General McChrystal's Dismissal

I wrote this note in response to President Obama’s decision to relieve General Stanley McChrystal of duties as Commander USFOR-A. The first segment is primarily quotes that very much offended me and my responses. Asterisks have been placed to establish a quote. The bottom half is my primary body of gab

*"It is fundamentally wrong to set policy on war by asking the Generals, 'do you want more troops?' That's like asking Wall Street, 'do you want more money?' That's like asking my five-year-old twins, 'do you want more candy?'" -Rep. Alan Grayson

Are you kidding me Grayson!?!? You're comparing giving your adolescents candy to supplying a General with the appropriate amount of troops to win a war!? The General was assigned by the Commander-in-Chief to carry out his intent for the mission in Afghanistan. The confidence that Obama had in him came from an extremely prestigious military record and recommendations from other senior defense leaders. General McChrystal has served near 35 years as a Special Forces officer in the Army, is well educated in civilian and military war colleges, and has obviously served in a successful and impacting manner. Stars on the shoulder aren't merely issued like combat gear, pal. Chances are he knows a thing or two more than you regarding war.

*"McChrystal has to go. But after that, we have to make our decisions on war and peace based on what's right for America, not what's right for the generals, or Halliburton, or Blackwater. Not what's right for the military-industrial complex. But rather, what's right for us." -Rep. Alan Grayson

If you want what's right for American then how bout you support the Generals who carry the colors onto the battlefield. They make it happen! Your above statement is so contradictory! What's best for America right now is to ensure the demolition of our adversaries who attacked AMERICA'S soil on 9/11 and by doing so deterring any other prospective enemy from imitating them.

*"The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general. It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that's necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan."..."I don't make this decision based on any difference in policy with General McChrystal, as we are in full agreement about our strategy. Nor do I make this decision out of any sense of personal insult. Stan McChrystal has always shown great courtesy and carried out my orders faithfully. I've got great admiration for him and for his long record of service in uniform."

Sooo what you’re saying, Mr. President, is that his strategies, policies, and subordination are all consistent with the relationship that a General and President should have? Alright…well, this just proves that the primary reason for McChrystal’s dismissal is based on his lack of tact when talking to the Press and because of some snide remarks he made towards Obama’s administration. O-M-G! Seriously!? Are we that spineless!? Are we this elementary and thin-skinned that we’re taking out top military leaders with the most militia experience because of a few wise cracks!? I understand military structure and issues of respect- got it, believe me- but it should in NO WAY be a basis for dismissal. If we’re gonna fire people because they flipped a peer off then you may as well fire 99% of the military. My point in writing this is to show that this isn't about war, democracy, or (fill in the blank). It's another element of evidence displayed by our thin skinned and overly pompous leader we have in the White House.

Mr. President and those who support him in this case hear this: For years now siblings in arms have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for the brothers and sisters to the left and right of them on the battlefied. You take a man who has served in Special Forces (the elite fighting element of the US Army) for most of his career and who has seen and done more than you'd ever wish to know and then NOT pardon him for having some disagreements with his superiors who are telling him how to fight a war when they have no experience themselves!? That's like a well trained and experienced medical doctor being told how to conduct a procedure by a business man and then expecting the doctor to comply even considering the risk of the individual's life! Look, if someone is brave and loyal enough to hover over a grenade to absorb the impact ultimately saving the lives of those around them then chances are they're ballsy enough to speak their mind. Sorry DC, you're gonna have to get over that one. The spectrum of bravery, courage, and devotion possessed by these veterans isn't going to be restricted by your idiosyncrasies!

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