Is Viet Nam Happening Again? Marine General Blasts Bush

[G_j]

Ex-Envoy Criticizes Bush's Postwar Policy

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0905-01.htm

A former U.S. commander for the Middle East who still consults for the State Department yesterday blasted the Bush administration's handling of postwar Iraq, saying it lacked a coherent strategy, a serious plan and sufficient resources.

"There is no strategy or mechanism for putting the pieces together," said retired Marine Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, and so, he said, "we're in danger of failing."

In an impassioned speech to several hundred Marine and Navy officers and others, Zinni invoked the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War in the 1960s and '70s. "My contemporaries, our feelings and sensitivities were forged on the battlefields of Vietnam, where we heard the garbage and the lies, and we saw the sacrifice," said Zinni, who was severely wounded while serving as an infantry officer in that conflict. "I ask you, is it happening again?"

Zinni's comments were especially striking because he endorsed President Bush in the 2000 campaign, shortly after retiring from active duty, and serves as an adviser to the State Department on anti-terror initiatives in Indonesia and the Philippines. He preceded Army Gen. Tommy R. Franks as chief of the U.S. Central Command, the headquarters for U.S. military operations in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.
...more..

[BeHereNow]

1. "sufficient resources?"

Then where has all of our tax money gone?
Oh, I know...into the pockets of corporate fascists.
Sorry boys, no resources for you- that money is PRIVATIZED.

GOD, I AM SICK OF THIS ATROCITY!!!
BHN

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Our tax money went to...

nuclear bombers and missiles, carriers, submarines, and everything else to deter the Soviet nuclear threat.

It has not, however, given us enough of a military to properly subdue Iraq, or have any reserves if needed elsewhere in the world. Like the planned invasions of Syria, North Korea, and Iran.

Rumsfeld, it may once again be noted, is an asshole. In this particular case, he is an asshole because he doesn't understand the concept of an army of occupation. He seems to believe that after dropping some bombs and winning a battle or two, it is all over, and ground troops are only needed for a mopup and then can go home.

Zinni, btw, is only the most outspoken of many retired generals who are upset about the present state of things. Current ones, of course, are not allowed to speak out, but it should be noted that Rumsfeld had to get a retired hack to be Army Chief of Staff, as no one currently active wanted the job, or could be trusted to screw things up Rummy's way.

[G_j]

4. I was encouraged that

this talk was given to "several hundred Marine and Navy officers and others." I have no idea what they think they are going to do when the military loathes them.

[scarface2004]

3. tell me something i don t know.

what do you expect from the moron president.

[Ilsa]

5. Here's another kick...

I posted this in Editorials yesterday, but I"m glad you've brought it up again.

I wish the mainstream broadcast media would pick up on all the flak this junta is catching from retired/ex military giants. At least we can take heart that some of the military is being briefed on dissenting opinions:

"Zinni's comments to the joint meeting in Arlington of the U.S. Naval Institute and the Marine Corps Association, two professional groups for officers, were greeted warmly by his audience, with prolonged applause at the end. Some officers bought tapes and compact discs of the speech to give to others."

:kick:

[blm]

6. Ret. Gen. Cheney, who commanded Parris Island

came out against BushInc. at the Kerry announcement. He was amazing and I hope he runs for Lindsey Graham's seat in 2008.

I think the military will be a HUGE factor in the entire GOP's fall from grace.

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. "Ret. Gen. Cheney"???

No relation to crashcart, I presume. LOL. What a coincidence.

[blm]

8. It provided a HUGE laugh.

Max Cleland said it was nice to see a Cheney who ACTUALLY WORE a uniform.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. oh, the irony!

n/t

[blm]

10. I kept thinking of all the Marines out there

that this guy commanded over the years, and what they must be thinking now. This is NO small thing.

[Ilsa]

11. I hadn't heard about this one.

Damn media. Can someone compile a list of all the current and former military who are anti-Neocon? I wonder if they would organize, just for the sake of the publicity and having a complete list?

[blm]

13. Gen. William Perry

and Gen. Cheney are both on Kerry's campaign team.

Those are the only two I have seen on the campaign trail, but, I think Dean has a ret. Gen. who has supported his candidacy.

A list would be cool, but, I think that those guys in the current military will NOT publicly come out, but will work from within. Like the military brass who told Kerry what really happened in Tora Bora that Rumsfeld was trying to keep quiet. And someone arranged with Kerry to help Pvt. Lynch's family get a flight to see her. IMO, that was a direct slap at Bush.

[RobertFrancisK]

12. Sweet

The tide is turning on Bush. What he's doing to the military is going to catch up to him. People that used to be his friends are seeing through his bullshit. Great job Zinni!

[Narraback]

14. Kick