August 16, 2010
— DrewM This morning the big news was an interview Gates did where he talked about what everyone has been wondering... When will he go? Lots of folks jumped on it as if it were an imminent thing but later Gates' spokesman played down the Secretary's words.
Still, when Gates leaves is a major source of speculation and one which will impact the Defense Department moving forward.
Gates, who turns 67 in September, says he wants to leave the job and retire, this time for good, sometime in 2011. "I think that it would be a mistake to wait until January 2012," he said. It might be hard to find a good person to take the job so late, with just one year to go in the president's current term. And, he added, "This is not the kind of job you want to fill in the spring of an election year."He pointed out that he's the 22nd U.S. defense secretary since the position was created in 1947. "If I stay until January 2011," he said, "I will have been in the job longer than all but four of my predecessors. And those four are Robert McNamara, Don Rumsfeld, Cap Weinberger, and Charles E. Wilson." He laughed. All four are famous for having stayed long past their welcome. Two of them, McNamara and Rumsfeld, started out energetic and celebrated before tumbling into the traps of ill-considered wars.
Then again, Gates said much the same thing about not wanting to stick around after 2008. Is his new countdown ticker, set to go off in 2011, another "covert action," as he put it, to discourage Obama from asking him to stay? He certainly doesn't say so. But if the president does ask, Robert Gates has always been the type to say, "Yes."
That retirement bit comes at the end of a longish but interesting profile of Gates, the issues he dealt with at Defense and how he became a central player in the Obama administration.
I know a lot of folks around here are down on Gates and I am as well on a number of issues but let's be honest, his staying on is probably one of the main reasons we still have anything approaching a chance to succeed in Afghanistan. Whatever faults we may all have with him, he's likely the best we're going to see out of Obama.
Obviously there's a lot that can be said about Gates pro and con but one thing you can't say is he was just killing time in the job. Part of that reflects the fact that he's spent almost 6 years managing two wars but beyond that, he's set the Pentagon on a path very different from the one it was on when he took the job. Major weapons systems were cut or eliminated, budget constraints have recently led to calls from Gates for cuts in support personnel to free up money for war fighters and he has shaken up the top ranks of the services.
For good or ill, the Pentagon is going to be living with the results of Gates' thinking for years to come.
My biggest concern with Gates is his seeming preoccupations with the size of America's military compared to other countries. That's a great talking point but it tends to ignore the huge demand on American troops, even without a war in Afghanistan and an on going mission in Iraq. I mean, when an earthquake rocks Hatti, no one says, "Hey, better get China's People Liberation Army Navy on the line ASAP!". Even if you don't like soft power missions, think about what the US military, especially the Navy, has to do even if peace broke out in Afghanistan tomorrow.
Something else that worries me about Gates is his betting that we won't be facing a military like China anytime soon. I hope he's right but hope ain't a strategy. I also think there's something to the idea that a strong force helps to ensure you don't have to use it. It's a tough sell in a budget fight but it's not as if there's not historical precedent for the idea.
So when will Gates go and who will replace him?
He says he will step down in '11 but wants to leave early enough so that his successor can have a meaningful tenure. That would argue for earlier in '11 or right after the midterms. The factor that argues for him staying longer is the pending Afghan strategy review scheduled for the end of this year. How much will the outcome of that impact his decision? Will he be willing to go before the July 2011 decision/off ramp/not all that important after all date?
As for who will replace him? John Noonan, who covers defense issues for the Weekly Standard, seems to think Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Michele Flournoy is a likely candidate. I've seen others suggest Hillary Clinton but I think she's going to replace Biden on the ticket next year.
Either way, it's most likely going to be a Democrat who is a big believer in cutting the budget. For all his faults, I think most conservatives will miss Gates when he's gone. Whenever that is.
Posted by: DrewM at
03:00 PM
| Comments (109)
Post contains 892 words, total size 6 kb.
I don't agree with Drew about Gates, best chance doesn't get it in war. Either we are going to succeed or we are not. Regarding that Gates will do whatever Obama tells him to do and smile.
I know it's his job, sometimes you have to walk away from it.
Posted by: robtr at August 16, 2010 03:07 PM (fwSHf)
Posted by: CoolCzech at August 16, 2010 03:08 PM (tJjm/)
I know a lot of folks around here are down on Gates and I am as well on a number of issues but let's be honest, his staying on is probably one of the main reasons we still have anything approaching a chance to succeed in Afghanistan. Whatever faults we may all have with him, he's likely the best we're going to see out of Obama.
Yeah, can't say I can maintain the same level of respect for a guy who is willing to work for Ostumble. Especially after his dithering on the troop surge, but he is the best you can hope to get out of the Precedent.
His replacement will most likely be worse.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:11 PM (IRwVS)
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 03:11 PM (EJBVR)
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:11 PM (c1oyg)
Tells you something about how far the nation has fallen in less than two years right there.
Posted by: CoolCzech at August 16, 2010 07:08 PM
I'm guessing it'll be Bombin' Billy Ayers. He has experience with ordnance, after all. Even if it was home-made.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 03:13 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: Matt Damon at August 16, 2010 03:13 PM (zqzYV)
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 07:11 PM (EJBVR)
This Ace fellow is getting big. NRO and now Levin in the course of a week,.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:16 PM (IRwVS)
Posted by: Ruth at August 16, 2010 03:16 PM (GJHX1)
Posted by: Truck Monkey at August 16, 2010 03:17 PM (yQWNf)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:19 PM (5UP6n)
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:19 PM (IRwVS)
This Ace fellow is getting big. NRO and now Levin in the course of a week,.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 07:16 PMWhat next? A takeover bid from Townhall.com?
We'll know the first time ace writes: "In fairness..." in emulation of Ed "Poppin' Fresh" Morrissey.
P.S. ace does run a damn hot site.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 03:19 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 07:11 PM (c1oyg)
We're killing them with cholesterol.
Posted by: Tami at August 16, 2010 03:20 PM (VuLos)
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 03:20 PM (yfJ6g)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:21 PM (5UP6n)
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 07:20 PM (yfJ6g)
Rummy wasn't all that. He could give a good presser though.
P.S. ace does run a damn hot site.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 07:19 PM (Ulu3i)
Particularly the last few weeks. He's been on fire.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:22 PM (IRwVS)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:22 PM (5UP6n)
Dude.
That Moo-slim chick is gonna be in some hot water with the mosqueovites for those photos.
Except for her religion and the Osama Obama toe-sucking, she has an impeccable background, though.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 03:23 PM (Ulu3i)
Saw that too. Is there any kind of sanctioning body for that type of racing? That's just insane
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:24 PM (c1oyg)
Posted by: Corrupting Effluence at August 16, 2010 03:24 PM (hCQG5)
About the odds of Dick Cheyney tapping Obama. From behind.
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:25 PM (c1oyg)
*Picturing Mr. of Spades on a hamster wheel*
Posted by: Corrupting Effluence at August 16, 2010 03:26 PM (hCQG5)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:26 PM (5UP6n)
So Gates wants to leave about a year prior to the next presidential term?
Is it possible that he thinks Obama isn't gonna get elected, and Gates wants some distance from that blood-bath?
I really don't know if this is a likely line of thought for him. If someone with actuall knowledge and insight wants to provide a moment of clarity, that's cool.
Posted by: ed at August 16, 2010 03:27 PM (Zsqn4)
29 O/T: Gosh, it would be awfully sad for Catherine Zeta-Jones to end up rich and single in her early forties.
I'd hit it!
Posted by: Ruth at August 16, 2010 03:28 PM (GJHX1)
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 03:31 PM (YVZlY)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 07:22 PM (5UP6n)
I think Lloyds has it listed as "47 Kajillion to one."
Posted by: Merovign, Strong on His Mountain at August 16, 2010 03:32 PM (bxiXv)
22 Rummy wasn't all that. He could give a good presser though.
Well, not by the end, but I can't deny I liked some of his idea. He also had the problem that Gen. Powell & Dr. Rice tied his hands on some things. I've read that he & Powell particularly argued terribly about a majority of things. Anyway, I think Rummy & Wolfowitz were affective together.
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 03:33 PM (yfJ6g)
Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at August 16, 2010 03:34 PM (kJXs1)
29 O/T: Gosh, it would be awfully sad for Catherine Zeta-Jones to end up rich and single in her early forties.
Michael Douglas is to undergo radiation and chemotherapy after doctors found a tumour in his throat. Been there, dude. It's agony, especially depending on the extent of the surgery. Prayers go out to Gordon Gekko.
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:34 PM (c1oyg)
Posted by: Truck Monkey at August 16, 2010 03:34 PM (yQWNf)
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 07:33 PM (yfJ6g)
I wonder if anyone has mentioned Powell as a possibility for Teh Won?
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:35 PM (IRwVS)
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 07:24 PM (c1oyg)
I think rallying has a MINIMUM number of fatalities among the spectators per year, if they don't make that they have to shoot fans.
I *get* rallying, I really do, as I *driver*. I used to make some serious mountain road runs when I was young, not sanctioned events but crazy-ass rough-road driving.
But as a spectator? No, you could not pay me to stand alongside a road where tons of vehicles were flying by at over 100 mph, trying to drive as flat-out mad as they could.
Posted by: Merovign, Strong on His Mountain at August 16, 2010 03:36 PM (bxiXv)
The Human Goatee on MSDNC is suggesting that Gates' successor will be *drumroll please* . . .
Hillary!
Posted by: The Q at August 16, 2010 03:36 PM (pfStM)
29 O/T: Gosh, it would be awfully sad for Catherine Zeta-Jones to end up rich and single in her early forties.
I'd hit it!
Posted by: Ruth at August 16, 2010 07:28 PM (GJHX1)
Catherine, give me a call 1-WHN-HES-DEAD
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 03:36 PM (YVZlY)
Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at August 16, 2010 07:34 PM (kJXs1)
Excellent idea. Obumble would love the fact that he doesn't carry a gun.
Gomer Pyle could be the next Homeland Security Sec. He's far more qualified than Incompatano.
Posted by: Delta Smelt at August 16, 2010 03:37 PM (IRwVS)
Posted by: Rat Patrol at August 16, 2010 03:37 PM (dQdrY)
Gosh, it would be awfully sad for Catherine Zeta-Jones to end up rich and single in her early forties.
I'm single too. What a coincidence. Maybe Catherine and I could, you know, hook up..........
Posted by: Soona at August 16, 2010 03:39 PM (w9U0b)
Posted by: Average AoS Comment After Its Takeover by Townhall.com at August 16, 2010 03:39 PM (EJBVR)
Well, yeah. The only reason I am happy with Gates, and the only reason I fear his replacement, is that knowing Obama, the person he picks as Gates' replacement will have to pass the leftist ideological litmus test on DADT (no) and cutting the defense budget (yes).
Posted by: chemjeff at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (Pm5H8)
I forget, but it doesn't matter. The entire general officer corpse (h/t jug-ears) is indoctrinated
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (c1oyg)
Posted by: Corrupting Effluence at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (hCQG5)
Posted by: Rat Patrol at August 16, 2010 07:37 PM (dQdrY)
George "McDonald's" Casey
Posted by: Blackford Oakes at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (w9BEi)
I think you got his name down pat.
Posted by: chemjeff at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (Pm5H8)
Meow! *licks whiskers*
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 03:40 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: AmishDude at August 16, 2010 03:41 PM (T0NGe)
Posted by: Rat Patrol at August 16, 2010 07:37 PM
Too many dickheads to mention in the Hassan case. They kept on promoting him even though no one thought that he was doing a good job. They even knew he had business cards with SOA printed on them. Unbelievable. (General George Case is the name you were looking for).
Posted by: Truck Monkey at August 16, 2010 03:41 PM (yQWNf)
Plus his deputy only had one bullet, so he'll fit right into the whole slash-the-military culture of this regime.
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 03:41 PM (EJBVR)
Personally, I hated Rumsfeld and thought Gates was a huge improvement. I'll be sad to see him go, though I disagreed with him on a more than a few things.
As for having to fight a large conventional foe - it's rather unlikely in the next 15 years, unless you count Iran's army as something approaching that.
Once China's new generation of moronette-less morons gets to Army age, though . . . look out.
Posted by: The Q at August 16, 2010 03:42 PM (pfStM)
Especially when they find out all the hot Chinese women are over here.
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 03:43 PM (EJBVR)
P.S. ace does run a damn hot site.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 07:19 PM (Ulu3i)
Particularly the last few weeks. He's been on fire.
Don't forget to drop a few coins in the paypal bucket on the left of the front page.
Seriously, guys, this kind of Val-U-Rite induced genius ain't free.
Posted by: AmishDude at August 16, 2010 03:44 PM (T0NGe)
38 I wonder if anyone has mentioned Powell as a possibility for Teh Won?
That would honestly be dreadful. From everything I've read, the man doesn't have the fortitude to oversee something like Iraq, & certainly not Afghanistan. I can respect the fact that he's a humanitarian, too, but being soft to that extent is actually more cruel to innocents. He's actually far more vicious to political enemies (see Scooter Libby). Overall, Powell was a better soldier than he was a civilian leader.
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 03:45 PM (yfJ6g)
Once China's new generation of moronette-less morons gets to Army age, though . . . look out.
Posted by: The Q at August 16, 2010 07:42 PM
Not worried about them. They will be too busy 'getting busy' with their immediate neighbors to be any kind of real threat.
Posted by: Truck Monkey at August 16, 2010 03:45 PM (yQWNf)
Gosh, it would be awfully sad for Catherine Zeta-Jones to end up rich and single in her early forties
I remember the first time I saw her, wearing a white dress, in Zorro. I can remember I gasped. That previously only happened with Grace Kelly and Casablanca-era Ingrid Bergman..
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:46 PM (c1oyg)
Once China's new generation of moronette-less morons gets to Army age, though . . . look out.
Posted by: The Q at August 16, 2010 07:42 PM (pfStM)
We're so ronery...
Posted by: China's Entire Young Male Population, Most of Whom Happen To Be In Uniform and Carrying a Gun at August 16, 2010 03:46 PM (QKKT0)
Maybe O can find a Muslim to be the next SecDef.
Hey, yeah. Outreach and all that shit. Celebrate all the contributions that muslims have made toward peace and freedom.
Posted by: Soona at August 16, 2010 03:47 PM (w9U0b)
Posted by: CDR M at August 16, 2010 07:46 PM (5I8G0)
I can see the Pentagon from my yacht!
Posted by: jon carrie at August 16, 2010 03:48 PM (IRwVS)
Maybe O can find a Muslim to be the next SecDef.
Major Hassan is available. It's not like he is going anywhere anytime soon.
Posted by: Truck Monkey at August 16, 2010 03:48 PM (yQWNf)
Powell wasn't all that hot as a soldier, either. Maybe I read too much into it, but Gen. Schwartzkopf's book leaves Powell looking like a most un-military tool of GHW Bush and the UN.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 03:49 PM (Ulu3i)
It would be funny as hell if the Dems lost the OTHER Mass. Senate seat in another open-seat special election.
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 03:49 PM (EJBVR)
I'm not sure he was that good a soldier, either. He was an earlier generation's "clean, articulate" black man. If he'd been Colin O'Powell from Iowa?
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:49 PM (c1oyg)
Let's see, what has Gates fought for:
Missile Defense - No
F22 Raptor - No
Maintain Nuclear Capability - No
Reasonable ROE - No
Kissed Obama's Ass - Yes
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 03:49 PM (YVZlY)
If the GOP wins the house and /or senate we can limit the cuts to the excess that built up for the wars....
legacy skills don't rebuild in a week.
Posted by: sven10077 at August 16, 2010 03:50 PM (kq1lG)
Posted by: Barack BFD Obama at August 16, 2010 03:50 PM (fLHQe)
Well, there's a 50/50 chance Israel will attack Iran in the next week. We'll see what he's made of then.
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 03:51 PM (c1oyg)
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 03:51 PM (EJBVR)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 07:22 PM (5UP6n)
I think Lloyds has it listed as "47 Kajillion to one."
Posted by: Merovign, Strong on His Mountain at August 16, 2010 07:32 PM (bxiXv)
I'd put a ten spot on it. Not that I'd expect it to happen -- but if it did, I'd have $470 kajillion!!!!
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:52 PM (5UP6n)
Fixed.
Posted by: The IRS at August 16, 2010 03:55 PM (EJBVR)
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 07:51 PM
He and Ray Bradbury call into Dennis Miller's radio show every now and then... national treasures, but if I were a betting man...
Posted by: Blackford Oakes at August 16, 2010 03:55 PM (w9BEi)
Well, there's a 50/50 chance Israel will attack Iran in the next week. We'll see what he's made of then.
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 07:51 PM (c1oyg)
That's a story that isn't getting much press for how serious it would be if Israel proceed. As you stated, their window to attack is before the reactor goes on-line.
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 03:55 PM (YVZlY)
What's more, they gave everyone black berets.
You know, that rangers had. And worked, sweated, and bled for.
Ain't nothin' quite like a fuck-you-very-much from the top.
Posted by: Xenophon at August 16, 2010 03:56 PM (DasBz)
I remember the first time I saw her, wearing a white dress, in Zorro. I can remember I gasped. That previously only happened with Grace Kelly and Casablanca-era Ingrid Bergman..
Posted by: Ombudsman at August 16, 2010 07:46 PM (c1oyg)
I think I gasped when I found out she was marrying Michael Douglas. A twenty-five-year age difference seemed weird for a woman who clearly didn't need to marry for money or to advance her career. I guess she found Mike to be a very charming and lovely man.
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 03:56 PM (5UP6n)
68 Powell wasn't all that hot as a soldier, either. Maybe I read too much into it, but Gen. Schwartzkopf's book leaves Powell looking like a most un-military tool of GHW Bush and the UN.
Then perhaps it's a tie, then. I should also add that book to my reading list.
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 03:56 PM (yfJ6g)
Posted by: The War Between the Undead States at August 16, 2010 07:11 PM (EJBVR)
God Bless 'em. I think Levin is the only talker left that doesn't have his head up his ass.
Posted by: ErikW at August 16, 2010 03:57 PM (vOAmW)
Whomever it is has to be confirmed, right? Everything that happens in the next 2 years depends on the Repubs having some damn balls. I intend to aggravate the shit out of them just as much as I have over the last couple years. I know I'm only one voice, but I'm damn sure that I won't be the only one.
Oh, and as for Hillary running as Odumbass's VP, it won't matter what he does or who runs with him in '12. Most people will still want that dick-for-brains out of our WH as soon as possible.
Posted by: Steph at August 16, 2010 03:59 PM (580hG)
Posted by: Sestak at August 16, 2010 07:57 PM (5I8G0)
Get in the back of the line pal.
Posted by: Dick Blumenthal at August 16, 2010 03:59 PM (IRwVS)
83 My fear is that to replace him we'll get Shinseki, mr 'join the army, get a beret'.
He's the one that's still a left-wing hero because he got canned for "telling the truth" on Oraq troop levels, right? Isn't he also in-charge of VA Affairs?
Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at August 16, 2010 04:00 PM (yfJ6g)
You definitely should read it!
Damn good book, and far more honest than I expected.
I had immense regard for ol' H. Norman after Desert Storm, more after I read the book.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 04:01 PM (Ulu3i)
Posted by: CDR M at August 16, 2010 08:00 PM (5I8G0)
Agreed. She's already playing Obama's bitch by being SOS.
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 04:02 PM (YVZlY)
Posted by: Tami at August 16, 2010 07:59 PM
I think he'd use to same words to Osama Obama as he did to that poor bastard who was made sad by yellow....
Of course if the Traitor-in-Chief wanted to pick someone from a GEICO commercial, I'd suggest Maxwell the Piggy, who at least seems to be on the same intellectual/emotional level as the current regime.
Posted by: MrScribbler at August 16, 2010 04:04 PM (Ulu3i)
That's a story that isn't getting much press for how serious it would be if Israel proceed. As you stated, their window to attack is before the reactor goes on-line.
Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at August 16, 2010 07:55 PM (YVZlY)
That's the conventional wisdom. The thinking is that Israel would want to attack before the fuel is loaded so that it doesn't risk spreading nuclear contamination.
But I think the opposite is true. There are several reasons why Israel might want to wait for the fuel to be loaded before attacking:
1) The reactor containment building will help to limit the escape of radioactive material to the environment.
2) Blowing up a bunch of fuel rods inside the containment building will render the reactor completely useless and impossible to repair.
3) Waiting until the fuel is loaded lets Russia bill Iran for the fuel sale and the rest of the reactor's outstanding bill, and it means that the Russian techs will be out of the building rather than at work inside it to finish its fueling.
4) If Israel needs to use a low-yield nuclear weapon to destroy the reactor, the presence of the fuel can be used as the explanation for the radiation released.
5) Waiting until after their "one and only" window of opportunity will throw the Iranians off balance and possibly give them overconfidence, leading them to become less vigilant against the attack.
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 04:06 PM (5UP6n)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 04:08 PM (5UP6n)
yeah how's Allen looking in the wake of "Cambridge acted stupidly" O'bama?
I think if they lose the Senate a few will quit if offered jobs. Webb is a lot like Jharles Chonson and Andi Suli....he sold out his allies for short gain.
Posted by: sven10077 at August 16, 2010 04:13 PM (kq1lG)
Only if they want to lose a Senate seat to the GOP.
Posted by: CDR M at August 16, 2010 08:10 PM (5I8G0)
Oh, but haven't you heard? The Colorado Senate primary proved that Obama has his mojo back! The White House is, I'm sure, confident that a Democrat would win any special election for Webb's seat. (Would the Republican governor get to appoint a replacement in the interim?)
Posted by: stuiec at August 16, 2010 04:14 PM (5UP6n)
Posted by: sven10077 at August 16, 2010 04:15 PM (kq1lG)
So of course he won't get the nod. I bet Obama's trying to get Adam Gadahn on the phone.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 16, 2010 04:50 PM (rl1wY)
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Posted by: sexypig at August 16, 2010 09:36 PM (0t7L8)
Posted by: just ruminating here at August 17, 2010 12:28 AM (sYrWB)
I'm sorry but while I have concerns over who will replace Gates, it is long past time for Gates to go. His tenure as SecDEF has been close to doing the kind of damage only Louis Johnson (The WORST SecDEF in history.) did. He needed to be gone earlier this year.
If we do get into a major war within his lifetime, I would want people to bluntly ask him "How do you feel about your defense policies getting Americans killed?"
And of course...Never bet against the Marine Corps. Never.
Posted by: cxt217 at August 17, 2010 12:25 PM (ecctr)
Posted by: webmaster at December 05, 2010 06:24 AM (Dfs79)
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Posted by: Ed Anger at August 16, 2010 03:04 PM (7+pP9)