The Generals

Well, the retired generals have a real anti-Jones for Donald Rumsfeld. Could it be the generals, soon after retiring, joined the left-wing blogosphere that has been so (rightly) critical of Bush?

Don’t think so. It is truly extraordinary that so many generals with experience in Iraq have concluded the national security credentials of the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld crowd are bogus. These generals, by speaking out, are putting national security first.

Bush, as we know, puts his political security ahead of our national security.

The general’s criticism and call for Rumsfeld’s resignation started after learning some of their current brethren, who can’t – and shouldn’t – speak out ,think Bush and his insiders have a “messianic” view of the Middle East. The current military brass wanted the nuclear strike option removed from the war contingency plans for Iran. Bush refused to take it out.

Bush calls it “wild speculation,” but he hasn’t said “no” to the nuke option, or disputed the accuracy of the reporting soon to be released in The New Yorker, has he? Sy Hersh quoted insiders as saying Bush believes only he can solve the Iran problem and only he has the courage to do it.

Delusions of grandeur. That’s scary stuff.

I think the retired generals think Rumsfeld is just neo-nutty enough to pop a mushroom cloud over Iran. Bush has an evangelical-bent that may or may not include a thirst for Armageddon. If Rumsfeld told him to do it, well, I believe he is capable of anything.

Bush: "I hear the voices. I read the newspapers.“I’m the decider. And I decide what’s best. And what’s best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain the secretary of defense.”

That’s reassuring.

The generals are right to see if they can get rid of Rumsfeld. I’d feel a lot safer if Bush was the one signing a letter of resignation.

Bush: "I hear the voices."

We know you do.

--Drzal