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A Further Perspective
Obama’s ‘Strict Code of Conduct’
General McChrystal lacked the “maturity” of the Rahm Emanuels.
General Stanley McChrystal’s derisive comments about pols look mild compared to General George S. Patton’s assessment of them. Patton called the “tin soldier” politicians of his day “lily-livered bastards.”
“You just wait and see,” Patton said at the conclusion of World War II. “The lily-livered bastards in Washington will demobilize. They’ll say they’ve made the world safe for democracy again. The Russians are not such damned fools. They’ll rebuild, and with modern weapons.”
Imagine what Patton would have said about the cravenly half-baked Afghanistan policies of a wimpy faker like Barack Obama and an open buffoon like Joe Biden.
The hysterical harrumphing about McChrystal’s remarks (or more like his aides’ remarks) by the laughably sanctimonious Inside-the-Beltway crowd captures the nothingness of America’s 24/7 political culture. An ill-advised, but in the grand scheme of things minor, McChrystal-assisted article in a rock magazine somehow became an oh-so-crucial “test” of Barack Obama’s leadership, and he duly obliged the chattering class with a touchy firing.
Why, they gasped, one of McChrystal’s aides dismissed a dinner with a French minister as “gay.” Oh my. CNN’s Rick Sanchez, with his usual self-important huffing and puffing, spoke about the remark as if the aide had committed treason. And maybe in Obama’s America he has; such comments clearly have no place in Barack’s new LGBT military.
The suddenly prim New Yorker found the general’s
behavior and language in the article “crude.” His resentment at
having to attend the aforementioned dinner with the French —
“I’d rather have my ass kicked by a roomful of
people than go out to this dinner,” he said —
“shows contempt for political and diplomatic processes,”
sniffed New Yorker senior editor Amy
Davidson.
So Obama has finally found someone to fire and confront: not the CEO of BP or the hack bureaucrats who contributed to the Gulf mess, but a general who has risked his life to defend America. The same superficial gabbers who egged Obama into firing McChrystal hailed it afterwards as a “brilliant” decision. This is one for the history books, they burbled. Right. Only a president as shallow and easily rattled as Obama and an equally glib press corps could treat a Rolling Stone interview like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In his statement announcing the firing, Obama couldn’t resist some self-pitying narration about the weighty demands his job places on him, saying that “it was a difficult decision to come to the conclusion that I’ve made today,” and that it didn’t stem from a “sense of personal insult.” But that’s all it comes down to. In order to appear “tough” after the Gulf fiasco exposed his fecklessness, he had to can McChrystal, thereby depriving America of a talented and brave general at the very moment it can least afford to lose him.
An administration of immature twerps like Rahm Emanuel had the gall to fire McChrystal on the grounds that he lacked the requisite “maturity” to lead. Or as Obama put it in his rooster-like Rose Garden performance, he had violated the military’s “strict code of conduct.” Since when has Obama cared about the military’s strict code of conduct? He campaigned on abolishing it.
The reason he wants respect restored for “civilian control of the military” is not to maintain its strict code of conduct but to eliminate it through political correctness. Cowing generals into accepting laxity — from gays in the military to women on submarines — is now the name of the game for civilian leaders.
The Rolling Stone article, White House officials intoned gravely, called McChrystal’s “judgment” into question. Actually, the few quoted remarks in it confirmed the accuracy of his judgment: he appears to understand conditions on the ground in D.C. as clearly as those in Kabul. Moreover, when has insufficient respect for Joe Biden ever constituted evidence of dangerous judgment?
About the Author
George Neumayr, a contributing editor to The American Spectator, is co-author, with Phyllis Schlafly, of the new book, No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (60) | Leave a comment
More Articles by George Neumayr
More Articles From A Further Perspective
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/06/24/obamas-strict-code-of-conduct
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Timaay| 6.24.10 @ 6:22AM
The bad judgement is evidenced by McChrystal allowing a reporter such access and not expecting trouble. Hell, he even got to read the finalized article and didn't push back. The man is incompetent not to recognize the problem.
Tim*| 6.24.10 @ 7:46AM
Yeah , McChrystal probably deserves " The Stupid Man " Award.
However now , " Civilian Control Of The Government " can focus on firing The CinC , Obama in 2012.
AMENBRO| 6.24.10 @ 9:00AM
Lagniappe
Padon me Because of the historical military service members mentioned the world is as safe as its been only thru strength not parting the cheeks as is the LIBERAL WAY.
My coursing thoughts outpower me nine fingers.
Ken (Old Texican)| 6.24.10 @ 8:37AM
I think this was a magnificent example of a general falling on his sword to allow some desperately needed changes to be made.
I don't think it was stupid, but rather sacrificial.
I shall be praying for the men over there on our behalf.
neo-libertarian| 6.24.10 @ 8:52AM
The debate over whether McChrystal would not be fired is so ludicrous that it needs ridicule. We are not dealing with a civil representative administration. Are you so naive that you would think the Chicago bully, raised and nurtured on a diet of progressive hate for the military would not jump at the chance to humiliate one of the most decorated military men in uniform? I come from a short but intense military exposure; what was said about our immediate, intermediate, and senior chain of command was brutal. Notwithstanding we did what we were told and questioning “orders” was not even contemplated. Only those who have not “been there, done that” would be shocked at the language bantered about by McChrystal and his staff. Do you believe that within the confines of the Oval Office that similar backstabbing does not occur; do you imagine the conversations between Frank and the swimmer were PG13; do the hallowed halls of congress resonate with good will and cheer across the aisle. This is boys behaving badly but boys will be boys; the problem lies with granting access to media to this relatively common and beneficial form of “post battle trauma.” Thank your lucky stars that there is an election looming, because the “executive command” on display here was an excuse to practice what is to come for all of us under the progressive banner.
Tim*| 6.24.10 @ 1:09PM
National Review Online : The Corner :
" Now it can be told. The story about him voting for Obama is not contrived. He is a political liberal. He is a social liberal. He banned Fox News from the television sets in his headquarters. Yes, really. This serves to put to rest another false rumor: that McChrystal deliberately precipitated his firing because he wants to run for President................. "
Lord Howard Hurts| 6.24.10 @ 6:46AM
Great Article, but there is the problem of McChrystal having voted for Obama (or so I heard), and not "seeing" the problem with "talking" to a Rolling Stone reporter. I hope McChrystal now understands that we have in office a President that doesn't belong there, and will tell, The Rest of the Story, to an electorate that should, at last, begin demanding the removal of this most inept President.
DG in GA| 6.26.10 @ 11:25AM
Timaay, when I read the Rolling Stone article, my first thought was that someone in the Administration must have insisted that McChrystal allow this "journalist" to have complete access over an extended period. Since the General was forced to comply with that directive, he and his staff decided they'd give this "journalist" an earful. And they did.
You don't get to be a four-star in today's military by being politically tone-deaf. That said, most Special Forces types suffer fools lightly and tend to resist authority - especially the authority of idiots like Obama. So I can see how a mega-Special Forces guy could decide to "comply" with a stupid directive from the administration by giving them way more than they bargained for.
And, frankly, maybe McChrystal has been so disgusted with Obama-Biden that he was looking for a reason to retire without looking like he was quitting the war. We'll never know until he writes his book.
Susan Tenofsky| 6.24.10 @ 12:46PM
You see the picture clearly. My thoughts were such, but your words are right on the money! Thanks, Susan
Appleby| 6.24.10 @ 6:47AM
So Teachers Pet finally gets back at one of the Jocks who disrespected him.
Why is America turning into Kindergarten?
Jeff Lee| 6.24.10 @ 10:39AM
Patton slapped soldiers on the face because he thought they should be fighting.
Obama kicked productive workers in the ass because he thought they should be working for government.
tappin52| 6.24.10 @ 6:52AM
I think the man knew exactly with whom he was dealing and I'm sure he anticipated this possible outcome. No four star General who wants the enemy dead is going to make an easy unforced error.
Community Organizer| 6.24.10 @ 7:08AM
A gentleman is never intentionally rude. I think McCrystal knew it would get back to Obama and lead to his resignation.
It is also likely to change the stupid and dangerous rules of engagement in Afghanistan. Watching men in his command die because of excess political meddling made resignation the only viable action. The article made it impossible for the chattering classes to ignore, and limited Obama's ability to act stupidly on Afghanistan.
Brian Mc| 6.24.10 @ 7:27AM
It will be interesting to see which direction McChrystal goes from here...and how far the Alien falls.
Steve Charlop| 6.30.10 @ 5:33PM
Nice job George. But it would proper etiquette to
remove the velvet gloves when describing this
m****r f****r
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.24.10 @ 7:31AM
Strangely enough, McChrystal helped set into motion the chain of events that led to his downfall by voting for Obama.
The majority of Americans who voted for Obama will suffer the same fate.
Al| 6.24.10 @ 7:43AM
As usual, the democrats use our wonderful men and women in uniform as political footballs. With and idiot and vice-idiot like we have running this country I don't fault anyone in the military for feeling the way they do. The judgment issue: Rolling Stone! And McChrystal voting for Obama!!
Forever Marine| 6.24.10 @ 10:29AM
It is absolutely the right of any military person to bitch, moan and complain about the chain of command. Especially when drunk. Then, after, you pick up your rifle and dutifully head to the front.
andrew | 6.28.10 @ 1:15AM
For thousands of years. You think the guys at Thermopylae didn't bitch out Leonidas? Valley Forge and Washington? Bataan and FDR?
Soldiers are STRONGER when they can bitch.
Obama and his crew of make up artists are morons.
bill carson| 6.24.10 @ 8:27AM
So the question is: how many top generals/admirals will vote for the little messiah in 2012? I'd say that any of them that do deserve every kick in the face they get.
Mimi| 6.24.10 @ 8:34AM
Everybody knows TREADING water never gets you any place. You have to PAY to PLAY. The "O" should be familiar with this!!!! To bring the boy's home we have to go full force and WIN the darn war! The honorable General wrote the resignation LETTER. He loves the country. The President should follow his example, and for the sake of America write one for himself to resign!! Also an HONORABLE thing!!!!
Tom Poole| 6.24.10 @ 8:53AM
Now let me see if I understand this (as viewed by a 23 year veteran). McChrystal and his staff got caught out at a "beer bust" by a "nesman" from Rolling Stone who was embedded with the unit. The staff, and maybe McChrystal himself said some nasty things about the REMF's in DC and the State Department. McChrystal supposedly said these 'bad things' about Clueless Biden, not about the Pres. Now the Pres is insulted and fires McChrystal, stupid but no surprise coming from Obama. Now he has a "brainstorm", "If i can con Petraeous into going to AFG then I have removed a threat in 2012....go for it". Petraeus, being a good soldier salutes, says yes sir and goes merrily on to lose the AFG effort. Next year, when Obama declares victory (for the Taliban) and signs the surrender document he will blaame the Military. Such a deal. How can it lose, lose the war he deemed most important, eviscerate the Military, give up any and all claims to National Pride, and bring in another bunch of crypto-commies to continue to run the state department.
Where the hell are the adults in this mess. All the Senate has to do is not confirm this appointment. Perhaps they can force the appointment of Gen. Mattis of the Marine Corps. He had a proper approach in Iraq in telling the Sheiks 'I'm here to win a war, you can work with me or block me, but I am here to win.If you attempt to block, I'll kill you' (not precise but accurate). He could win but not with Hilliarys Idiots in control on the civilian side.
Forever Marine| 6.24.10 @ 10:36AM
"Mad Man Mattis" I like it!!!!!!!
I remember the quote:
“I come in peace, I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f@*^% with me, I’ll kill you all.” - Marine Major General James Mattis
Semper Fi, Mad Man!
L. Ross| 6.24.10 @ 9:08AM
Some thoughts. I'm a career Air Force officer. I work with a bunch of career Air Force officers. NO ONE in the military to whom I have spoken would have granted an interview to Rolling Stone, unless perhaps it was being written by P.J. O'Rourke. Then, only maybe. From almost day one in the military, we are told, "Don't talk to the press, refer them to the Public Affairs office."
For a breach of military protocol this huge to be unintentional is not credible. I have no doubt that McChrystal purposely embarassed this administration. Can't say I blame him. He almost undoubtedly realized this was the end of his career, and he still elected to do so in an effort to expose the weakness of our civilian leadership in prosecuting the fight in Afghanistan.
JP| 6.24.10 @ 9:13AM
You hit the nail on the head. McChrystal got what he wanted. He and his aides knew what was in store for them once the remarks were printed. This was his way of getting out of an impossible situation.
skullman| 6.24.10 @ 1:37PM
As a retired AF officer, I could not agree more. McChrystal knew what he was doing. He gave that interview knowing it would get back to the Sainted One. The question is why? The answer: To expose Nobama's lack of leadership and the fallacy of His Afghanistan strategy.
Yes, GI's bitch, what else is new. But to say General McChrystal is "immature" is outrageous. He has more integrety, maturity, and leadership in his little finger than Obama has in his entire body. What a joke. And, we, the American fighting man or woman is now paying the price for His ineptitude. 2012 cannot get here fast enough.
Margie| 6.24.10 @ 2:24PM
I agree with L. Ross. Maybe McChrystal voted for Obama, but I for one thank him for more than making up for it by doing what he did. I would have done the same exact thing. I would not serve under this creep, and I cannot thank him enough for exposing to the Leftist world (through that bastion of Leftism, Rolling Stone)~ just what a FRAUD we have for a President.
God bless him and may ALL our Military men and women have the cajones McChrystal has.
Fare thee well, sir.
Christopher Holland| 6.25.10 @ 12:30AM
I can remember when Colin Powell was the biggest leaker in Washington, but nobody ever criticised him. The press loved him for his honesty, but then it was Republican presidents he was dumping on. McCrystal should have realised that criticising a Democrat gets you different treatment than when slamming a Republican. Either the guy was really dumb or he had a death wish. Whatever slant you put on it, it looks like Afghanistan is a lost war. If this is how you fight, then losing is the most likely outcome.
Michael L. Hauschild| 6.24.10 @ 9:46AM
The link below is a very accurate assesment of McChrystal, who he is, what he has done, and why he will "not fade away." Reading what some of the pundits (and comments) invokes the same feelings in me as watching Clinton or Obama salute.
http://www.thefoxnation.com/ge.....-midstream
Frank Natoli| 6.24.10 @ 10:04AM
There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding what McChrystal himself actually said versus what his subordinates said, or by hearsay attributed to McChrystal.
But in earlier public comments, McChrystal clearly stated his command decision to put Afghan civilian lives above those of his own soldiers, see http://www.rferl.org/content/I.....65881.html
The stories from the field of soldiers unable to get air or artillery support are continuous and not having any effect on decision making, whether in Washington or in the field.
There are additional stories unambiguously documenting Pakistani and Iranian direct contributions to explosives and other equipment resulting in the deaths of many American soldiers. These are acts of war that go unpunished by Washington or by commanders in the field.
The situation is chaotic and will not improve until the American electorate chooses to replace the decision makers in Washington.
RC| 6.24.10 @ 11:10AM
good riddence.
solipslip| 6.24.10 @ 4:50PM
go frig yourself
Nick in Virginia| 6.24.10 @ 11:12AM
An administration that has people such as Rahm Emmanual and David Axlerod has no business even using the word "HONOR".
Having said that, I feel that 0bama had no choice but to fire McChrystal, but it sure as hell wasn't a "brilliant decision". Firing him was about the only reasonable course of action; NOT firing him would have made 0bama look like the weakling he really is.
Al Adab| 6.24.10 @ 12:02PM
Does it occur to anyone that Gen Mac did it on purpose to make his point? It clearly reveals the systemic incompetency of this entire administration.
LarryG| 6.24.10 @ 12:02PM
Gen. McChrystal is hardly stupid. My take is that since he couldn't just walk, he allowed himself an out to get away from the Chucklehead-in-Chief. He got away from him and made him look like the bumbling fool that he is. Now, Gen. Petraeus is going to ground down to the point his health will fail and nothing will have been accomplished at the end except using up two good Generals.
Qwilly| 6.24.10 @ 12:08PM
Know this, at the very minute of the writing of this
note. Military personnel are fighting and dieing on the battlefield. The commander and chief has no connection to that experience. He acts like this when his feelings get hurt. Thank you Gen. McChrystal.
ohiojb| 6.24.10 @ 12:08PM
....And on November 6, 2012, we get to fire this fraud of a president. He has no code other than to destroy our country.
RacerJim| 6.24.10 @ 12:38PM
Ah, the irony of Obama re-assigning General Petraus to Commanding General Afghanistan...the same General he said far worse things about while demonizing Bush's prosecution of the Iraq war, the same General he et al Demoncraps hid behind MoveOn.org's "General Betrayus" characterization...
pipe fittings | 6.24.10 @ 9:13PM
Notwithstanding we did what we were told and questioning “orders” was not even contemplated. Only those who have not “been there, done that” would be shocked at the language bantered about by McChrystal and his staff. Do you believe that within the confines of the Oval Office that similar backstabbing does not occur; do you imagine the conversations between Frank and the swimmer were PG13; do the hallowed halls of congress resonate with good will and cheer across the aisle.
BMorgan53| 6.24.10 @ 1:05PM
As a former Army Officer there is one common thread that has always been true about soldiers, from Valley Forge to Kandahar,...they bitch! They bitch about food, weather, equipment, duty assignment, and their supervisors. You should have head the comments about Jimmy Carter.
Mojo Risin| 6.24.10 @ 1:15PM
General George S. Patton Jr. would not have taken to this collection of surrender schmucks. My fondest dream is Georgie being summoned to the Oval and upon entering, slapping both Obama and Biden, then removing his ivory handled revolver and, I always wake-up, DAMM!!!
BREDNG10| 6.24.10 @ 2:03PM
Mojo,Wierd I had an identical dream only with Gen.McChrystal and a Kabar,with a different ending!!
Mojo Risin| 6.24.10 @ 2:12PM
Hope ya got-up and ate a big breakfast, such a satisfying dream...
Oldefarte| 6.24.10 @ 1:37PM
Brilliantly stated, George! Why would any common sensed individual think that this little community organizing, Harvard shiester-in-chief would have the guts to blow off McCrystal's remarks and to focus instead upon his superior military capabilities? Did one not understand the meaning of his sitting stonefaced in front of Jeremiah Wright for twenty plus years while keeping his abundant lips sealed?
Ed| 6.24.10 @ 2:07PM
I agree with the veterans' postings that McChrystal "fell on his sword". General Petraeus had better watch his back.
Flee| 6.24.10 @ 3:34PM
Obumma could have shown great strength by having McChrystal offer his resignation but not accept it. That would have shown strength in the face of adversity. Instead he chose to listen to the chirping fools surrounding him and claimed it violated strict codes of conduct. How does he feel about sex between male soldiers? Women soldiers? Does that violate the code of conduct? Biden is a walking gaffe machine that should be derided at every turn. You would think his son would have told him that soldiers, like any employee, say off color and derogatory things about their bosses when they think they are alone. Oh for shame. You mean not every soldier bows down before the alter of O? I think another beer conference was in order or at least a couple of shots (whiskey not bullets) and this would have been resolved.
Merlin12| 6.24.10 @ 3:38PM
I wonder if Michael Yon can go back there now . . .
Marc Jeric| 6.24.10 @ 10:02PM
McChrystal found a good excuse to escape the sinking ship, which is Obama's policy on Afghanistan. Abu Hussein al-Mombassa, our Community Organizer-in-Chief, has fallen in the trap - don't shoot but advise Afghans of personal hygiene instead. Another Vietnam for our Muslim in the White House.
Gary| 6.24.10 @ 11:00PM
George,
Normally I agree with your commentary but in the case of General McChrystal, I must take exception. As the Rolling Stone piece notes, McChrystal had a rebellious streak in him as a cadet at West Point. As a career special forces officer, he epitomized that part of the U.S. military which produced its finest warriors and yet cultivated an institutional sense of scorn and derision toward everyone from civilian authorities to so-called "regular" forces. This was McCrystal's culture, which he not only tolerated but embraced. The unprofessional character of the command climate in his headquarters, as evidenced by the snide remarks of his aides in front of the Rolling Stone reporter, is obvious to anyone who has served in the military. Admiral Mullen, the CJCS, was reportedly "nauseous" after reading the article. Given that this was not McChrystal's first gaffe, Obama had no choice but to relieve him. As a retired Army officer with 23 years of service, I support this decision and I have to take Obama at his word (for once) concerning his reason for firing McChrystal. Beyond that, your comments about Obama's determination to neuter our traditional military culture are probably correct. However, given his background and ideology, I don't believe Obama has given much thought or consideration to national security or foreign policy in general. He remains focused entirely on domestic issues involving economic and social engineering. What he has calculated is that, if he wants a second term, he cannot afford to unilaterally pull out of Afghanistan, even though that is likely his gut view. The more Machiavellian and sinister aspect of Obama's Afghanistan policy is how he can pursue this "surge" when his heart is not in it, when the odds of success are so daunting (and the word "victory" not even mentioned), and when the lives of good young American troops are snuffed out.
Barrack-O-stalin| 6.25.10 @ 1:49AM
Obama is lost without his czars and a teleprompter. He is nothing more than a petty thug and a banker bully stooge shaking the wealth from the backs of hard working honest decent Americans and has turned our government into a den of robbers and theives.
Either a nation is ruled by a dictator or it’s governed by the rule of law.
This administration is a dictatorship who bypasses both houses of the legislative under the guise of executive order making dictorial changes to existing laws by stealth and spends money against the wishes of the majority and pins that debt on that majority regardless of what the majority says publicly in outcry.
This is a rogue regeme that is out of control and out of step who cares not for the rule of law while turns a blind on eye on the Constitution and steps all over our Bill of Rights and tramples the Declaration of Independence.
Obama rewards the lawless criminals and punishes and chastizes the law abiding. Someone needs to sit this administration down for a timeout like most children need these timeouts and Obama is a child always seeking attention as children do.
Obama is a child with a debit card with our names on it. Impeach Obama for incompetence, fraud, bribery and inpersonating an american citizen
guo | 7.1.10 @ 5:17AM
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