Civilian control of the military, and McChrystal

[Perd Hapley]

I hope no one takes my OP as a defense of McChrystal or a disagreement with his being relieved of command.  I'm just taking issue with the idea that some military power-grab was in the works.  General ran his mouth against the C-in-C, General resigned/got sacked.  I don't see any danger to civilian control therein.

[roo_ster]

I hope no one takes my OP as a defense of McChrystal or a disagreement with his being relieved of command.  I'm just taking issue with the idea that some military power-grab was in the works.  General ran his mouth against the C-in-C, General resigned/got sacked.  I don't see any danger to civilian control therein.

I dunno, but your point was clear to me.

Not every criticism of civilian gov't by a man in a uniform is incipient fascism.

[Perd Hapley]

Thank you.

Even had he retained his command, everyone still understands at whose pleasure he serves.  And so long as he continues to carry out his duty as directed by his superiors...

[wmenorr67]

It interesting that people are still saying that Obama needs to rethink the "civilians" that he has dealing in Afghanistan.  I know Petreaus will be just as outspoken against them if not more so.

Then again Biden can get away with calling a custard shop manager a smartass.

[Waitone]

As McC's story develops I am reminded of a joke about a farmer who picks up an injured snake in the road and nurses it back to health.  One day the snake ups and bites him.  Says farmer, "Why?"  Says snake, "Hey, you knew what I was when you picked me up."  I suspect it will be a long time before any US military boss allows any media type to get close for "in depth" interviews.  A logical mind would conclude all media would be concerned with RS fallout of stopping virtually all interviews.  One would think the media pack would enforce some kind of discipline upon the wayward entity.  Then again, I've been wrong before. 

Do you suppose pentagon types are going over McC's recordings of the interviews with RS?  What's that you say?  There was no recording?  Object Lesson #1.

[Jamisjockey]

I'm not sure how Rilemycpaddywackmybone got back in, but its best just to ignore him.  He's been banschwereked again, hopefully it sticks.





Oh, and while I don't necessairly disagree with putting the "resign or take command of counting snowflakes in Alaska" onto McC....it's just ironic that it took Obama 5 months to decide on troop numbers in Afganhistan, but he was able to fire McC before the Rolling stone article even came out....just sayin....

[Balog]

Only reason I can see for an O-6 and up to grant a magazine interview is positioning for a later political career. And being known as "the guy Obama fired for speaking the truth" might not be a bad rep to have in the upcoming days...