Comment on Bush's speech last night

[RIJIMMY]

If it takes indefinite funds and resources to win a war, it is poorly planned war and one that cannot be sustained since there is no such thing as indefinite resources. All I am saying is there needs to be clearly outlined goals. Runsfiled should have to say to Congress that on 1/15/XXXX the Iraqui army will be trainined, equiped and deployed. Every month leading up to that time, he should have to report on the progress, demonstrate success and how close he is to acheiving the goal. If he doesn not meet the goals, he should be out of a job, period. The generals should be held to the same. I really cannot beleive anyone would argue with that?

[stripersnipr]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

If it takes indefinite funds and resources to win a war, it is poorly planned war and one that cannot be sustained since there is no such thing as indefinite resources. All I am saying is there needs to be clearly outlined goals. Runsfiled should have to say to Congress that on 1/15/XXXX the Iraqui army will be trainined, equiped and deployed. Every month leading up to that time, he should have to report on the progress, demonstrate success and how close he is to acheiving the goal. If he doesn not meet the goals, he should be out of a job, period. The generals should be held to the same. I really cannot beleive anyone would argue with that?

If its simply a matter of accountability I'm sure we are all in agreement. I think the military chain of command is probably unsurpassed in the area of accountability and if I'm not mistaken miltary leadership in Iraq has been changed at least once. Accountability in Government........not so much. Nothing new there. My only point was Wars do not have deadlines. And we don't pack it in and give up the fight because we missed budget. Basic principles of business dont meld well with the basic principles of fighting a war.

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by stripersnipr

Basic principles of business dont meld well with the basic principles of fighting a war.

Followers of Sun Tzu would disagree

[spence]

Yes, war is business (and the other way around)...

I pretty much agree with Dobbs, although I don't think we can hold generals accountable for the big picture stuff as the civilian leadership is really running the show.

The administration has been very careful in how they articulate their goals so they can be easily manipulated on the fly

What really exacerbates the problem is how our policy seems to always be justified on worse case assumptions, and always planned with only best case assumptions!

I think the American people are pretty sick and tired of the "shut up, we know what we're doing" rhetoric we hear day in and day out.

Perhaps when they show some results people will listen, but more "stay the course" and "be patient" when it's clear they're neither objective or competent just doesn't make any sense.

-spence