I remember when General Singlaub spoke out and subsequently was cashiered. To me, even as a high school senior (about to enter ROTC) I recognized an act of patriotism and self sacrifice. I also recall many who were outraged that a mere Army Officer dared to speak out against the policy of the President.
I'd also remind everyone that until the two most recent Democrat Administrations, Jimmy Carter was considered one of if not the worst President we've had. Smart guy. Terrible leader.
Strongly disagree with the assessment of Carter (and I suspect of the "two recent democratic administrations") but here's the short defense of Pres Carter: he took the long term policies that St Reagan took credit for. Carter started deregulation with the airlines, ate the bitter pill on stagflation, and took the long term policies that undermined the Soviet Union (like Radio Free Europe expansion and emphasis). These policies were the right calls, but didn't pay off in his administration.
We're likely diametrically opposed philosophically. Everyone is allowed their opinion, its right in the First Amendment. BTW, Jimmah is still with us, God Bless he and Roz...
I know a guy who worked for Carter in the comms office; thought very highly of him as a person. Of that, I have no doubt. He was not up to the job, and that's just how things go.
Full disclosure; I was born in the HW admin. In the second half 🫡 I'm generally of the opinion that "people are people" and get some things right, some wrong. I think Carter (like HW... Go Navy) made some smart calls that are undercounted. I think that in the hagiography of St Reagan, he serves as a foppish foil that may or may not be the historical reality. I think that the message that the Great Communicator St Reagan sold so effectively was only possible along the networks Carter built and the moral distinction he helped draw between the USSR and US of A.
I also think that because I'm "bearish" on Reagan relative to consensus doesn't make me a Reagan hater... I listen to this as part of my workout playlist (every politician should pump in the Transformers soundtrack IMO) 🤣
Reagan was not a "foppish foil" but he did take advantage of what Carter left him. He took it far beyond, so don't discount his efforts ("Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!)
Brilliant work Sal. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember this incident, and I was in high school when it went down. Of course it was probably overdriven by all the other silly things that Carter did, from the Panama Canal, to the Iran Hostage crisis which almost got me called up early (I was DEP when that hit.)
I can't help but compare and contrast this event, where a man of courage, both physical and moral, was willing to take the hit to stop a huge mistake... With Afghanistan, and the results of not having such a man, willing to end his career over a vital mater of policy.
Isn't it funny, that men (and women) who are willing to risk their very lives, and the lives of those that serve under them, are NOT willing to risk such a minor thing (in comparison) as a "Career?"
Yes, it does. It also depends on someone willing to fall on their sword. Singlaub was, and should be lauded for it. I imagine that he was part of a frankly insubordinate cabal willing to oppose the President and he offered his career to try to make sure the worst wouldn't happen. I'm not sure I would have the same gumption in his position.
Do we have the same kind of people today? Unknown.
I remember this event and I salute you Gen Singlaub. I read his book about his career as well. Need more leaders like him willing to put their career on the line if needs be to ensure we do the right thing.
This story brings up the question of if the fed departments (in general), the State Department (specifically), and current administration (whatever that is) has an attitude and opinion that can get a lot of Americans killed, and create a lot of instability on the planet . . . just because of one man's ideology that the public does not, or cannot fully appreciate. We face that same question today.
I remember when General Singlaub spoke out and subsequently was cashiered. To me, even as a high school senior (about to enter ROTC) I recognized an act of patriotism and self sacrifice. I also recall many who were outraged that a mere Army Officer dared to speak out against the policy of the President.
I'd also remind everyone that until the two most recent Democrat Administrations, Jimmy Carter was considered one of if not the worst President we've had. Smart guy. Terrible leader.
Strongly disagree with the assessment of Carter (and I suspect of the "two recent democratic administrations") but here's the short defense of Pres Carter: he took the long term policies that St Reagan took credit for. Carter started deregulation with the airlines, ate the bitter pill on stagflation, and took the long term policies that undermined the Soviet Union (like Radio Free Europe expansion and emphasis). These policies were the right calls, but didn't pay off in his administration.
He also ushered in state sponsored terrorism by letting the Shah fall
St Reagan huh? That destroys your credibility
I never said Pres Carter was perfect? And what, not allowed to point out that Pres Reagan took a lot of credit for things he didn't do?
Amen!
We're likely diametrically opposed philosophically. Everyone is allowed their opinion, its right in the First Amendment. BTW, Jimmah is still with us, God Bless he and Roz...
Changed it to "administration" like 2 sec after I hit post 🤣
The LORD is still working with him.
Yes, he did start some things that Reagan continued, it is to Reagan's credit that he continued them, and the people who worked them, like Volcker.
I know a guy who worked for Carter in the comms office; thought very highly of him as a person. Of that, I have no doubt. He was not up to the job, and that's just how things go.
Full disclosure; I was born in the HW admin. In the second half 🫡 I'm generally of the opinion that "people are people" and get some things right, some wrong. I think Carter (like HW... Go Navy) made some smart calls that are undercounted. I think that in the hagiography of St Reagan, he serves as a foppish foil that may or may not be the historical reality. I think that the message that the Great Communicator St Reagan sold so effectively was only possible along the networks Carter built and the moral distinction he helped draw between the USSR and US of A.
I also think that because I'm "bearish" on Reagan relative to consensus doesn't make me a Reagan hater... I listen to this as part of my workout playlist (every politician should pump in the Transformers soundtrack IMO) 🤣
https://youtu.be/GUQm7UqF-YA
Reagan was not a "foppish foil" but he did take advantage of what Carter left him. He took it far beyond, so don't discount his efforts ("Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!)
Apologies; Carter is a foppish foil in the writing of Reagan's history. Needy/ineffectual next to the orator Reagan; "there you go again."
I don't think people who pay attention think that at all.
"Be sure you're right, and then go ahead." Davy Crockett, Walt Disney version.
Brilliant work Sal. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't remember this incident, and I was in high school when it went down. Of course it was probably overdriven by all the other silly things that Carter did, from the Panama Canal, to the Iran Hostage crisis which almost got me called up early (I was DEP when that hit.)
I can't help but compare and contrast this event, where a man of courage, both physical and moral, was willing to take the hit to stop a huge mistake... With Afghanistan, and the results of not having such a man, willing to end his career over a vital mater of policy.
Isn't it funny, that men (and women) who are willing to risk their very lives, and the lives of those that serve under them, are NOT willing to risk such a minor thing (in comparison) as a "Career?"
CDR, Here some future full bore’s https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11211771/Military-heroes-invited-Queens-funeral.html
"It depends."
Yes, it does. It also depends on someone willing to fall on their sword. Singlaub was, and should be lauded for it. I imagine that he was part of a frankly insubordinate cabal willing to oppose the President and he offered his career to try to make sure the worst wouldn't happen. I'm not sure I would have the same gumption in his position.
Do we have the same kind of people today? Unknown.
It was probably an easy decision considering all the people that would die
The only decision was who would do it.
I remember this event and I salute you Gen Singlaub. I read his book about his career as well. Need more leaders like him willing to put their career on the line if needs be to ensure we do the right thing.
RIP Warrior!!!
This story brings up the question of if the fed departments (in general), the State Department (specifically), and current administration (whatever that is) has an attitude and opinion that can get a lot of Americans killed, and create a lot of instability on the planet . . . just because of one man's ideology that the public does not, or cannot fully appreciate. We face that same question today.
NK is now a nuclear weapons power.
Depends how you define success...
We need some of those military leaders today!