Jon Soltz/VetVoice: McChrystal Must Resign - or Be Fired

[babylonsister]

McChrystal Must Resign - or Be Fired
by: Jon Soltz
Tue Jun 22, 2010 at 13:19:56 PM EDT


The open disdain and personal ridicule of the President and his advisors by General Stanley McChrystal and his subordinates in the new issue of Rolling Stone leaves only two acceptable options: Either General McChrystal resigns or is fired.

If he has any honor, he'll step down.

I know something about this. In 2006, I worked with two Generals, appearing in national television ads critical of President Bush and his strategy in Iraq. Or, should I say, retired Generals. Major Generals Paul D. Eaton and John Batiste each made the painful decision to leave the military they loved, so they could speak out. To that point, they had held their tongues.

Why?

Because the order and efficacy of our Armed Forces falls apart without respect for the chain of command. Whether it's a grunt respecting his company commander, or a General respecting the Commander in Chief, every single thing is predicated on the integrity of the chain of command. As soon as someone - especially someone as high up as General McChrystal - violates that respect, every single person under him begins to not only question the orders they've been given from above, but is given the signal that it's OK to openly disagree or mock his or her superior.

And, violate that respect General McChystal and his subordinates have. Among other things, the Rolling Stone story reports first-hand that:

* McChrystal was disappointed with his first meeting with the President, and that he feels the President is uncomfortable and intimidated with military brass.

* McChrystal's aid calls National Security Advisor James Jones a "clown."

* Another aide says of envoy Richard Holbrooke, "The Boss says he's like a wounded animal. Holbrooke keeps hearing rumors that he's going to get fired, so that makes him dangerous."

* Bolstering that, McChrystal himself, receiving an email from Holbrooke says, "Oh, not another e-mail from Holbrooke. I don't even want to read it."

* On Vice President Biden, who disagreed with the General's strategy in Afghanistan, McChrystal says while laughing, "Are you asking me about Vice President Biden? Who's that?"

* An aide, mirroring his boss, adds, "Biden? Did you say Bite me?"

Anyone of lower rank would be immediately dismissed if he or she said of their superiors what General McChrystal said, or what he allowed members of his team to say.

more...

http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4170

[dgibby]

1. There is no one in the military who cannot be replaced on a moments notice.

NO ONE. He is NOT too big to fail, regardless of how many in Congress have bought into his and the Pentagon's hype about how indispensable he is.

If he were killed in battle(God forbid), someone else would step in and lead the troops in a skinny minute. That's what the military does.

He is in violation of the UCMJ, and should be Courts-Martialed immediately after he's publicly relieved of command by the CIC in the Oval Office.

[bpj62]

2. McChrystal Should Resign

Back in the mid 70's the McChystal family lived 3 houses down from me in Arlington Virginia. Stanley McChrsytal father was a 1 Star General at that time. His family has a long military history and he should know better then to allow either his staff or himself to be quoted in a magazine. Flag positions are highly political and General McCrsytal clearly knew how to navigate the halls of the pentagon. That is why IMO he has no other choice but to resign. If he does not resign he clearly sends a signal to the rank and file of the army that it is okay to publicly challenge the civilian chain of command that has worked in this country for over 200 years.

[Phx_Dem]

3. CNN just reported that even Glenn Beck thinks McChrystal is a disgrace

not that anyone gives shit what Crazy Glenn thinks, but when even the crazies think he's gone over the edge it says something.

And I believe "disgrace" was the word they used.

[AtomicKitten]

4. I have come to really respect vetvoice. They are an important voice. nt

K&R

[flpoljunkie]

5. Already signed. Thanks for posting, babylonsister.