Bush Says Rumsfeld Is Stepping Down
By DAVID ESPO and LIZ SIDOTI (Associated Press Writers)
November 08, 2006 1:25 PM EST
WASHINGTON – President Bush said Wednesday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is stepping down and former CIA Director Robert Gates will take over at the Pentagon and in prosecuting the war in Iraq.
Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon. The development occurred one day after midterm elections that cost Republicans control of the House, and possibly the Senate, as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic victory.Bush described Rumsfeld as a “superb leader” in a time of change, but said his defense chief recognizes the value of “fresh perspective.”
So let’s discuss this. First, let’s discuss the last sentence. Bush is obviously in denial if he thinks Rumsfeld is a “superb leader” — Rumsfeld was almost as bad as Ashcroft, a horribly divisive evil man. Good riddance. Although I admire Bush’s loyalty to someone who served him so poorly. No, really. Loyalty is definitely an admirable trait.
Secondly, the article would have you believe Rumsfeld singlehandedly brought down the Republican party. Although that’s ludicrous, he is a more than credible scapegoat. If his advice didn’t suck so bad, we might not be in this quagmire.
Lastly, I’m not sure how much better the replacement will be. I hope Bush is smart enough (yeah, right, as if) to use this as an excuse to begin a planned, organized withdrawal from Iraq. Despite what people would have you believe, a quick, sudden withdrawal would cause more problems than it would solve. I think an organized departure over 12 months with a set timetable would work and it would certainly appease the rest of planet which hates us. I say this only because the United States has been wrong on this war — generally appeasement is a horrible thing (World War II anyone?)
Let’s hope the insanity ends now and doesn’t have to wait for a new president. I doubt Bush can learn from this lesson, after all he’s dumber than a cockroach, but one can always hope