Can Robert Gates be trusted?

[kentuck]

It's been a long time since he was a visible part of government. But, that doesn't mean he hasn't been involved. When the present occupant came into the White House, one of his first moves was to classify presidential records and move them to a presidential library at Texas A & M. Who did he choose to put in charge of these "secrets"? That's right! Robert Gates.

This Administration has continued to hide the secrets of the Iran Contra affair and the culpability of Bush Sr and his cohorts, including Robert Gates. Now, we learn that Poppy Bush recommended the same Robert Gates to his prodigal son, Bush Jr, to be the new Secretary of Defense. Democrats should not rush to rubber stamp this man. He has not changed his stripes.

[savemefromdumbya]

1. Mr Irancontra Gates

I guess Dems don't want to look partisan so they support this rogue?

[hippiechick]

2. No.

n/t

[Shipwack]

3. No he can't...

Not only for his knowledge (if not outright involvement) in Iran-Contra, but that he appears to be another fan of making the "facts" fit what his supervisors want.

But it seems that people in congress have short memories for some things, even the several senators that were involved in his last confirmation hearings.

[earthside]

4. Not Just No ... 'Hell, NO!"

Just go and read the several articles about Gates at Consortiumnews.com.

Sadly, and predictably, the Senate establishment-protecting Democrats are going to be spineless AGAIN. They'll ask a few questions about U.S. troop levels in Iraq then -- punt.

Today's hearing and the quick confirmation of Gates are why my expectations from a Democrat-controlled Congress are very, very low.

[bobthedrummer]

5. No.

[davekriss]

6. Sure

The elite of the owning class know they can trust him, that's why they are appointing him. That's why their lackeys in Congress will overhelmingly back the appointment. After all, John Negroponte was approved with a 98-2 vote. Did you ever check out his background? (Gates is a peer.)

[kentuck]

7. Sadly, the Democratic Party will never truly be effective...

until they can challenge this status quo.

[hijinx87]

8. the gates nomination is a minefield

just because he isn't rumsfeld doesn't mean he is an acceptable candidate.

[Zodiak]

9. CNN says he can be trusted

That's how I know he cannot be trusted.

The whole idea that we can still "win" Iraq is a false premise. We have not even had a debate on what victory in Iraq would look like.

This is just another excuse to keep the war running for another six months. Nothing more. How many times do we have to try these "six months plans" only to have the situation get worse?

the US will never admit defeat. We are killing people simply to protect our egos, now, and I want no part in it.

[aquart]

10. By whom?

Not us.

But perhaps he can manage a graceful exit for our troops and mercenaries. If so many lives weren't going to be wasted, it would be amusing to watch.

[leftofthedial]

11. that's a good one.