL with no respect for chain of comand.
Completely agree. Listen to this guy talk. He has studied this region. He knows wars. He knows tactics. He has a firm position and is steadily chipping this network away. There's no quick fix. Perhaps Obama should put a moratorium on battling the talidban because without this guy he's taking a huge setback in US efforts. Foolish
Not really sure why I'm a "fool" for the remarks I've made.
– Implementing a strategy that doesn't appear to be working (and costing hundreds of troops their lives) gets you a hand shake.
– Saying such rotten things like "Obama looked intimidated when we first met" gets you immediately fired. I just find it alarming that a reporter who used 90% of his material from unnamed sources can bring down the general and architect of the most complicated military strategy in U.S. history... there's a problem. I'm utterly surprised that most of you are unable to see that.
I think Steve is right on! If you can't stand a little criticism, get out of the white house!
Steve. Call your boss a "dummy" in an article in rolling stone magazine and see how well it goes over at work on Monday. Also, that is just a civilian job (I'm guessing?). Here in the military you are more than welcome to have your own strong opinions and discuss them with whoever you should so choose. So as Ross I can say that I think "x, y and z" but as Senior Airman Martin my opinions belong to the United States military currently headed by PRESIDENT Barrack Obama and you don't even disagree publicly, much less insult. That is why he was fired.
I understand, Ross. But my point is based on the logics of the whole thing. Just the way it sounds to me. In my opinion (largely based on what I hear from people who were/are on the ground), the strategy is messed up and needs to be changed. I think McChrystal's policy (helped formed by politicians) on the ground, which limits our soldiers capabilities (and puts them in greater danger) is ridiculous, and should be a big reason why he was fired. The comments McChrystal made should be "of the last straw" type of variety.
Best way I could put it is like this. Running a failing strategy doesn't get you fired, but saying some off-the-cuff remarks about the President, a few senators, and others gets you fired.
Strategy that's getting troops killed because it's dumb = stay
Saying some words that sounded kind of mean = fired
Get my point, now?
This guy not General disobeyed the President-Commander In Chief and Vice President. What an idiot!! This is not a dictatorship. We are not in North Korea, China, Cuba???? We are a Democracy. This guy got the "big head" and thought President Obama or thinks President Obama can not do without him-Wrong. Strip him down to grunt and kick his butt out the door. Can you imagine the damage he has caused. A fool indeed. He is sacrificing our men on a mission for his self centered glory. This is about an effort to make a difference to the people of Afganistan and the US. Glad he is out the door-he was too cozy with Afghanistan President who is really questionable.
Why not get rid of the butthead in charge? The article was written by a left-wing "writer" for a left-wing magazine – who was inexplicably given access for a month. Kind of a hatchet job you'd expect. Read the article – almost all of the comments were by junior officers or "unattibuted"... not McChrystal. MC admittedly did make a mistake by not keeping his junior officers in line... but a difference of opinion being a basis for dumping him? We have an egomaniac in the White House, that much is clear.
You have no idea what you are saying do you? Have a cookie and take a nap somewhere...
Actually, Obama should go. McChrystal is brighter, a leader and a manager who has more class, brains, and leading ability in his pinky than Obama will ever have. Obama is a vacationer, a golfer and a fraud. McChrystal used bad judgment in conducting this interview with such a lightweight magazine. The NY TImes or the Washington Post would have been more desirable. Obama is not a leader, a manager or a thinker. He is a cancer killing this country and needs to go immediately.....unfortunately, we are stuck with him as a lame duck President for a while.....
Hey Dr. Blaney, have you servd in the military? I do. I'll take both men over you as a leader any day
Dr. Blaney, for the public's sake I hope you're not a medical doctor. You're not only wrong about the president's record as far as being a golfer, vacationer, ect you're also wrong from projecting who and what the former president did and was on to this president. You like most of the folks who think like you, are in for a big shock when not only the president wins another 4 years despite the constant roadblocks that has been put in his way since he became president, but for thinking the American public is as stupid as you and the members of the tea party!!
What's up Doc? You are a nut!
Dr. Blaney, I don't think you are real doctor. Whatever you are spouting seems to be from a shallow, uneducated guy. President is the commander in chief (did you get that) and he can decide what to do and not someone like you.
You are the reason we have an "electoral college"
If Abe Lincoln was president, he would shoot McChrystal on the white house lawn, on the eve of July 4th.
McChrystal needs to shutup and get moving...he's a disgrace to all who serve and has his own agenda.
Pres. Obama a golfer? I think that's Tiger...oh yea I forgot ...we all look alike.
Dr. Blarney, you are saying that getting drunk and saying these disparaging things to your commander in Chief is Classy? Hummm, I don't see it that way. To not appreciate someone because of your political views is one thing but to say these things you have just said makes no sense. You above many others should understand that? Strange???
Very disrespectfull comment.Instead to talk bad about our President, why don't you write a letter to him sugesting him how to do things better?Mr. Smart!...
You should be ashame of your comments about the President of the United States of America!If you know everything, why don't you run for President
next election???
Dr. Blaney is so correct. What ever happened to constructive criticism? King Bush the second should have bombed Al Qaeda bases, got Bin Laden when he had the chance and we'd be finished. Kick up more trouble and we'll bomb or invade to take care of business quickly. No $300 trillion war bill and 5000+ Americans killed.
WOW, McChrystal just told it like it is, good for him. This administration and especially Obama doesn't have a clue.
Just wait until Gates is retired or out of office and can tell what he really thinks. This administration's legacy
will have a lot to be desired when it's all said and done. Fasten your seat belts. We can only pray that 2012
comes quickly.
"It's funny to read you comment..."he is telling it like it is" now I am all for those to have an opinion really I am. In this situation he is military either way you look at it Obama is his Command and Chief. For him to speak like this of his is direspectful, unloyal. My point is Leadership I sure there are a lot fo thing his soldiers don't agree with. Can they "tell it like it is" ? This is a disgrace to the military, it's sad people are loosing their lives in a war that was started before Obama was in office..... oh how we forget about Bush...guess Obama is the fall guy..would you say?
What would happen if a Major in the army consistently and openly criticized, and poked fun at his commanding officer, let's say a Colonel? Answer: ass kicked, demotion, etc. This case is even worse as President Barack Obama is THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF ALL MILITARY FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. You Obama-haters are the danger in a very critical international situation. Don't forget that you are the same ones that supported Bush and his cabal of corporate, corrupt evil-doers in jacking up, probably beyond repair, our international standing and starting the wars in the first place. FIRE HIS ASS!
You have obviously never been in the military. You never ever ever tell it like it is...you ignorant bystander. I have served in Afghan, Kuwait and Iraq for 3 of the last 4 years and I too can't wait for Gates' memoirs...they will surely tell of Bush's disgusting lies.
Jay, there is no problem telling it like it is to the person who needs to hear it. IE. the President! But not in an open forum in front of for god's sake ... a Rolling Stone's magazine reporter. Adults, someone like McC who has risen to this high rank should know with out question what he did was stupid. Nothing wrong with speaking your mind ! I tell my kids this everyday. But, talk to the source ... not behind peoples backs. This makes the US look stupid, uncoodinated and as if communication were an afterthought! Here we've hired some guy in charge of hundreds of thousands of men who publicly berates his commander in Chief. Intelligent people don't do this. Think about it!
This isn't a Major violating an order from a Colonel. This isn't a PFC violating the order of an NCO. I don't get how a dozen of you come in here talking about "chain of command" as if McChrystal violated some type of sacred order that was given. Is Obama his boss? Yes. Does Obama know a thing about the military? Hell no. Did McChrystal "violate an order"? NO.
When politicians run the war, we get what we're getting in Afghanistan right now. I'm not saying McChrystal shouldn't have been fired. On the contrary, it might be a blessing in disguise. But he was fired because of some off-the-cuff remarks that "unnamed sources" mostly were quoted for. McChrystal was the guy in charge of the most complicated strategy in the history of warfare (tell me of a more complicated strategy than trying to award warriors for NOT being warrior-like) and he's brought down because of a few choice words about his POLITICAL commander... that for all you know, he didn't even make? Imagine Patton getting fired in the middle of WW2 for slapping that poor soldier because he was shell-shocked (in my opinion, that was more of a serious issue than saying "Obama looked intimidated when we first met"). I understand violating the chain-of-command and talking bad about your boss is a bad thing... but I'm not in charge of hundreds of thousands of lives, trying to run a complicated strategy. And in reality, neither is Obama (I mean in direct command of it) I feel Obama jumped the gun and fired him without thinking about it.
If this was the "last straw" of a series of problems... like the problem of implementing a failing strategy... than I could say that I'm fine with the firing. But being fired for some choice words is childish, no matter how you look at it.
Why so much negativity about the President. What is the problem here? Gen. McChystal was dumb for what he said, drinking or not. He desired to be relieved of his duties. It was the right thing to do. End of story. Let's move on people. And Dr. what is your problem. When will all the hatred end? Is it because he's not a good President or because he's a Black President. Amen.
How many of the people making comments have fought on a front line ? We are proud of one thing in the Free World. (Freedom of Speach ) More power to him and others for speaking their mind when they are fighting so we all can have ours. Don't like the comments move to Cuba or another county where freedom doesn't exsist. Because thats where America is heading under this President.
Trade you your war record for mine.
Based on your comment I doubt if you hvae one.
It makes no difference where you are in the chain of command, on the front line or rear support. There are regulations regarding the undermining of the chain of command and regardless of your views of the CinC his position must be respected.
@cookie – This was not "speaking his mind" as you call it. This was trash-talking his superiors. Not allowed in the military and completely unwarranted. His type of bashing of those who disagree with him is detrimental to his command and to the war effort. He should be fired.
I take it you never been to war...or had to see soldiers leave their families for this war that is so called over. Have you forgotten that Bush started this? In the military they teach Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage.... let's see he showed he is not loyal to his chain of cammand, forgot his duty as a soldier, no repect, turned into selfish service, integrity hmmm you tell me, and personal courage yea wanted to resign before facing the President... Do you really want this person leading your loved ones in a war..honestly? This is so much bigger than what you see.
It is obvious that those that say "Let him go" have no concept of what it is like working 7/24 in a hostile environment... .being away from family for long lengths of time...the General voiced his concerns, concerns over the safety of other Americans in his command...how many of our elected officals have served in our military...let alone in Vietnam...Iraq....Afganhistan....etc.....if they think they can do a better job then let them step up to the plate.....let them be compensated at the same rate as our soldiers....be away from their familys for a year or more...numerous times.... get off your whiney butts....maybe by someone stating the TRUTH we can put an end to the stupidity in the Middle East.
Who the current President is, what party he belongs to, or how "good" a job he is doing is irrellevant.
As a Commissioned Officer he was toeing the line with violating the UCMJ (article 88). Period. An Officer and leader of troops should know better. As a senior General he DOES know better.
Had one of General McChrystal's subordinate Battalion or Brigade Commanders pulled a stunt like that on him, they would have been sent to pature – and rightfully so.
As a soldier, it does not matter if I liked, dislike, voted for or against the President. He is the President. Behavior like that would not have been tolerated in the Reagan or Bush White Houses and should not in this one either.
For those of you that said fire the General, he needs to respect the office and lead by example, you are correct. For those of you that said fire the President he is inept militarily, doing a terrible job in the gulf, pushing his liberal socialist agenda, allowing illegal aliens in so he gets re-elcted by the growing hispanic minority at the costs of risking our national security and causing economic hardship to Americans, trying to convince g-20 leaders we need to be less fiscally responsible than ever before, so we can survive the downturn in the economy. How? Bigger goverment, more stimulus, 400 million for Hamas, well the people saying we need to get rid of this guy, you are also right.
this a not a historical precident... this has happened plenty of times before. and if you read his history as you said, you would see that this man has commanded THE most elite and secretive groups on the planet who were responsible for capuring or killing several huge names in the war, as well as was a major architect in every aspect of both wars... this guy is no one to be just dismissed as "a trouble maker". although, he screwed up, but thats what happens when you push the envelope for so long, and then take orders from a guy who has never even picked up a rifle in defense of his country.
Did you ever serve in the military?
picking up a weapon in defense of the country, although admirable, is not a preqequisite for being President. And as you know the military answers to civilian authority. That's the way it is. It doesn't matter if the General is light years smarter than the President.
First of all, why the hell are we at war, were broke! Obama seems to be displaying a NERO like complex here by making such a big deal over some article. There are bigger issues like the oil spill and the economy.
Brett...you are trully a moron...we should forget about troops in the field and worry more about an oil spill?????
When I was a small boy, I wanted to be a soldier. My mother told me a thousand times, "The pen is mightier than the sword." I didn't listen; I took up the sword. I have seen a thousand times, my mother was right.
By all (previous) accounts, this guy was of the best and brightest. Show your laundry to "Rolling Stone?" How foolish can he be?
Old Soldier
And let's not forget the Pat Tillman fratricide. McChrystal was in charge of covering that up! He was a 1 Star General at the time.
After reading many of the comments, it's quite obvious. You people are clueless.
Most of the comments came from his staff, not the General.
If we are at war, let the warriors do their job. Not the pencil pushers back in Washington.
Why do you think we haven't won a war since WWII ? Grenada doesn't count.
This guy has gained the trust/respect of the Afghan people on the ground; an extremely difficult task.
Replacing him at this stage will only make things worse for the troops on the front lines.
Should we be their in the first place ? probably not.
However, we are, so let the folks who understand the complexities of this type of conflict do their Jobs.
He made a mistake. Let it GO!
Quite frankly, the quotes from the article were 100% accurate.
Obama deserves the same respect that general G. Washington gave to his leader, King George.
I agree
Remzi, I totally agree with you, and I'd bet this guy is a Republican. I could see him doing a series of interviews and I know, he just gotta have a book, coming out soon. I am going to predict that this guy is going to become the "Darling" of the Republican Party, and he'll run for office, sometime, in the not too distant future. Either for Congress, The Senate or a Governorship, this would the first phase of his plan to run for President down the road.
Now that Petraeus has replaced McCrystal what if he disagrees with Obama publicly or privately in a conversation with his peers at a bar, will he then be accused of insubordination and replaced with a Obama lap dog. There should be a investigation by News organizations into the conduct of Rolling Stones Reporter in setting up General McCrystal. Reporters in War zones know that military officers blow off steam due to stress and they often raise heck with politicians that create the mess for the military to clean up. Something stinks here and I hope it gets out in the open. I personally believe that Obama was afraid that General McCrystal was thinking of running against Obama in 2012. Obama had to discredit him and the Rolling Stone reporter was sent to do the hit job.
This is a tricky "war". With the whole world watching and everyones skewed ideas on what is right and wrong its nearly impossible to win. Those insurgents have no ROE's. They dont give a crap how many innocent civis are killed. You cant really fight a war like that with rules. I blame the hummanitarian(sp) groups for complaining so much. With out them we could wage a real war.
The president has a tough job. He is NOT a military leader but a poltical leader. He has to run a military when he probably has little to no idea on how military strategy works. Congress also makes it difficult for him to get anything done. It takes a lot to change anything. Also the U.S Media doesnt really help either. Whomever runs that needs to be taken down and replaced with someone with common sense. Not someone who cares about a "good story"
Moral of the story is that Gen. McChrystal was both right and wrong. He was wrong in the fact that he broke the rules but "right" in what he said. He wanted change. He knows what it would take to win the war and vented it. Hell now a days you could call your boss a bad name and if he fired you you could take it up with HR and get yout job back. The military is different with a different set of laws. As long as the orders are legal you must do them. With out complaining or any other noise.