For the latest indication that George Allen is just another Bush rubber stamp apologist on the Iraq disaster, read on:
Senator George Allen of Virginia, a likely Republican presidential contender, . . . said that Rumsfeld had been a victim of "scapegoating" by Bush's political enemies, and that changing the defense secretary would not solve the problems in Iraq."In the event that you switch the secretary of defense, what difference would that make?" Allen said. "Would that mean anything to the terrorists? Would that mean anything insofar as the training of Iraqis . . .? A lot of this focus on an individual is a way of maybe criticizing the president."
I guess George Allen can't figure out that true leaders fire obvious incompetents. With all those years inside Washington, all he sees is political criticism of the President (even though Rummy's latest critics are decorated military generals who worked with him during the Iraq war). And, of course, criticizing President Bush is something George Allen just can't take.
[UPDATE by Lowell]: Mark Warner yesterday called for Rumsfeld to resign, saying "The line of mistakes in this war is almost unprecedented." Other potential 2008 Democratic candidate who have called for Rumsfeld's resignation include John Kerry, Wesley Clark, and Evan Bayh.]
First, its an invasion, not a war so the terminology should be "the plan for occupation".
Secondly, the whole invasion was a mistake to begin with, a lose-lose proposition from the start. Its like trying to fix up the corpse to look alive when you have murdered it, and you never should have murdered it in the first place. It still stinks and nothing can be done to fix that.
Thirdly, the whole "war" was a formula for destruction and disaster from the start. Since it was a formula for disaster to begin with I'd say it was executed well. The result is a good disaster. This may not work well for the US or the administration, but the weakening of Iraq works quite well for those in the region who feel threatened by it. For them this whole thing is a resounding success.
I've strongly protested the war from the start -- I've marched in Washington, written letters, etc etc.
I totally agree this whole administration sucks, but we don't have the immediate option of firing Bush. Since Rummy's job is this horrible war/occupation/invasion that is killing and maiming our troops daily as well as Iraqis, is to orchestrate the madness, I felt that someone with his job and without his mindset might be able to help actually change the course. But don't get me wrong - American blood is all over the whole Bush admin hands. (had to restrain myself with the caps there)
First time I've pissed off fellow Democrats! Wow!