General Zinni on CSPAN2 1am - new book, war on Iraq, why Rummy should go

On Sunday, May 7 at 1:00 am and at 4:00 pm and Monday, May 8 at 6:30 am
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The Battle for Peace: A Frontline Vision of America's Power and Purpose
Tony Zinni

Retired Marine Corps general Tony Zinni discusses his new book, "The Battle for Peace," at the Pritzker Military Library in Chicago. General Zinni explains why he thinks Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld should be replaced and talks about the Iraq War, U.S.-Iran relations, and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Commentary is provided by Benjamin Page of Northwestern University and Charles Glaser of the University of Chicago. This event is part of a regular series at the Pritzker Library called "Front & Center," moderated by longtime "Chicago Tonight" host John Callaway.

Tony Zinni, former Marine Corps general and commander in chief of U.S. Central Command from 1997 to 2000, is co-author, with Tom Clancy, of "Battle Ready." For more on General Zinni and his work, visit www.generalzinni.com .

:bounce:

a year-long special from Japanese TV (typically excellent stuff) -- this year, "Komyo ga Tsuji" (of the usual excellence).

The episode two weeks ago involved Oda Nobunaga destroying Enryaku-ji (a temple complex on Mount Hiei), killing the inhabitants mercilessly and indiscriminately: cleric, lay, men, women and children. (After which he was (more) widely considered as being "mad" -- here, one who operates by other than normal rules -- and his name became synonymous with fear, cunning, ruthlessness and unpredictability.)

And thereupon (in the program), the narrater said something to the effect of "...and then he (Nobunaga) became a puppet of fate."

(In this week's episode, Nobunaga had the skulls of fallen enemies (Samurai took the heads of fallen enemy lords, generals, chief vassals, etc) that he (had) had killed, gilded after the tops were made into sake-cups (saucers). Then at a new years banquet with his chief vassals, he had them drink out of these skull-cups. He also had his sister's (adopted) son killed, as she was married to one of these fallen enemies, who had betrayed Nobunaga. She was also present at the banquet and made a scene... understandably.)

Men in their arrogance (and no matter what their motivations) set (can set) currents in motion (or give them greater force) -- and then these currents (can) take on a life of their own (or greater force in their already-flowing course), sweeping along those who initiated them (gave them force), (other) players and innocents alike.

Rummy the Dummy, Il Dolte, Snagglepuss and ol' deadwood dick have given great force to a current of willful-heedlessness, blind-ignorance, suspicion, fear, paranoia, hysteria (it's a good word), secrecy, aggression, militarism, greed, hubris, revenge, vindictiveness, mean-spiritedness, self-righteousness, knee-jerk nationalism, high-level lawlessness and authoritarianism (etc). Those nations not swept up in this current are (largely) swept up in the reaction to it.

And our fearful foursome are now little more than puppets being swept along in this current. They are little more able to change their mindsets, decisions or (ultimate) course any more than a piece of flotsam can change its course when in the grasp of some powerful ocean current -- much less change the course of that current.

And unless we can find some way to directly and radically redirect this current (a current rushing towards a terrible precipice, carrying us along), then the only hope is a change of personnel.

Now, since the Secretary of Defense is selected by the president, then a great deal probably isn't to be expected of his successor. But there are hearings to consider, and there are other things in play.

Regardless, Rummy has got to go. His plans have proven to be thoughtless, inept and feeble. His refusal to change course, inability to adapt, and refusal to see things for what they are -- along his inability to deal effectively with Command Officers, and their (private) lack of confidence in him -- make this an urgent necessity.

" a current of willful-heedlessness, blind-ignorance, suspicion, fear, paranoia, hysteria (it's a good word), secrecy, aggression, militarism, greed, hubris, revenge, vindictiveness, mean-spiritedness, self-righteousness, knee-jerk nationalism, high-level lawlessness and authoritarianism (etc). Those nations not swept up in this current are (largely) swept up in the reaction to it."


summed it up real good, you did.