So who is the Commander in Chief again?

[malaise]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/02/generals-seek-to-reverse_n_163070.html
<snip>
CENTCOM commander Gen. David Petraeus, supported by Defence Secretary Robert Gates, tried to convince President Barack Obama that he had to back down from his campaign pledge to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months at an Oval Office meeting Jan. 21.

But Obama informed Gates, Petraeus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen that he wasn't convinced and that he wanted Gates and the military leaders to come back quickly with a detailed 16-month plan, according to two sources who have talked with participants in the meeting.

Obama's decision to override Petraeus's recommendation has not ended the conflict between the president and senior military officers over troop withdrawal, however. There are indications that Petraeus and his allies in the military and the Pentagon, including Gen. Ray Odierno, now the top commander in Iraq, have already begun to try to pressure Obama to change his withdrawal policy.

A network of senior military officers is also reported to be preparing to support Petraeus and Odierno by mobilising public opinion against Obama's decision.
--------------------
Military dictatorship anyone????? Is the Pentagon in charge?

[MNDemNY]

1. Good question.

[Avalux]

2. Obama needs to stick his foot up Patraeus's ass and promptly remove him from duty.

Then fire Gates. That "network of senior military officials", if AD, are subject to the same if they go against their CIC. Nothing short of mutiny.

[eleny]

11. That's the ticket...

If he isn't in agreement with following orders from his boss, it's time to fire him. It's how Petraeus got his job in the first place during the previous administration. So he's well aware of the drill.

[Avalux]

13. I'm sure he knows the USMJ by heart

And that he can be let go anytime the CIC wishes if he doesn't follow orders. He needs to understand he no longer works for Bush and the neocons or he's out.

[eleny]

22. He had such aspirations for becoming president

I think he needs to adjust his plans for his future (and concentrate on the mission he's been given) or President Obama surely will. :D

[atreides1]

23. You give Petraeus too much credit

Keane is the catalyst here, Petraeus wouldn't wipe his ass without asking Keane for permission.

That "network of senior military officials" are already guilty of formenting mutiny, and punishable under the UCMJ. In the military all it takes is intent, especially for something like this.

Anyone remember Seven Days in May?

[damntexdem]

25. Look at it this way: the Bushistas purged generals who disagreed.

Gates and Petray-Us should be canned only if they fail to do as ordered, not because they argue about changing the orders. Argue all you want, but follow the orders.

[hobbit709]

3. Who does Betrayus think he is, MacArthur?

[Tangerine LaBamba]

4. Power-mad fuckers

They won't have anywhere to go and spread their very special mayhem if they're pulled out of Iraq. Good for OUR PRESIDENT OBAMA for standing up to these jokers.

I'm sure Obama is recalling Truman and MacArthur right about now.....................

[DURHAM D]

5. This is going to get ugly. eom

[ThomWV]

6. It is appropriate for those who are tasked with carrying out the orders to voice their opinion

And it is equally their duty to do as told.

[OregonBlue]

12. It is appropriate to voice their opinion in private. It is clear they are planning to wage their

battle in the press. This is NOT acceptable.

[IntravenousDemilo]

7. Gen. Petraeus can be replaced, as can Mr Gates. n/m

[FightingIrish]

8. Bill Fallon called Petraeus an "ass kissing little chicken shit"

Somebody needs to tell him that the ass he is kissing isn't in charge any more.

[KansDem]

9. Petraeus still thinks he's working with Chimpie...

Obama needs to straighten him out on this.

[catnhatnh]

10. Of course there is another name for...

"A network of senior military officers preparing to support Petraeus and Odierno by mobilizing public opinion" against the Commander in Chief...

Any guesses what that other name might be???

[stillcool]

14. I think that name is 'yikes'!..

I don't know if it was such a good idea for Obama to run for the Presidency. I don't think anyone has his back.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

15. Ummm, "Junta"?

:wtf:

:hi:

[Still Sensible]

16. The President made it clear he doesn't want to

just surround himself with people who agree with him and he invites opposing points of view. In that context, there's nothing wrong with the general giving an opposing opinion. It's not like he is taking any actions that are contradicting the President. I for one am glad that President Obama is running his White House this way, instead of the way Bush surrounded himself with sycophants.

[mdmc]

17. Obama is going to win the war in Iraq

He is not going to cut and run.

These guys know it. So they tell Obama the only way out is to admit defeat and withdraw. They know Obama won't admit defeat.

If the war could be "won" in a year or in a decade, then we should have invaded Iraq in 92. The war can be "won", but it will take decades of hard work and sacrifice. McCain was right when he said we might be there for 100 years. We will be there for 100 years, or we will admit defeat and withdraw.

[Critters2]

18. We won. nt

[MineralMan]

19. OK, real good then.

President Obama can, and should, remove any officer who publicly challenges him in the media. They can come to him and state their opinions, but going public with their defiance is not done.

He'll only have to do it once or twice.

[malaise]

21. I agree

100%

[Marr]

20. The only generals left are hardcore Bushies, apparently. I say get rid of them, and bring back

the sane people Bush fired.

[closeupready]

24. Elisabeth Hasselbeck, last I checked.

n/t

[harun]

26. It would be good to know WHY they think this is a better way to go.

What the hell do we get for staying there longer? I would love to hear their answer to that.