|
|
|
 |
Thursday, August 01, 2002 |
News: Did a little astronomy last night, but then got clouded out again. It
has not been a good week for skywatching. The weather does not want to
cooperate. But, at least it's warm. Soon, all too soon, I'll be cursing the
rain and snow. I continue to be impressed by the optical quality of the ETX.
Stars focus to sharp, distinct points. But sometimes I miss the light
gathering horsepower of my C-8.
News: Timid generals are hesitant about attacking Iraq --
http://makeashorterlink.com/?C17452961
Comment: I read a lot of military history, and contrary to the stereotype of
blood-thirsty generals dragging civilian leaders into war, it has usually
been our American leaders who have had to push the military. In the early
years of the Civil War, Lincoln had fits with timid Union generals who
refused to take the fight to Lee. He finally had to fire McClellan, who
constantly insisted he had to have more troops before he attacked (kind of
like today's generals and Iraq). Likewise, Lincoln was very critical of
Meade for not attacking Lee after Gettysburg. Had Meade advanced, he may
have been able to end the war in 1863. Lincoln never got the results he
wanted until he found aggressive generals like Grant, Sherman and Sheridan.
WWII might have ended six months earlier if the cautious Eisenhower had
given Patton free rein to charge his tanks across the Reich. And don't get
me started on the first Gulf War. The U.S. war plan (crafted by Powell) was
so cautious and inflexible that it could not adjust to the sudden collapse
of the Iraqi army. Had our generals been more imaginative, they could have
trapped the Republican Guard (thus ending Saddam's career) and we wouldn't
now have to be talking about a second Gulf War.
What we need is a 21st century Patton or Rommel who can take our modern
military technology and devise a lightening-fast plan that will take Saddam
out in a matter of days, not months.
1:12:05 PM 
|
|
 |
 |
© Copyright 2002 Michael Rogers.
Last update: 10/2/02; 8:38:53 AM.
|
 |
|
|