Posted by
RighteousRog on Friday, November 24, 2006 4:19:02 AM
Many are decrying the resignation and handling of Don Rumsfeld, a Defense Secretary who helped take us to war in Iraq, and whose direction of the war has left a majority of americans actually against the war at this point. I have a different perspective on this departure.
In the last few years, prejudice against Rumsfeld's job performance has steadily grown, as the President's ratings have steadily fallen. These are most certainly linked. But while the wolves were waiting to tear into the Secretary of Defense, the President stood by his appointee with steadfast resolve, praising his work when no one else seemed to be willing.
Rumsfeld has certainly done some great things. His reshaping of America's military for one. A lighter and faster force is a welcome change given the new enemy we face. Special forces and clandestine units are needed in increasing numbers to infiltrate and take out terrorists where they are hiding. Tanks and ships are no longer the primary safeguards for America. Intelligence and swiftness are now the key.
I believe the President knows this and has praised Rumsfeld for these changes. However, the President also seems to be saying that a new direction is indeed necessary. Or else he is just pandering to the new democratic congress. In either case, the President may be on the right track. If the President is truly in favor of a new direction, and new creativity in fighting terrorism, then Rumsfeld had to go.
As for the Democrats, the President is in a tough spot now. Had the GOP kept control of the congress Bush may have been able get away with keeping the Defense Secretary. But the GOP did not keep the congress, and as such the President has to be able to work with them to win this war. There have been far too many critics of Rumsfeld in the Democratic leadership. And there is far too negative a feeling as to his abilities and performance. And I honestly don't see Rumsfeld changing his mind on how to run the war.
If any new direction is to be achieved (given the stonewalling record of Democrats recently) Bush has to have a new face to put on this war. As for the timing of the removal; Bush has never been one to dillydally. If he's got to go, he's got to go.
Thanks Mr. Rumsfeld for all the hard work. America may soon be safer as a result of it.