Why are "Active-duty military leaders are starting to voice misgivings about the war’s planning & execution"
925620
Its because they don't think it was planned or executed very well.\n\n\nNow who care what the generals say, they all shot themselves for their medals anyway.  Plus the liberal homos are scared to spend a night with us.
961765
He is an idiot. No matter what you feel about the war you don't put down the troops. They are having a hard time over there. Not all of them agree with the war either, but they enlised and are standing by thier promise.
441153
Firstly the writer "space_tnt" hasn't a clue about the military, current affairs, or past history. You should ignore his comments which are NOT true.\n\nThe vast majority of military personnel do not complain about casualties.  They understand their occupation and its hazards. \n\nMost complaints come from anti-war activists, or individuals who do not support the war. Their comments and complaints are produced with an eye on political gain, not concern for soldiers.\n\nI hope Americans have not lost sight of a vision encompassing freedom and democracy for all.  \n\nKeep in mind that Operation Overlord, D-Day and our landing in Normandy during World War 2 (June through August)caused:\n   53,700 dead,\n   18,000 missing,\n   155,000 wounded.\n\nWill we ever be prepared to make such a sacrifice again?\n\nBe PROUD and supportive of our efforts.\n\nPS:  I retired from the US Army after twenty years of active service.
731295
they do it because most of the people here in the states think that anything that has to do with the military is true. as a Sgt in the Army, i laugh at this. its funny, people think they know a lot about the military....they barely scratch the surface. but an excellent question and i hope i helped out. if not, hey, i tried right? good luck with everything!
1168808
I am with you all the way. Some positive things are happening in Iraq and some progress is being made...but at a terrible cost of coalition and iraqi lives.\nThis war was a mistake, but no one in the white house will admit that they screwed up, so they say "We must stay the course" which is just another way of saying, "if we pull out now, it will be admitting that it was all a mistake, so let's KEEP making the mistake and maybe we will come out smelling like a rose."\n(Which isn't going to happem)
306202
The retired generals who are speaking out against Rumsfeld are hardly liberals. Yet they are convinced that Rumsfeld has been a primary reason for the failed war effort in Iraq.\nIt's pretty compelling when so many retired generals, knowing they will be attacked for their views, still have the courage to speak out. \nWe already know that the planning for winning the peace was minimal. We know that Rumsfeld decided to have many fewer troops in the field than recommended by numerous experts, including the generals. We know that Rumsfeld disbanded the Iraqi military, a decision that many believe has made it so difficult to train a new security force.\nWhy continue to support someone who has made so many mistakes, and who doesn't seem to learn from them? Or is it just a case that firing Rumsfeld would acknowledge that Bush thinks everything is not going well? \nI guess when reality confronts fantasy, fantasy wins in this administration.
353974
I believe so.When five retired generals think he should go,that's a pretty good sign that he has not gotten the job done.Personally,I would have aked him to resign long before now.This war has been a farce.Our troops went in woefully unprepared for the combat they are now engaged in.We did not take the insurgents into consideration.Why not? Isn't that part of Rumsfeld's job? The sheer arrogance of this man is appalling.He ,like our president , will never admit to mistakes made.They just keep telling the American citizens to be patient.Baloney.There is no exit strategy now and who knows when we can expect any.We're in such a mess now that I don't know if there is a way out that will allow us to save face with the world or not.There is something wrong when practically all the president's cabinet and colleagues are at the center of controversy every time you turn on the television.
890031
Because the job isn't done.  Do you want the lives of our dead soldiers to mean nothing?  Doesn't matter why we went, we did and now we have to see it through.  The reason we aren't winning is because people like you aren't supporting us.  Hate the reasons we're there, but don't let our soldiers die in vain, make it mean something, bring freedom to an oppressed country, get more oil, just take out a bad guy whatever the reason, we're there, support us.
58585
If you ask Bush he will say "Because God wants me to be president."  If you ask me, I think people were afraid to change the guard because of the war.  Basically, the American public said: hey, you guys messed up with this war thing but why don't you try and finish it anyway.  I am still shocked.
934649
Thats quite an interesting article, thank you for putting it up, and i agree with ecerything the generals say, but do you not think there is larger issues here? The ineffectiveness of the iraqi govt, caused by the clash of ethnic groups but also by the duality of relying on US troops while also trying to distance themselves from US policies, and other issues like this? I respect what the generals say but are they not purely looking at this from a military and practical perspective? Killing every terrorist and insurgent will not finish this war, because its impossible...hmm i cant see an alternative way of getting out of this situation but i also refuse to believe that its as simple a solution as issuing killing orders...tho that would be a step forward i admit
876694
Are they already in charge?  It certainly seems so with the news.  \n\nI haven't noticed much of a change, other than Rangel freaking out the youth with his draft talk, used to undermine support for the war.\n\nIs this the politicking we can expect for 2 years?  Yes.
864187
Honestly, when discussing the war with liberal friends, they honestly believe that soldiers are stupid, misinformed or dirt poor. They don't come out and say it like that, but its obvious they struggle with the fact that people enlist for a lot of reasons including sense of duty and calling. I don't know if it will hurt them or not but I think it shows Kerry's and other Democrats true colors.
648998
Much as I appreciate the sentiment it is really not practical.\n\nWhen you put your cross on the paper (or whatever system you use) that is when you are deciding who makes the big calls - this is the essence of democracy.  The impliction is that you would need a leader and a military leader - unless the suggestion that every leader must be ex military.\n\nNotwithstanding this, I wish folks would distinguish between the politicians and the soldiers when complaining about war and how/why it is fought.\n\nPeace (hopefully) out
280843
People tend to fear what they don't understand. Personally, I believe it is fear that is manifesting itself rather than hate.\n\nThat doesn't justify their actions which are often times displayed by hateful acts. Most have never seen our benevolent side. \n\nWith the onslaught of natural disasters, many of these people have witnessed first hand how quickly we, as a nation, have responded to their peril. \n\nI have read accounts of how these people were absolutely shocked that we would respond faster and with more resouces than their own government. They had previously thought we were a selfish nation... taking things that don't belong to us... forcing other to conform to our vision for their lives... They fear that they might become our next victim.\n\nThe answer is not Iraq as suggested above. There are way too many people here on Yahoo answers that want to be the first to answer a question and give no regard to it's accuracy. Their misinformation is a blithe on an otherwise great site. You deserve an answer not an opinion that isn't even backed up with the flemsiest of evidence. \n\nPardon my distain. Back to the topic...\n\nYour anticipated response would be, what can we do about it? How do we let them know that we want them to be happy, prosperous and free to enjoy life under their own terms? Well, there's not much an individual can accomplish on an international scale. \n\nTrue, there are some amazing people that have a calling it would appear and these people have proven how much good or bad one person can accomplish internationally. As for you and me, we need to take the time to examine our leaders. We need to look beyond party lines and select officials that represent our country for what it really is. A melting pot of ideas and people. A place where their way of life is acceptable as long as it doesn't infringe on another person's way of life. A nation that loves it's soldiers and can hardly bear the thought of placing them in harms way. And if we do send them into battle, there is no reasonable doubt that they are dying for a worthy cause. A cause that is international in scope rather than that of the privileged few that seem to have far too much control.\n\nWe must calm their fears.
320394
A friend of mine is coming back from afghanistan and his debrief will take abut a month.\n\ni think he is telling you the truth
959221
Well unfortuneately this is where people are remembered in history books...not always for the good things they have done, but sometimes for the turmoil they created. Let me brainstorm here; The mess that has been created within the Pentagon, prison camps / human rights, enemies of the state, a quagmire in Iraq, General officers either forced in to retirement or walking out the door, the transformation of 'the new Army', backdoor draft, abusive use of guard and reserve troops, and lets not forget we have lost many if not most of our allies....\n\nSome of these things cannot be blamed entirely on Rumsfeld, but when you mix it up with other corrupt administration players it is amplified. He will go down in the books a little bit like McNamara (Kennedy / Johnson Secretary of Defense) did with Vietnam and the Cuban Missle Crisis. The big difference is that McNamara admitted his mistakes - he didn't create all the caos and leave office for someone else to fix. \n\nThe bottom line is that we learned a little bit from that era, and administrations since have steered clear of making the same mistake. Rumsfeld will mark a similar role - 'this is how not to be' so to speak. \n\nWith some of that said; blunders, abuse, failed policy, failed transformation, and discontent among the troops... I give him a 35.
1037723
People get complacent and really don't know how to move forward in what they want out of life.\n\nReally, they don't KNOW what they want.  Therefore, can't go after "it".  They feel stuck.  If someone "feels" stuck, they ARE stuck.  They're receiving a pay check & getting they're bills paid (just or enough) and they're frozen there.  They're safe "enough".\n\nHabits are extremely difficult to change.  Getting up, going to your job everyday & receiving your pay check at the end of the week becomes routine.\n\nThen, when we hit that point where something just isn't sitting right with us (and not really knowing what it is), humans tend to complain about it (they "think" complaining is "doing") and intice others to join forces.  Since there are many that "get stuck" and don't know how or where to seek other options, the troops grow.\n\nAs the troops grow, the number of people complaining "proves" that the complaint is not only justified but out of "their" control.  It must be someone elses "fault" I am in this situation.\n\nThe blame game is very safe for many that don't know that the "power" of their growth is within themself "Only"!  You are the only one that can get you Unstuck.\n\nAll human behavior or lack of it is "fear" based and fear can be very cripling for many.\n\nFor those who are enjoying the challanges and growth that life has to offer, the stuck ones can be very annoying!  But, it could also be you at some point in your life and Never say Never.  You just never know what tomorrow will bring.\n\nAlways, even when it's hard to do, have compasion for those who have less than you do.  Especially if it is emotional strength & direction.