Quote Of The Year (Schwartzkopf's remark concerning forgiving terrorists)

Toronto In Focus ^ | 3/21/02 | Unknown

[A2J]

-- Posted by efic on 1:54 pm on Mar. 21, 2002

Subject: Forgiving Terrorists...

THIS WAS TOO GOOD TO PASS UP!!!

In a recent interview, General Norman Schwartzkopf as asked if he didn't think there was room for forgiveness toward the people who have harboured and abetted the terrorists who perpetrated the 9/11 attacks on America.

His answer was classic Schwartzkopf.

He said: "I believe that forgiving them is God's function.

Our job is simply to arrange the meeting."

AMEN…

[A2J]

When I heard Sean Hannity mentioned this yesterday on his show, I had to find the quote and post it.

Sorry, if it's been posted before, but it's worth posting again.

[Mr. Lucky]

Even if he didn't say it, he should have.

[Tai_Chung]

That's a great quote. Thanks for posting it.

[FreeTally]

Stormin Norman has always been strictly a military man. I think even the smell of politics makes him puke. He's a stand up guy.

[Dogrobber]

Put'in this on a sign to FReep the BLEEP out'a the peaceniks ((PING))

[Lecie]

This is an urban legend. Check out www.snopes2.com...click onto the military section. It's a good quote nonetheless.

[bankwalker]

Does someone know how to forward this to the vatican?

[Long Cut]

Snopes (The Urban Legends Reference Page) is an OUTSTANDING resource. I check there first whenever something pops up that sounds "too good to be true". They really stay on top of things.

That said, it's a great quote. Bumper sticker/T-shirt stuff if I ever heard it.

[madvlad]

What is it that is said about US combat forces?

Is is the job of God to forgive Osama yomomma bn larden

It is the the job of the US military to arrange
a face-to-face meeting.

Keep up the fire!

Mad Vlad

[sheik yerbouty]

That may yet be the quote of the year!

[bluesagewoman]

Thanks DogRobber! Plus, check your e-mail.

[marron]

The Muslim concept of justice is that, if you commit a crime, you can ask and you will receive forgiveness from God.

God will forgive you, and accept you into heaven. But you must still face earthly judgement. That usually means a sword in a vacant lot.

That always made perfect sense to me.

[Feckless]

Met Stormin Norman in '84 or so, as 9ID CG. No doubt he was a good tactician but he was also a "do as I say.... not as I do" leader (overweight, unauthorized uniform modifications, tanker boots, etc). One of the first things you learn as an NCO is that you must live and breath the standards you set.

[NorCoGOP]

Go Bear Go!

His statement is similar to another military motto (I don't know if it's an official one or not) that goes:

American Special Forces: Helping Muslims meet Allah since 1991!

[A2J]

Met Stormin Norman in '84 or so, as 9ID CG. No doubt he was a good tactician but he was also a "do as I say.... not as I do" leader (overweight, unauthorized uniform modifications, tanker boots, etc). One of the first things you learn as an NCO is that you must live and breath the standards you set.

But is it fair to say that virtually all great military leaders were those who broke from traditional requirements?

Patton, Napoleon, and MacArthur come to mind, so is it that bad?

[Pagey]

He said: "I believe that forgiving them is God's function. Our job is simply to arrange the meeting."

BUMP! and still laughing at the clarity of his sentence.

[Pagey]

Bump for all who missed this

[rlmorel]

One of my favorite quotes was supposedly from Admiral Ernest King.

The story goes, when he was asked why Roosevelt chose him to to be the Chief of Naval Operations, King supposedly growled: “When they get in trouble, they send for the sons-of-bitches.”

Later, when asked if he actually said this, the King denied it, saying that he had not, but he would have if he had thought of it.

ADM King was said to be extraordinarily intelligent and dedicated to the Naval Service. He also enjoyed drinking and beautiful women. He was also reportedly a man who did not suffer fools gladly.

It was suspected by many that he didn't so much enjoy playing the role of the hard-ass as much as he enjoyed being perceived as a bastard, and if true, this anecdote fits.

One of the best books I have read on aviators is "The Aviators, The: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, and the Epic Age of Flight" by Winston Groom, a must read if you are an aviation enthusiast.

But by far, one of the best books on the US Navy leadership in WWII is: "The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King--The Five-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea" by Walter R. Bornman. Brilliantly interesting, in depth, and you see the differences in all of them that made them more formidable as a group.

For the record, I greatly admired Schwartzkopf. He even made it into pop culture...:)

I don't know much about the personal side of Schwartzkopf, but I suspect he would have cracked a grin at Chris Farley's portrayal!