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Open Mouth…Insert Foot. Gen McChrystal Speaks Out!
By elaine | June 23, 2010
Rolling Stone Magazine said that the article started out as a profile of what’s happening in the Afghanistan conflict through the eyes of its leader, General McChrystal. Unfortunately, it didn’t end that way. Gen McChrystal used what I call “$1000 words” – words that once spoken, I’d pay $1000 to stuff back in my mouth! In this case, free speech was not so free. The “Mindbender” on the MIX100 radio show this morning, asked people “according to a recent survey, what was the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received?” Now the actual answer was, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, but I bet that Gen McChrystal would cast his vote for “THINK before you speak!” This is a smart time to remind all military family members here at home who have loved ones deployed, that you need to think before you speak too. Remember the guidelines of OPSEC and realize that you must never chat or post information about the deployment that you don’t want everyone to know! You never know who’s listening, so please be careful. Your loved one’s safety may depend on it. Ok enough said. It’s time to move on.
In accepting Gen McChrystals resignation, Obama said that he will tolerate “debate…not division” in his administration. He’s put Gen David Patraeus in McChrystal’s position in Afghanistan hoping for a seamless transition in leadership. I think we should support that strategy by standing behind the job that the General now has to do…and of course, realize that none of this upset had anything to do with the troops at work there. They had no part in the media interview or its interpretation. As Independence Day approaches, wave your flag and curl up with your family under the fireworks while sending support and prayers to all those spending the day away from families continuing the fight against those who would quiet our voice of independence. That voice is still strong, and under the rules of common sense, we are still allowed to say what we feel needs to be heard. That’s the kind of freedom our troops fight for!
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
June 25th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Well said, Elaine. Sometimes we get caught up in the hyperbole of the politics and emotions and forget about the mission. We also have to by mindful of the role the media plays in situations like these. We cannot assume that reporters will use their better judgment, for the good of the nation or any other reason.