Would Bush have let McChrystal retire w/ 4 stars? Serious question. I really don't know

[LeftyAndProud60]

U would think it would be important to send a message to the military.

[DrDan]

1. of course he would . . . with a medal or two

[Exilednight]

2. All things equal? No. Cheney wouldn't have allowed it. n/.t

[rasputin1952]

3. From a military point of view...

the message was loud and clear.

Going into retirement, against one's personal preference, is a clear message that you've been fired, but were left w/some dignity. Think back to some of the same events from the past, Lincoln firing generals; and more recently, Truman literally firing MacArthur. The MacArthur firing took a huge political blow for the Truman side of things, but Mac needed to go anyway, all things considered, he was a terrible general that had the brains to find the brightest people he could to work for him. All MacArthur had was a reputation, and under scrutiny, Mac's reputation was poor indeed.

In this case, you let the man retire, toss a Meritorious Service Medal at him and literally, get him out of the way...small price to pay to get rid of a serious thorn.