General Clark just released his latest podcast; and speaks passionately in defense of the Generals who recently called for the resignation of Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Clark shares some of his professional experiences working with Generals Anthony Zinni, John Batiste, Charles Swannack, and John Riggs and defends their integrity and right to dissent. He recognizes that each must have wrestled, personally, with their own conscience before personally deciding that "speaking out' was the right thing to do, especially when they believe that our national security is at stake.
Clark respectfully addresses General Richard Meyers recent criticism, as well, who believed that it was inappropriate at this time of war. Although he has the highest regards and respect for Meyers, Clark argues that regardless of whether they're retired, they still have an obligation to speak out, as citizens; and more importantly, it's their duty and their right.
Clark closes by stating that the issue is all about leadership and accountability. It applies from the bottom to the top of the "chain of command." Donald Rumsfeld made bad judgements. Regardless of how much dissent Meyers or any other Generals conveyed about the strategies for war, Rumsfeld chose not to listen, and in the end, he must be held accountable.
It's worth a listen!!
To listen, you need to be registered with iTunes or you can download, "Integrity and Dissent" (mp3)
at WesPAC, Clark's website.