Gen. McChrystal calls out the White House

[Hog1]

McCrystal basically says get off your ass's or we'll have another Vietnam.
White House angry at General Stanley McChrystal speech on Afghanistan - Telegraph

[saden1]

We'll have? I think we have pass the point of "have" long ago and are in the midst of Vietnam minus the body count. Good luck "winning" this quagmire.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I agree with the general's assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, I support a "surge," and I think the Administration should determine the new war plans, but the general should not run his mouth in public. He should report his recommendations in private and shouldn't spend his time talking to think tanks, analysts, and politicos.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I agree with the general's assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, I support a "surge," and I think the Administration should determine the new war plans, but the general should not run his mouth in public. He should report his recommendations in private and shouldn't spend his time talking to think tanks, analysts, and politicos.

When All-Universe Gen. MacArthur publicly disagreed and lamented President Truman's policies he was dismissed. If McChrystal opens his mouth again he should be fired promptly.

[Hog1]

We either need to do more, or less as the same will tend to deliver the same results. AND since I don't think the....world can afford to deliver Afganistan "officially" to
Al-Qaeda, it proably shoud be more.
AND, I respect his opinion, and I am confident he is correct. He should have his ass handed to him for talking shit to the media. I realize he is frustrated with the status Quo....but the President can....hardly afford that sort of weakness

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by saden1

When All-Universe Gen. MacArthur publicly disagreed and lamented President Truman's policies he was dismissed. If McChrystal opens his mouth again he should be fired promptly.

On the other hand, if Obama doesn't give McChrytsal what he needs, McChrystal should resign. He can't in good conscience carry out a policy he believes to be inadequate. Maybe Rahm Emmanuel should commission a poll on that scenario.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

On the other hand, if Obama doesn't give McChrytsal what he needs, McChrystal should resign. He can't in good conscience carry out a policy he believes to be inadequate. Maybe Rahm Emmanuel should commission a poll on that scenario.

This war is bigger than McChrystal. There are other advisors and generals besides him and their input is just as valuable. He can disagree with president's policy and quit. Honestly though I'm not entirly convinced he isn't replaceable just like his predecessor and Petraeus in Iraq. I would guess it's probably best for McChrystal's career to put as much distance between himself and Afghanistan as soon as possible.

[redsk1]

Did anyone see the 60 minutes special on McChrystal? Pretty good piece about the man. Seems hardworking and genuine. Doesn't mince words.

General McChrystal - 60 Minutes - CBS News

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I agree with the general's assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, I support a "surge," and I think the Administration should determine the new war plans, but the general should not run his mouth in public. He should report his recommendations in private and shouldn't spend his time talking to think tanks, analysts, and politicos.

Well I said that over and over again about things in Iraq that alot of what is said in public should have been discussed in private.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by saden1

This war is bigger than McChrystal. There are other advisors and generals besides him and their input is just as valuable. He can disagree with president's policy and quit. Honestly though I'm not entirly convinced he isn't replaceable just like his predecessor and Petraeus in Iraq. I would guess it's probably best for McChrystal's career to put as much distance between himself and Afghanistan as soon as possible.

Well was it not Obama who said he was going to fight the real war in Afg. and now when he has his man saying we need more troops he drags his feet. I'm also sure McChrystal makes his decisions based off what his advisors and generals tell him is needed. If I was McChrystal I'd be pissed if my leader had me fighting a war and said the goal is not to win the war. What? Maybe that explains why the death toll is at an all time high.Obama's Afghanistan Strategy: U.S. Deaths Hit A Record High In Afghanistan - Atlas Shrugs

[saden1]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Well was it not Obama who said he was going to fight the real war in Afg. and now when he has his man saying we need more troops he drags his feet. I'm also sure McChrystal makes his decisions based off what his advisors and generals tell him is needed. If I was McChrystal I'd be pissed if my leader had me fighting a war and said the goal is not to win the war. What? Maybe that explains why the death toll is at an all time high.Obama's Afghanistan Strategy: U.S. Deaths Hit A Record High In Afghanistan - Atlas Shrugs

He has already sent more troops and the death toll rose so if he sends more troops will the death toll fall or rise? All that the death toll indicates is that there more direct engagement with the enemy.

Of course McChrystal is going to ask for more troops becuase there's really not that many troops in there to "win" much of anything. And if he is given more troops he will eventually ask for more down the road. Obama is in a pickle of his own doing. He should either send in a very large force 250K+ or call it quits.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by saden1

He has already sent more troops and the death toll rose so if he sends more troops will the death toll fall or rise? All that the death toll indicates is that there more direct engagement with the enemy.

Of course McChrystal is going to ask for more troops becuase there's really not that many troops in there to "win" much of anything. And if he is given more troops he will eventually ask for more down the road. Obama is in a pickle of his own doing. He should either send in a very large force 250K+ or call it quits.

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that when he was talking about sending more troops in Feb. 2009 his comander asked for 30,000 and he only sent 12,000. Obama approves Afghanistan troop increase - CNN.com

[hooskins]

Yeah McChrystal should resign if he the president does not provide what HE feels is the right amount of troops.

Both opinions are valid, the point is he shouldn't go out there like that and air it publicly. That is just bad for our nation, troops, etc.

That's like Portis bitching about playing calling instead of voicing his opinion to Zorn. In the this case there is actually much more at stake and he should never just complain to the media.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by saden1

When All-Universe Gen. MacArthur publicly disagreed and lamented President Truman's policies he was dismissed. If McChrystal opens his mouth again he should be fired promptly.

I think you're wanting to fire the wrong person.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I think you're wanting to fire the wrong person.

If only I had the power to fire people...there are a lot of folks I'd like to stick to a Delta IV rocket and send off to space. You would be a first first-class passenger on the maiden voyage.