General Misleads Troops

In a story today from the Associated Press "General hears Marines' concerns in Iraq" (By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer) Marine General, Peter Pace, Chaiman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was recently in Iraq to talk with the troops and listen to their concerns. Now that sounds pretty good. Something that we would want from those who would put our troops in harm's way. The problem is, apparently General Pace, rather than level with the troops who have been asked to die for their country, chose to offer half thruths and administraion propaganda.

"On his first visit to Fallujah as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Peter Pace stood before 1,300 troops — mostly Marines — and assured them that the American public supports them. And he predicted that Americans would continue to support the war."

"Public support for the troops doesn't extend to the Iraq war itself, however. More than half, 58 percent, said in a Newsweek poll out this weekend that the United States is losing ground in Iraq and opposition to the war has been growing."

Pace, who can been seen most days standing next to his boss, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (at press biefings about how well things are going in Iraq) seems to think that these brave Americans can take a bullet or the loss of a limb ok but they might have a hard time with a straight answer.

"How much more time, one Marine asked, should the Iraqi government be given to achieve the political unity necessary to stabilize the country?

"I guess they have as long as it takes," Pace replied, quickly adding, "Which is not forever."

Pace argued that setting a deadline by which the United States would withdraw its support would risk pushing the Iraqis into political decisions that are unviable. On the other hand, he said, "You do not want to leave it open ended."

That's certainly an answer that Rumsfeld might be proud of.

"Another Marine wanted to know if U.S. troops would stay in Iraq in the event of an all-out civil war. Pace repeated what he told a Senate committee last week: a civil war is possible, but not expected. He did not say what the United States would do if it actually happened."

Old school types will say that you should never say anything that might put doubt into the minds of the troops. I suggest that the age of the Internet has changed that rule. The fact that the troops would be asking the types of questions reported on here would indicate that they have already seen the news and are wanting real answers from their leaders. I would further suggest that nothing could be more harmful to troop moral than to have them believing they are being mislead or even lied to.

If General Pace wants to do something to boost troop moral, he should start telling the truth to his bosses in the Pentagon and the Whitehouse and, most importantly, to the troops in harm's way.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue