Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread 5 November 2006

Portion of your post #239:

"I read this is coming out. I disagree with it myself but it this is an executive decision that President Bush will make. Rumsfeld was asked to reform and modernize the military and he has done a good job of it, in my opinion. Yes, there are complaints but few alternatives offered, meaning different strategies to accomplish what needed to be done. There are some long time service people who resist the move to the more advanced use of technology and a leaner, faster fighting force. For example, one thing Rumsfeld did that upset some of the old guard was to mix separate artillery, infantry and armor units into one group. The traditional separation was resisted by those who did not want change and wanted to continue the status quo. I agree with what Rumsfeld did to consolidate these three elements into one fighting division that did not have to play political games in coordinating these necessary functions used in battle. Another element that Rumsfeld changed was the inter-service coordination to make the Army, Air Force and Navy closer to decision making in the field, and away from the bureaucratic oversight and interference that made success harder to obtain."

You have some good thoughts on this. What do you think will happen to the transformation movement? Thanks!

#3-Morgan in Denver-
Morgan in Denver is one of the debaters on the state of the American military and Don Rumsfeldâ€™s place in reconfiguring it to meet our modern threats. Also check out the post on various voter parties across the land. How low, folks, can the Dems go?

On Military Times and Don Rumsfeld-insight

Interesting link and post on voting and gala parties

Reasoned response to Alas Babylon on today's American military

#2-Alas Babylon!
Our esteemed thread King, Alas Babylon, debates with Morgan about our military and these two have a clue. AB also provides an insight on the American psyche and some great polling updates.

Excellent insight on the American psyche

Great insight on Rummy and the American army

Continues debate on Rummy and Army with Morgan in Denver Poll updates

#1-Seattle Conservative
Seattle Conservative has a dictionary in his head. Throughout this weekâ€™s thread, no matter the topic, SC has germane links and quotes that either dispel or enforce the post being responded to.

SC also provides ping lists, pictures and links/quotes on other current events that are de facto proof that Freepers know their stuff.

On Vanity Fair hit piece-good links and info

On the Military Times articles

Check out the Rove ping list

Election links

On Haggard

On the Dem scandals

Washington State Election insights

Really great POSITIVE pics from Iraq

Link and quotes on soldier families visiting Iraq Steel and the WAPO

My personal opinion is General Franks proved the concept in both Afghanistan and Iraq. (My old armor unit is history, folded into the 4th ID.) The ability to coordinate action, meaning command and control, will make our military faster, fiercer and more effective. That is, IF the program continues as it has been, which I anticipate happening. Democrats may defund the military as much as they can but the changes have already been made and this relationship will continue to improve. As for weapon systems and new R&D, your guess is as good as mine. Democrats are going to be looking for places to cut funding, as they have done in the past, so there's a good chance new weapon systems will be delayed. One weapon system that seems to have a lot of potential would be all the applications for laser and particle beam weapons, although I have not heard much about particle beam in recent months.

I believe Don Rumsfeld has been a historic Secretary of Defense, and I believe he has done an outstanding job in what he was tasked to do. His departure will not help our military although I believe I understand why he is leaving. If there is any blame for Rumsfeld's performance, I believe the blame belongs to the White House in not selling or marketing our efforts. I also put some blame on the Republican party for not supporting him well enough.

Thanks everyone for all your hard work on this thread every week! Another great week of thoughts and insights from many great FReepers! I enjoyed reading the discussion on the military!
Thank you! Again, I am humbled by this honor.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our dear FRiend, Snugs! See Dolly's super thread here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1735452/posts

p.s. Fishtalk - I know it's difficult to tell from FR names and their posts - I'm a 'she'not a 'he' ;-)

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