I think I echo many other's posts when I say this is very problematic. I want to pick an idea from one persons' post specifically--the idea that the US army is a political machine in and of itself is accurate. The US military has consistently been increasing its influence on politics for decades. It is not new to have retired generals attached to political campaigns--it gives candidates legitimacy on foreign policy issues that no politician ever should be given. Making these issues even worse, is the fact that many of these generals are closely associated with large corporations.

We are only seeing the further entanglement of government, military, and corporations. And when one man or women becomes a connection between all three forms--I would start to ask myself whether or not I want a slick, militaristic CEO influencing decisions in the White House? I should be asking myself whats the difference between Bush and Clinton and even Obama for that matter?

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The fact that active-duty military charged with advising the president on war were abused, ridiculed, marginalized and fired by the Rumsfeld warmaking machine in favor of neocon fools has brought us to the horrible place we find ourselves in: responsible for a genocidal bloodbath in Iraq, and to our new status as the most hated country in the world on the heels of having been the most admired a few short years ago.

It would have been nice if these military leaders, now retired and free to speak openly, had been listened to then. Since it's too late for that, it is my fervent hope they will be listened to now by any and all political candidates willing to listen to them. This is an extremely encouraging trend -- not the sad state of affairs Mr. Arkin has tried manfully to paint it as.

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Despite all the reports and bureaucratic fun & games, it sure would be nice if our troops could get the tools they need to get the job done and come home http://www.americanagility.com
There is a petition there for all concerned Americans to help get the message out.

Bill A.
Vermonter.com
Burlington, VT

Franks (ran away) retired:

But was it because of the war, or because of the politicans in Washington D.C. who were micromanaging the (unjust) war?

I suspect that General Myers, Shinseki and others, if you could get them alone in private would share a similar sentiment.

Let's hope that ex-servicemen in the future won't turn out to be as poor as politicians, as our recent politicians have proved to be when starting and overseeing unjust wars!

BTW, that former navy secretary from Virginia, turned Congressman, seems to be very adroit, having gotten over some of his own sexual and racist attitudes!

Boy Bill you have a great following of people that think like you, the military is a punching bag for poloiticians. They seem to think that by being a professional soldier is nothing. I have followed people coming out of West Point and would follow these great people anywhere.

I can't say the same for some of the professional politicians. They seem to think that what they do is above the normal man. I read in Ted Bell's novel SPY...that being in politics is a licesnse to make oneself wealthy. How about that one.

A computer nerd makes a better person, than a soldier? A lawyer makes a etter person than a soldier? A news person makes a better person than a soldier? A senator or Congressman makes a better soldier? A teacher that can't teach,but the union keeps them on the dole,makes a better person than a soldier? I'll take the soldier thank you very much

$75,000 per appearance! . . $75,000 per appearance! . . $75,000 per appearance! . . $75,000 per appearance! . . . . . ?!

Franks now commands up to $75,000 per appearance on the speakers circuit, even though he is not known as especially interesting or smart. (And that's putting it kindly.) . . . . .

Well, now we know why he was so willing to be Bush's lap dog.

Colin Powell says "silly military people" !!.

What would US economy and industry do without those so called sillies...

Bush's War? . . Who cares! it's the only war we've got. . . . . Heard that before? . . . It came from the high ranking officers of our military.

"He now commands up to $75,000 per appearance on the speakers circuit, even though he is not known as an especially interesting or smart. (And that's putting it kindly.)"

neither are you William...but you continue to make a living. tolerance can be applied in all venues of life it would seem.

Would it be possible to write which 2004 candidate each general endorsed? I have an inclination that quite a few favored Bush and we see where that has gotten us. After all Bush did receive the majority of votes of people in the military in 2004 (Yeah, vote for a draft dodger over a genuine war hero - figure that out). Interesting that Tommy Franks, a complete failure as a general in Iraq, is being considered as the Republican Vice Presidential candidate. With decisions like that is it any wonder that Republicans are expected to lose big in '04?

In terms of the international persona of the nation a general as a VP is a gross misinterpretation of what will serve our interests in terms of winning global consent so as to achieve our objectives. A general sends precisely the same message that the triumvirate of Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld sang for almost 7 years and the only real listener was Tony Blair, who in spite of a rather impeccable political career, left his post as PM in disgrace--perceived by the British people as a mere puppet and Bush lackey. The Bush administration is a greater failure internationally than domestically--because Bush is an inadequate spokesman for the nation--he lacks international empathy (read a natural understanding) and hence he generates an unnecessary air of hostility towards our country when we are in a position that demands international assistance--in particular aid from our opponents and in a time when we in fact have something to sell these opponents. This sales pitch is a means to lower our war cost by dividing the bill in such a way that we may loose some "pride", but we will win in the long run and at great financial benefit. (the work of Christopher Hill is perhaps the road to travel in the diplomatic sense--we need a real statesman as a VP, not a general) Strength will reside in individuals that have the foresight to use the influence of Middle Eastern states, and in particular those whom we have come to regard as hostile, are now needed as partners. The gains for such nations such as Iran or Syria from complying and we in part with them, by what I believe will be at first a harsh battle of words, simmering to barks, occasional growls but when push comes to shove, it will be the entitlement to participate again in the region as well as the international arena as partners in trade that will quell the anti-sentiment and result in serious and constructive solutions in not only Iraq, but in Lebanon and with the creation of a Palestinian state--because it is a means to an end that offer all parties an improved position, as well as a greater sense of regional stability--meaning greater prosperity for the region as well as the world. A general is in my opinion a false move and it will further acerbate our sense of political isolation. Bush may rule "powerfully", "the War President", but it is at best a facade--he has alienated the world and that in itself constitutes a direct threat to our national security! We will not regain a sense of international trust by waving a general in the face of the international community--but rather we need a real statesman--if one even still exists?

Forget the generals and give women a chance. Maria Shriver should become Hillary's running mate and these two dedicated ladies can get down to the business of leading instead of LOOTING which is what Georgie & Dickie have done. They have practically Enron-ed this country beyond salvation.

Robert Parry | Iraq's Endless "False Hopes"
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/090107A.shtml
Writing for Consortium News, Robert Parry says, "Two-and-a-half years ago at another 'turning point' in the Iraq War, columnists at the Washington Post and other leading American newspapers were ecstatic over how the Iraqi national election was finally fulfilling the neoconservative dream of remaking the Muslim world. Now, however, some of the same columnists who praised the January 30, 2005, election are denouncing it as a failure that must be undone so George W. Bush's newest 'turning point' - the American troop 'surge' - can achieve its fullest potential."

General Colin Powell...

would have made a good president. The late conservative, Senator Barry Goldwater recognized that.

Having said that, he would have had low approval ratings among Republicans, given that he would not have been a social conservative. On the other hand, he would have done a good job.

At least the general, among many of #43s less than competent staff was a pragmatist!

All the kind words written here about Eisenhower are true. IF the military high command contained men of that character today, there would be no need for this discussion.

Instead we see men like Franks the boor, Myers the nebbish, Pace the wimpy liar, all GOP hangers-on looking for party favours. Eisenhower was a Republican, but he LED that party according to his own high principles.

If I could pick one great American to come back and save the Republic, it wouldn't be one of the Founders, it would be him.

He was the last bulwark against the military-industrial complex. He warned Americans it was poised to take over their society, even to control their thinking. They didn't listen and now his warning has come true.

Oh yes, Eisenhower was a five star general, not a four star.

A retired officer does not become a civilian. As example, an officer of the Regular Army is, upon retirement, transferred from the Active List to the Retired List. Remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice until death. May be easily recalled until age 62, and even after 62 if the President wants their bodies back on active duty. Government property until death do we part.

It's true that all these reired generals and admirals have had experience in the war. They know what to do when it comes to war and they know what steps should be taken to protect people and soldiers. However this does not matter. They may have served our country but they can't do much, now that they have retired. If they really want to help these candidates then they will just keep their war experiences out of it all.

I'm really tired of the old saw that people who have been in battle are more likely to enter war cautiously. Where were any active or retired military speaking caution about entering Iraq? Certainly not Tommy Franks or Colin Powell. The military was salivating to finish what they started in Desert Storm. After 24 years in the military I have only met one officer who wasn't ready to load up and charge in and that was just recently. I tell you I about fell out of my chair to hear to an 0-6 say he questions why we are in Iraq. The rest live for war. Not one of these officers would get my vote. They are all part of the HUGE military industrial complex that is taking over.

The great warrior and Marine Corps General Smedley Butler said, "War is a racket". Why would we turn for political leadership to the leading racketeers, our careerist generals?

Ike Eisenhower was an exception. He is the Republican who warned against the military-industrial complex, realized too late the CIA was a disaster waiting to happen, and was a strong opponent of "preventive wars". He said those who like preventive wars should go fight them themselves.

These days, a principled guy like Ike would have a hard time making colonel.

Professional military types should stay where they are -- in a robotic, destruction-oriented team of followers. They are not leadership material for a country that purports to provide for the common welfare, or life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Have we not had enough of their violent machismo failure?

Who would even consider Franks as a potential VP candidate? How did Franks make it past Lieutenant Colonel?

There are almost no references to Ike in all these posts. To refresh memories, he was the retired 4-star general who became president and warned America of the threats from "the military industrial complex." Lesson: look for leaders throughout our society, regardless of their background.

Franks was an extremely poor commander by every measure, and would make a desperately bad politician. He is mean, ignorant, and genuinely stupid.

This is a guy who tried to fly back to Washington for a congratulatory party, just as the insurgency was starting to kill men in his command. Even the White House knew better than to allow that, and stopped him, asking him what the hell he was thinking.

PS Great comment from Tom Barnes below.

I would love to see that sad, old alcolholic Franks run on the Republican ticket as VP. The Democrats would be able to bring up all his failures in the aftermath of the attack phase of the Iraq War and pound inmercifully away at he and his Presidential candidate on these failures.

Bring on Tommy "Medal of Freedom" Franks! He's just what the Democrats want!

I wouldn't even let Franks put up drywall in my house. When the army arrived in Afganistan the special ops had already won the war but Franks took the credit.

Our new Praetorians have long ago disavowed their allegiance to the Constitution and the American people, and have become mercenary stooges for our imperial presidents. But even puppet toy mercenaries have dreams. Is it, therefore, any wonder that many Praetorians now covet the military and political rank of Supreme Generalissimo!

Citizen Soldier - Nam 68'

American General Officers are a sorry bunch. Do any of you writers realize we have been getting whipped for four and a half years. Why are not the go along to get along Generals being blamed. They have not taken a stand against failed tactics. There has been no strategy. Our Generals have routinely complained when safely retired. American Generals have proven to be stud mice. No General has taken a stand to protect his troops and his country from failed tactics in Iraq.

When you say that Clark is "involved with Tiversa Inc., VIASPACE Inc., Stephens Group Inc., Acxiom Corp., Entrust Inc., Sirva Inc., Time Domain Inc. ", you really mean he is a lobbyist.

Why not come right out and say it clearly: Wes Clark is a big time lobbyist who is pimping himself out to as many comapnies as possible.

By the time any military officer gets into contention for a General's appointment they are getting into the realm of politics and when the appointement is made they are expected to be a working politician. Those of recent note don't fit into my book of meeting the accomplished politician mold. If they are a part of the Rumsfeld dynasty then as far as I am concerned if any of that bunch throws their hat in the ring they will not attract my vote.

Hmmm...

Maybe I'm wrong, but wasn't ADM Charles Larson the running mate to Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (a Democrat) in her failed bid for the Maryland governor's race in 2002? Why is he supporting McCain? Did he switch back to being a Republican?

violence only brings more violence, war is not the solution, we are just fighting ourselves. witness Iraq, a mess that may lead us into world war started by lies and deceit.

Why, oh why, do we have to resort to militaristic figures for political leadership roles in the US ? I'll admit that recent civilian choices have resulted in the activation of unprecedented levels of stupidity in the political sphere. However, I am personally aware of numerous persons who possess both the intelligence and resources to assume political leadership roles without having to resort to a militaristic father figure persona. What is wrong with civilian leadership ? I would contend that the present circumstances require, more than ever, leaders who possess an ingrained suspicion of militaristic solutions to all the world's problems.

Comment to J Buckley
You wrote "Third, the debacle in Iraq is the responsibility of a passel of ivory-tower fantasts who never wore the uniform. In fact, it is they who inspired this spate of activity by retired flag officers"

Does this mean that you endorse the spineless generals who were more concerned about their job safety than of the life and safety of yound men and women in the service.

Mr. Arkin:

I agree with you 110%. Under NO conditions can any retired general or admiral be allowed to run for office and give "advice" from on high. The Armed Forces of the USA is an incredibly political animal on all levels and these men are first and foremost successful politicians in the worst sense of that phrase.

In general (no pun intended) it is my opinion that these men (and women?) make mediocre civilian politicians at best. They are too "hooked in" to the "team concept" to ever truly understand that democracy needs the dissident as much, if not more, than the team player. They are usually too focused on "the Administration" and its agenda to give the people and their concerns any real thought. They are usually a very bad bet relative to open mindedness in the progressive sense of that phrase.

I spent my life in the Service. These men do not usually belong in high places in civilian government unless and until they can rid themselves of their ever present sense of urgency and crisis where none exists. They are incredibly intelligent and shrewd opportunists in every way, else they never would have been promoted to star rank. That should never be forgotten.

CWO3 Tom Barnes, USCG (Ret.)
Alexandria, VA

A retired US military officer, whatever his rank, becomes a civilian.

As a civilian he or she is not barred legally or otherwise from becoming a politician.

'[T]he general public gets confused as to whether the views they express as private ciitzens reflect the view of the professional military - not good.

This has been a disturbing trend over the past 15-20 years and has been written about much. We must not allow our military to become another "special interst group."'

GS, if the public becomes so confused, I think there is a better solution than ignoring the thinking of this well-educated and experienced group. I think the public should be informed about what the military does and how it works, so we can make informed decisions about the roles a retired military person should perform.

Tommy Franks was the author of the worst military campaign plan in the history of the United States. Every historian or military analyst -- from Tom Risk to Michael Gordon to Tim Weiner to William Odom, for example -- gives him the lowest marks. He let the ideologue Rumsfeld take him to the cleaners. There was a kind of oblivious disengagement and blind, uninformed heedlessness about Franks that should bar him not only from higher office but, indeed, from any responsible executive position whatever. Of course, Bush gave him the Medal of Freedom, another certain indication of Franks' unworthiness.

Armitage was a PNAC signatory.

In the months before the Iraq invasion he was frequently at Crawford, "planning" (or whatever the hell they used as a substitute for planning) the Iraq war with Bush and his inner circle.

Armitage is a renowned hawk.

The only fissure line between him and the White House is that he is unhappy (now) about the treatment of his old boss Colin Powell.

Anyone who thinks a General isn't a politician is not dealing with reality. An officer becomes a General only after nominated by the President and approval of the Senate.
In the first hundred years, most of our Generals came from the political class.
Generals have to deal with politicians all of the time as far as requisitions and oversight is concerned, so they know the buggers well by the time they muster out of the service.
The real danger comes from active duty Generals meddling in civilian decisions (see MacArthur). Caesars are not needed or wanted.
Another danger is when they go to work for the same contractors they oversaw while they were active duty. The danger of corruption is very real.

hey look little endian...

you all shouldn't think with your small heads...

what is it that the IRAQI people have done again?

been born into an OILRICH COUNTRY AS THE SAUDI OIL WELLS GO DRY NEXT DOOR ???

and who are the SAUDIS friends with?

accordingto two national newspapers and a number of other news sources....bushCO and CRONYs

bushCO and CRONYs are backing al QUEADA/SUNNIS from SAUDI ARABIA that are tearing up the cities and local countryside trying to get the SHIA to submit...so that bushCO and CRONYs can get the intimidated IRAQI PEOPLE TO SIGN OVER THEIR OIL RIGHTS TO WESTERN IMPERIALISTS AND SAUDI PRINCES....

how cool is zat?

.talk about rat like behavior.

who is making a profit in the middle east right now, as AMERICA 's infrastruture crumbles, and foreigners buy up AMERICAN MORTGAGES?

1. war profiteers

2. big oil

3. anyone taking jews for genocide money

4. drug runners, anyone involved in the IRAN CONTRA thugs for drugs whitehouse

5. Sand Bros., with connection with bushCO and CRONYs and bushCO and CRONYs from Sand Bros. money....Halliburton is moving it's headquarters to DUBAI....according to law, they can not be extracted or interfered with thier and of course they have the uncontested contracts....sounds like we need to go to war with DUBAI and recover our U.S. of A. DOLLARS IN STOLEN MONIES RESIDING IN DUBAI BANKS eh kids!???

let's do it!!! attack DUBAI , rape and plunder today hot cha!!!!!

.

the United States Federal Government, INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES, and the UNITED STATES MILITARY

are a family run business...

the bushCO and CRONIES familiy, not the ordinary citizens, their lives have turned into a paycheck to paycheck night fricking mare...outside the beltway...

you might call the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT budget

______________WELFARE________________ FOR THE BUSHCO AND CRONYs

who depend on you to buy into their B.S. as if it were gawds own troot...

like CRAIG does....hear any toe tapping coming from George's stall?

yowzah.

.

Nah, we shouldn't care what the Generals think, just as we shouldn't consult climate researchers about global warming, business leaders and economists about the economy, or any simliar so-called "expert."

Fact is, military leadership is an important part of the President's job description, especially these days, and no one is in a better position to advise than the retired generals (look what good the academics have done for us the past few years, both the Neocons and the New Republic crowd...). To see them as above politics is a mistake, as is to falsely annoint them based on their experience in the field (see Eisenhower and Grant), but they are critical in an advisory capacity, and had Powell been listened to more than the intellectual Neocons, things today might be very different than they are. Powell did it the right way, let's hope the Clarks and Franks of the world do the same.

maybe George W and his family and families members could just give back the money that they have stolen from the United States of AMERICA...

in the "war fraud scam"

certainly John W. Dean, in his book, "WORSE THAN WATERGATE," lays out the grounds for impeachment in bush's defrauding Congress about a need to

attack Iraq.... he never met the markers he said he would in proving the case for needing to invade IRAQ.... that is fraud.

everydime spent should be recovered from his estates, and Halliburton has moved their business headquarters to Dubai.... can you say COLLUSION WITH SAND BROs to defraud the United States of AMERICA's taxpayers....payoffs, graft, skimming, the backing of al QUEADA by bush family actions?

yes, you can....it's all there in black and white. prosecutable.

do that. hold them responsible, wage war with dubai if need be, recover our fricking monies.

.who is buying all of those failed mortgages? any foreigners getting good deals?

yes.

.

the real problem?

AMERICA is paying a buncha richkids to takeadvantage of some other poor kids....

bushCO and CRONYs do not represent AMERICA, they represent themselves...

do you think Halliburton Headquarters are moving to DUBAI because they have nothing to hide..............I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you if you are buying that story.....

so why are we paying them ANY money when they are telling us what they are?

CONSCRIPT THE CONTRACTORS, put them on GS-SCALE WAGES tomorrow....

it's a national emergency....replace thier bosses....repeal the do not examine decrees placed in front of the IRS by John Negroponte, butcher of Honduras....

....take charge of your country, break their knees.....

.

John McCain....

read the front of John W. Deans' book,

"WORSE THAN WATERGATE,"

in there is says how George W. Bush blindsided you in the South Carolina presidential primaries....by showing a picture of your dark skinned Bangaladeshi adopted daughter, to the Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy...

you lost because you trusted a lying hypocrit.

when you back him, or ask for his favor, an he sticks a plunger in your rear end and sayz "is that better?" "I am on your side," an you belee him,

it don't look good. it don smell good and no one belees you

get it? if you don't get out of politics you are not well.

.

Generals advising candidates, is that the

Military Industrial Complex is using all of the resources in the fricking country....

as the infrastructure and real economy goes missing....

factory work , computer jobs, customer service....

how can people buy homes on retail salary incomes....don't most AMERICAN people expect the economy to get better ???

MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA was the backbone of the economic system...

is it any wonder that there is no fluidity in the credit market?

General s don't know jack about the INFRASTRUCTURE OR ECONOMY, I would feel a lot safer with a

n ENGINEER advising the president than a General....

visualize Will Smith taking the test for MIB here...

.imagination? vision? insight? .

or doing what has been done before...

get a grip presidential candidates.

.

the real problem?

AMERICA is paying a buncha richkids to takeadvantage of some other poor kids....

bushCO and CRONYs do not represent AMERICA, they represent themselves...

do you think Halliburton Headquarters are moving to DUBAI because they have nothing to hide..............I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you if you are buying that story.....

so why are we paying them ANY money when they are telling us what they are?

CONSCRIPT THE CONTRACTORS, put them on GS-SCALE WAGES tomorrow....

it's a national emergency....replace thier bosses....repeal the do not examine decrees placed in front of the IRS by John Negroponte, butcher of Honduras....

....take charge of your country, break their knees.....

.

Attention to Public Safety, Governors Office and Criminal Justice Resource Center, Oklahoma. And attention to all good Citizens of the U.S.A.
The following truth is told on many blogs and will continue to be told until such time as these Michigan Millitia Terrorists are prosecuted and sentenced to death as our U.S. Constitution and Law clearly states.
Remember April 19th 1995 when 180 some innocent men women and
children died because a bunch of idiots who call themselves the Christian
Right decided to be oh so wrong.
Here is some of the facts and truth which you good citizens have not yet been told.
Now before you or some other person decides that this article should not be published. Consider the fact that I like all other citizens of the United States have a Constitutional Right to Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.
This information is not classified top secret or will it destroy National
Security.
In fact to the contrary it will give the greatest aid to our National Security by exposing these Treasonous Murders for everyone to see.
And that is a good thing no matter how you look at it.
So what if it makes those Treasonous Murders nervous and uneasy even mad. Who cares about them. They deserve a lot worse.
There are some of these Treasonous Murders who have gone on other blogs using fictitious names such as John Gault (from some novel I'm told) and try to spread lies and try to dispel the truth or even try to discredit me.
Well I am just an elected spokes person for a group of witnesses to the truth and we are all tired of the Government and those Treasonous Murders who call themselves Michigan Militia who keep trying to cover up the truth about who these people are that form the Michigan Militia and have perpetrated the Treasonous act of Blowing up the Mura Federal Building in Oklahoma City Oklahoma on April 19 1995.
And for future reference there are SIX other direct Witnesses to these Treasonous murdering people when they took their VOTE to blow up the Mura Federal Building in Oklahoma City Oklahoma.
Now for some of the facts that you do not know yet.
The Michigan Militia still runs Jackson County Michigan and fills and or controls every Judge position there.
I originally reported all of this and more to Agent LaPinski of the Jackson Michigan FBI Office in October 1994.
In fact I wore and or carried a wire for Agent LaPinski several times to a variety of Michigan Militia meetings with individuals and to their
group meetings as well.
Timothy David Corts is Member of Michigan Militia since 1994 and was personally sponsored to his higher level post by his best friend
Timothy McViegh.
Tim Corts helped Tim McViegh plan and execute the April 19th 1995 bombing of the Mura Federal Building in Oklahoma City Oklahoma.
Tim Corts gave refuge to Timothy McViegh by letting Timothy McViegh stay at his house at 614 East Ganson St. in Jackson Michigan from October 1994 thru the middle of January 1995.
Tim Corts currently lives on Olcott Lake in Jackson Michigan and he currently works for (SMI). Synchronous Manufacturing Inc. on Page Ave.
in Michigan Center in Jackson County Michigan. SMI is part of Thorrez Industries in Jackson Michigan.
Complete 1994 & 1995 Michigan Militia Membership Roster to be published soon. Check your local news stand and or Blogs.
I originally reported the Michigan Militia's plans to Agent LaPinski of the Jackson Michigan FBI Office in October 1994.
That right folks.
The government knew about the attack long in advance of it taking place.
I know this for a fact as that I volunteered to wear a wire for Agent LaPinski of the FBI starting in October of 1994.
The City Councilmen you'll find listed below who was a Member was my brother Clark Edward Thulin so as
you see I have had first hand knowledge from inside their ranks as that they did try to recruit me as well.
Why have they attempted to cover these facts up?
Why blame one man when so many were and are in fact responsible?
* Was it because 7 Jackson Michigan Judges were Members?
* Was it because the Jackson Michigan Sheriff was a Member?
* Was it because 13 Jackson Michigan Sheriff Deputies were Members?
* Was it because 6 Jackson Michigan City Police were Members?
* Was it because 1 Jackson Michigan City Councilmen was a Member?
* Was it because the Jackson Michigan Prosecutor was a Member?
* Was it because a few local Jackson Michigan Bail Bondsman were
Member's?
* Was it because they all voted to go ahead with the
bombing?
* Was it because those responsible are considered to
high and mighty and above the Law to be convicted?
* Was it because they did not want the embarrassment?
* Was it ALL of the ABOVE.
The Michigan Attorney General has had this information and Sworn Statements from the other persons who witnessed these Treasonous Murders in their crimes as well and so has the U.S Attorneies Office and the F.B.I. and I am told Homeland Security as well.
The following is a Sworn Statement that I gave the U.S. Attorneys
Office in January 2006;
Remember April 19, 1995 Amended with additional information.
-- This Statement will be continued in another posting. Soon you all will know the truth proving the Washington Post has the sand to publish it.
Personnally I think their COWARDS.
What do you think?

I have to wonder...

how much better the nation would have fared, had military or women been in charge of the nation over the past 7 years.

From all indications, the administration, ignored, The Joint Chief(s), former and present Generals and everyone else in the military who did not cave in.

Given that America is going to apparently be on a war footing for some time in the future, if for no other reason than to fend off those who have taken issue with what we started in 2003, we will probably be better off with military leaders running the goverment and not just running mates - if we are to last.

I am already practising saying, President Petraeus.

We the people of the United States of America have laid down the gauntlet to the rest of the world. We are a 'religious-military complex', and we will persist in our efforts to force our imprint upon the rest of the world.

So, we had be ready to fight! Besides, the Commander-in-Chief, ought to be an actual military person. Look at all of #43's and Cheney's blunders!

Bill,

I don't always agree with you, but as a career military officer, I am very much on your side on this issue. I grew up very proud of the military's apolitical role and certainly for those still on active duty we must remain that way. As for retirees, yes they are now private ciitzens and free to speak out politically, but the general public gets confused as to whether the views they express as private ciitzens reflect the view of the professional military - not good.

This has been a disturbing trend over the past 15-20 years and has been written about much. We must not allow our military to become another "special interst group."

I don't think it was any accident that Franks retired after the conventional phase of the war. He was smart enough to know, that an insurgency would follow. As to Keane, he is a surge supporter and associated with the AEI "Think Tank", which is the Neoconservative operation. Another reason not to vote for Ms. Clinton. I am rather surprised that Powell is associated with Quick Draw McCain. I liked Clark for President last time, but he may now be too close to business interests.
These people are out of the Chain of Command, and they are allowed to participate in politics.

I am amazed at the irony of steiger's comments above. He appears to make the same mistake in his comments about US involvement in Europe that US and UK military and politicians made prior to the Iraq invasion. Learn from history! US involvement in Europe has ensured 60+ years of relative peace. As to the Balkans again the comments display an impressive ignorance of actual events. EU and other NATO nations involved in the Balkan conflict did not then and do not today have the military capability to engage in a conflict on the scale required without US support. Whilst steiger is right that many Europeans would not shed any tears if the US left Europe we should ask ourselves how long it would take before at least in Eastern Europe the killing began once again? Russia's aggressive attitude to its former satellites being a case in point!

"These are just politicians..."

Three things wrong with that:

First, some of us can remember when people who were "just politicians" delivered extraordinary public service (for example, FDR & HST; and JFK revived the ideal).

Second, a number of former military leaders have served as president, often doing as well as or better than the civilians who preceded or followed them (Washington, Monroe, Jackson, arguably several more, and finally Eisenhower).

Third, the debacle in Iraq is the responsibility of a passel of ivory-tower fantasts who never wore the uniform. In fact, it is they who inspired this spate of activity by retired flag officers.

I say good for the generals. "On to the fray!"

"Good friends in Europe skedaddled from Iraq long ago" - what real interests (oil excluded)do they have there - contrary to the "interests" of the US? And about Kosovo: wasn´t it the US who wanted to dismember Yugoslavia? The Europeans of whom I am one do not need the Americans - neither in Europe nor elsewhere. I am pretty sure hardly any European would cry should the Americans one day decide to leave all of their European bases (which unfortunately will not happen in the foreseeable future). Europe has no enemies inside and no threatening outside - in contrast to the US. Amis go home - why could not they?

When will these silly military people learn that they have basically given up their Constitutional and democratic (small d) rights by signing up for the armed services? People who have actually risked their lives for their country, have no business demanding a say in how that country is run! Thank God we have a righteous advocate like Bill Arkin, looking out for our interests! Keep those military officers out of politics, and in their cages where they belong!