I realize that this is a short diary with no links, but I haven't seen this possibility discussed here are anywhere else and I believe everyone here is aware of the content and general sources of this diary. Yes, I know this is a long, long shot. And, yes, just like Kagan I did not serve in the military. I know that the military has been the only segment of our society that has made any meaningful sacrifice in the Iraqi debacle. But maybe there is another reasonable way out of this mess.
The military commanders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have clearly fulfilled their responsibilities to the Commander-in-Chief in the face of obvious incompetence by Bush and his entire administration. But now the most loyal of the military leadership is being hung out to dry and may even be blamed for the failures.
In addition it may be that the few members of this Administration with any real experience and some shreds of integrity are also being pushed aside. You are in the best place to evaluate whether civilian leadership is being put in place that will make it even more difficult for you to act responsibly.
A blue ribbon panel has met, studied and laid out a plan that is nothing like what will be unveiled on Wednesday night. In fact the President's upcoming actions may be diametrically the reverse of the ISG recommendations.
Consider too that the American people have spoken and they want out of this madness. Murtha and the Congress of the United States will back you, though admittedly this may look like a shaky foundation on which to stand.
Finally, it seems that there is a real risk that this Administration is on a collision course with Iran. If so, you are in a position to know if further and more catastrophic disasters loom.
If there ever was a time for our Military Leadership to stand up and refuse to implement the policy of a Commander-in-Chief-it appears to be now.
As a citizen and a member of this community (though with no real standing), I beg you to cease and desist serving this folly. It seems that there will never be a better time to step away from this Commander-in-Chief and serve your larger oath to your Country and the Constitution. I believe that this community and the vast majority of the Country will unite in our support for your patriotism and that these actions will begin a process of healing, will return our Country to sanity and will signal our desire to the rest of the world that we want to rejoin the responsible elements of the world community.