Generals Shouldn't Be On TV...
One of the things that seems to be lost in the panoply that is the "Petraeus Report" is the forgotten primacy of constitutionally mandated civilian control of the military.
Bush is fond of saying that he listens to the Generals, and they decide when we'll add or subtract troops, or change strategy. On the face, that sounds like a good idea. Only one problem, POTUS IS the Commander-in-Chief of our military. The framers of our constitution had a pretty good idea that an acting General (like Washington) shouldn't also be the head of our government. Thus, this wondrous document dictates that our military is to be run from a civilian apparatus known as the Executive Branch. It makes the military decisions, with the advice and counsel of the military.
While Bush likely means well in providing the straw man that the Generals will dictate our strategy in Iraq, history seems to prove otherwise. He's had the advice of countless commanders and generals, most of whom he has either ignored, demoted or forced to retire. Running the General and Ambassador in front of Congress in a witless dog & pony show is a testament to how far Bush's credibility has fallen as the leader of our military. In doing so, he's playing a dangerous game of politics with our armed services, a role they are unaccustomed to playing (which most would agree is a good thing).
The reality of the last 6+ years is that we still have civilian control of our military. The problem lies with the civilian leadership, not the military. When Petraeus crafted a counter-insurgency strategy in his own unit, it was an example of military brilliance. Now that he's being asked to play the role of politician and general, his effectiveness is far more fleeting.
None of these hearings should be in public. Petraeus and Crocker should report to the President and Congress behind closed doors. Allow Petraeus the candor he should be able to deliver without considering the political consequences. Then let the President and Congress decide how to move forward. If Congress doesn't like the direction, cut the purse strings. But lets get rid of this inane media circus when everyone knows exactly how things are going in Mesapotamia.
Bush is fond of saying that he listens to the Generals, and they decide when we'll add or subtract troops, or change strategy. On the face, that sounds like a good idea. Only one problem, POTUS IS the Commander-in-Chief of our military. The framers of our constitution had a pretty good idea that an acting General (like Washington) shouldn't also be the head of our government. Thus, this wondrous document dictates that our military is to be run from a civilian apparatus known as the Executive Branch. It makes the military decisions, with the advice and counsel of the military.
While Bush likely means well in providing the straw man that the Generals will dictate our strategy in Iraq, history seems to prove otherwise. He's had the advice of countless commanders and generals, most of whom he has either ignored, demoted or forced to retire. Running the General and Ambassador in front of Congress in a witless dog & pony show is a testament to how far Bush's credibility has fallen as the leader of our military. In doing so, he's playing a dangerous game of politics with our armed services, a role they are unaccustomed to playing (which most would agree is a good thing).
The reality of the last 6+ years is that we still have civilian control of our military. The problem lies with the civilian leadership, not the military. When Petraeus crafted a counter-insurgency strategy in his own unit, it was an example of military brilliance. Now that he's being asked to play the role of politician and general, his effectiveness is far more fleeting.
None of these hearings should be in public. Petraeus and Crocker should report to the President and Congress behind closed doors. Allow Petraeus the candor he should be able to deliver without considering the political consequences. Then let the President and Congress decide how to move forward. If Congress doesn't like the direction, cut the purse strings. But lets get rid of this inane media circus when everyone knows exactly how things are going in Mesapotamia.