By FITSNews || U.S. President Barack Obama relieved insubordinate Gen. Stanley McChrystal of his command over NATO forces in Afghanistan on Wednesday – a move that threatens to destabilize the American war effort just as the “Afghan surge” reaches its apex.
“I welcome debate,” Obama said. “but I won’t tolerate division.”
McChrystal was fired after the White House received an advance copy of an article written for Rolling Stone in which the general and members of his staff openly mocked key civilian leaders in the Obama administration including vice president Joe Biden, special Afghan/Pakistani envoy Richard C. Holbrooke, national security advisor Jim Jones and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry.
McChrystal apologized for his comments, but it wasn’t enough to save his job.
Obama replaced McChrystal with a familiar face – General David Petraeus – saying that he was making “a change in personnel … not a change in policy.”
Many think Obama should change both.
Last September, a military assessment prepared by McChrystal argued that a massive influx of new troops was needed in order to turn the tide of the conflict in America’s favor. After the assessment was leaked to the press, Obama ordered another 30,000 troops to the region – against the advice of Biden and other members of his administration. Unfortunately, the troop surge hasn’t worked – at least not yet. The Taliban – which was the target of the initial American invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 – is still mounting an effective resistance and U.S. casualties are on the rise.
McChrystal was only on the job for a year. His successor, Gen. David McKiernan, was fired last June by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates after just eight months on the job.
Over 1,000 American soldiers have been killed (and another 6,000 wounded) in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, when Operation Enduring Freedom was launched in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on America.
By Ed June 23, 2010 at 4:53 pm
I hope no one of whatever party can seriously argue that Obama had any other choice but to fire this clown. You may disagree with the policy, etc., though frankly if you are on the far right, this is your war that should have been won a long time ago if Bush hadn’t become obsessed with the WMD-less Iraq, but you can’t run your mouth like he did and ever expect to keep your job in the military. The military doesn’t work that way.
By SubZeroIQ June 23, 2010 at 4:55 pm
FITS: McKiernan was McChrystal’s predecessor, not successor.
What is most important to remember here is that the civilian control of the military is more important than any war America fights abroad. The alternative is a military dictatorship in America.
That is why it was right for the Columbia City Council to fire Tandy Carter. The alternative would have been police dictatorship over Columbia.
By eggaday June 23, 2010 at 5:49 pm
we almost have military dictatorship in America , whether you people know it or not.
we already have tyranny and internal distruction going on.
open your eyes.
repuklicans and dems are both the same coin, opposite sides, same coin mind you.
and the coin is bad bad bad.
By Turd Ferguson June 23, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I am just going to point out again that obama has a lack of leadership, respect, and direction for our Military. Who would want to work for him? We are lucky we have a volunteer Military. Especially given the ability of our commander in chief. I wish We the People could relieve obama of his command. I intend to do so in 2012 when we vote him out of office. Get ready obama, your pink slip is coming!
Turd
By Obama the Magic Negro June 23, 2010 at 6:16 pm
McChrystal was a man at the coalface in Afghanistan. He is a soldier’s soldier.Obama, as usual, makes decisions from the oval office without ever stepping out of his cosy environment. A real leader is one who can take criticism from his troops without resorting to firing them. Obama, has done nothing creative since becoming president.
By muffin June 23, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I am afraid we have Jimmy “Cupcake” Carter II in the whitehouse. He wants to play the tough guy in this case – but he is a wimp where it counts. Lets take a tough stance with Calderaon, Chavez, Kim Jong, and Ahmadinejad – not with our own military and our allies.
By madcock June 23, 2010 at 6:19 pm
It is time the military stood up for the people of this nation and told the truth. Bad orders (obama) are bad orders. McChrystal did nothing wrong for or to this nation not even to the Executive branch. We have a very bad commander in chief.
By madcock June 23, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I think obama is a “coalface”!
By No Way! June 23, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Can we get a “change in personnel” and “policy” at the White House?
By SubZeroIQ June 23, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I am an absolute pacifist; but I understand this is a rarity in this country.
I would, however, want to remind the haters of Obams (who is NOT a pacifist at all) that Senators McCain and Graham strongly approve of President Obama’s decision to accept General McChrystal’s resignation.
I would also like to reming “Muffin” that Presidents Calderon, Chavez, and Ahmadelnajjad have been elected by their respective countries in elections that have no more problems, and no less credibility, than the contested Bush-Gore 2000 election and the 2010 Greene-Rawl primary.
No matter how anyone of us may not like the result, the essence of democracy is accepting the majority’s choice HERE AND ABROAD.
Do you want to attack Peru’s Eva Morales too while you are at it.
Personally, I wish Venezuella would export to us more of the products of its EL SYSTEMO which produces such musicians as Gustavo Dudemill.
Make music, not war!
By south mauldin June 23, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Madcock,
I think his lying about Pat Tillman’s death would qualify as doing something wrong.
By SubZeroIQ June 23, 2010 at 6:43 pm
At the end of the thread from “Haley’s Transparency Headache,” George asked me to give the “Cliff Notes” of my posts.
“Muffin” asked me why I post on this “conservative” website. Frankly, the word that first comes to MY mind about FITS is “popular” website. So, I post where the readers are. Anything wrong with that?
George:
Thank you. I will try. How is this:
Accusing innocent people falsely of things they did not do is unethical and incompetent; it also costs the tax-payers a lot of money and undermines law and order.
John Meadors has tried Mr. Mallory, TWICE, for a murder which everyone admitted another person committed. John Meadors also falsely accused and tried Dr. Marie Faltas for supposedly harrassing her landlady and adjoining real-estate owner, Dinah Steele, who claims to be married to Larry Wayne Mason. Meadors knew, or should have known, that there were contract and real-estate civil disputes between Dr. Faltas on one side and Ms. Steele and Mr. Mason on the other. Meadors knew, or should have known that these false criminal charges were brought to gain advantage in the civil litigation.
More crucially, Meadors knew, or should have known, that Larry Wayne Mason’s second wife died of a gunshot wound to the head which could not physically have been suicide but which was inflicted in the presence of Larry Wayne Mason. Also, Mason later manipulated the system to make Ella Faye’s debts die with her while he continued to enjoy her estate.
Most crucially, Meadors knew, or should have known, that the witnesses Larry Wayne Mason hired to pose as strangers supposedly “harassed” by Dr. Marie Faltas were, in reality, Larry Wayne Mason’s former and present employees, neighbors, and tenants. Larry Wayne Mason probably held over everybody else’s head that he had so far literally gotten away with murder.
Meadors was not elected because there is a God.
The question is: will Larry Wayne Mason now finally be tried for murder? Or is that a laughing matter for this website?
By Jim June 23, 2010 at 6:43 pm
“He is a soldier’s soldier.” No, he was unprofessional and he injured this country. The military must respect the Office of the President of the United States period. They do not have to like the person in that office, because who sits in that office is not their call. McCrystal is lucky Obama did not fire him. That would have cost him his rank and his pension.
“Lets take a tough stance with Calderaon, Chavez, Kim Jong, and Ahmadinejad.”
Ok, I’ll bite, what would you do to each of these people if you were President?
By Florida Watching June 23, 2010 at 6:59 pm
As promised, will Ms. Haley resign with dignity, or will she be banished yelling and screaming because she claims she was too busy to understand what she was promising? Just a question, as character is one of those issues being bantered about by Sic Willie. “Lying through her teeth.” Strong stuff.
By Jim June 23, 2010 at 7:02 pm
“It is time the military stood up for the people of this nation and told the truth. Bad orders (obama) are bad orders. McChrystal did nothing wrong for or to this nation not even to the Executive branch. We have a very bad commander in chief.”
In most countries that would be a military Coup d’État; and that is why McCrystal’s attitude and the radical redneck right are dangerous.
“I think obama is a “coalface”!”
And I think you are a racist, which explains many of your posts.
“Can we get a “change in personnel” and “policy” at the White House?”
Duh, yes. You will get your chance in November of 2012, all you have to do is get 51% of the voters to agree with you. Its called Democracy. Unless of course you prefer Madcock’s method of selecting our President.
By NTAK June 23, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Everyone in the Military know’s you can’t do what McChrystal did!
McChrystal violated Article 88 of the UCMJ. ” Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
And don’t forget, Bush got rid of Gen. John Abizaid, Gen. George Casey, and Gen. Eric Shinseki
By SubZeroIQ June 23, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Florida Watching: I hope the main track is what matters to the community of readers.
This really is not fiction.
In Columbia, SC, a 41 YO white female died of a gunshot wound to the head that could not have been suicide. The man who claims to have been her husband and who profited from the death of her debts with her is still out on the streets.
His two sons are driving and getting arrested frequently enough for driving under the influence, possessing drugs, and other traffic violations.
These are safety issues for us here in Columbia, SC.
If you are not interested in solving a cold-case death, skip my postings.
But others may care.
After all, many killers who have gotten away with murder killed again after many years. Examples: the young man implicated in the disappearance of Natalie Hollaway. The Craig’s list murderer. And the Dentist Corbin, who first lodged one gunshot bullet in the head of his then-girlfriend and Dentistry School classmate Dolly Hearn. He got away with it. Years later he lodged another gunshot bullet in the head of his wife, Jennifer Corbin.
Make something worthwile of this website. Help bring a killer to justice. The next life you save may be yours.
Thanks and God bless.
By the Space Boogey June 23, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I have been led to believe this is not the place to comment if you want to make any positive changes in the world.
This little Nook ‘n Cranny is for liars thieves murderers and Dishonesty, those who have to take from from the nearest living being around. Get a Life!!!
This guy, Will the pill came from Sanford.
By Neocon June 23, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Obama can suck it from the back, that’s all…
By Florida Watching June 23, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Ok Perry Mason…..I like your zeal for justice and detail. Please, while you are on it, would you research to see if the state has the right to access state computers and cell phones.
By Commenter June 23, 2010 at 9:24 pm
SubZeroIQ,
I actually asked you why you post on this conservative website.
You do know that your “attacks” on this website are nothing more than the inane ramblings of someone who abuses the judicial process. To date you have brought numerous lawsuits against people who displease you for no other reason. Simply Googling your name yields frivolous lawsuit after frivolous lawsuit.
My suggestion to you is to take your “complaints” to a personal blog rather than clogging up websites by posting comments that have absolutely no relevance to the article posted. You’re not reaching any readers this way.
Moreover, you are engaged in libel while accusing Mr. Mason of murder. I’d be very particular in the comments you express, particularly while you are involved in both criminal and civil proceedings.
By countryboy June 23, 2010 at 9:58 pm
After thinking about this overnight and as much as I do not respect Barack Hussein Obama, I do respect the office of the President and the military chain of command. And having spent 4 years in the USAF, and while I do like and respect the General, I reluctantly have to say BHO did the right thing. A member of the military should not criticize a superior in public, even if the superior is totally undeserving of respect. I would be extremely mad if BHO had outright fired the General, so BHO also did the right thing by just releiving him of command. Hell, like they say, even a clock that doesn’t work is right twice a day.
By dead agent caper June 23, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I think it requires a subzero IQ to swap get arrested for swapping price stickers on a folder at Walmart that costs a dollar. SubzeroIQ (AKA Dr. Faltas) is a crazy bird worthy of her own exhibit at the zoo.
By Turd Ferguson June 24, 2010 at 8:17 am
I fully agree that any president, even the pitiful one that we have now, would have to fire a general that was insubordinant. However, I find it interesting that after obama ranted and chided Petreaus only 2 years ago, he is now his go to man on this war. Amazing! obama is nothing but a sock puppet!
By Toyota Kawaski June 24, 2010 at 8:25 am
Sub0IQ please head over to BULL STREET for some much needed R&R
By Florida Watching June 24, 2010 at 9:00 am
What can you get at Bull Street, and how much?
By Pimp-alicious June 24, 2010 at 9:59 am
If it were me, I would have brought McChrystal out on the TV, said, “Drop and give me 50.”
If he got it done, then I’d have said, “Now get your butt back to Afghanistan, do the job and keep your mouth shut.”
If he can’t give 50, send him packing.
By really???? June 24, 2010 at 10:02 am
Jim, you don’t need 51% of the vote…you need a majority of the electorate.
By ceilidh10 June 24, 2010 at 10:02 am
Yes he should have been fired.
I do not care who is in charge as long as we stay the course, fight terrorism, and whip the sorry ass Taliban.
We must win this war and we need someone at the top with the right vision to get the darn job done.
By SubZeroIQ June 24, 2010 at 10:07 am
Florida Watching, Toyota Kawasaki, Commenter, and Dead agent caper:
First, I am obviously reaching some readers, you included.
Second, Larry Wayne Mason is more than welcome to sue ME for defamation because TRUTH is a complete defense and he knows it. Were he to sue me for pointing out that Ella Faye Kizer (Mason?) died on 25 May 1993 of a gunshot wound to the head inflicted on 24 May 1993 in Larry Waye Mason’s presence and in a manner that could not have been suicide, he would open himself to mandatory discovery. That is something he does NOT want. He wants sleeping dogs to lie.
That would open his tax records to discovery too to see what he did with her money. There is also something like an Alvin Green question with Larry Wayne Mason. When the U.S. Army had him indicted for 109 counts, yes one-hundred-and-nine, of falsification of army records, impersonating a warrant officer, and embezzlement, he claimed indigency and got a public defender. He contempraneously bought a private detective agency and later a limousine company. South Carolina did not have a lottery back then.
You also ask me why I “clog” this website. This website has not been “clogged.” It is functioning just fine and its postings are attractive and easily referenced.
Besides, any typical local or national news site would have some political news, some sports, some crime news, and some entertainment.
FITS is doing great by himself on the entertainment and sports part.
I am supplying legal analysis and crime news.
But, as always, if you are not interested in my posts, don’t read them.
I want to note, however, that John Meadors did not win the election as I have been writing that he should not. So, I must know something.
Also, more crucially, Dr. Marie Faltas was the only member of the public who showed up for Tandy Carter’s supposed “news conference” of Friday, 23 April 2010, and asked the incisive and cogent questions. She unleashed the uproar that eventually led to the firing of Tandy Carter and the revelations that Columbia’s Police Department did a miserable job and did not want to turn it over to the SDPS or Highway Patrol because they did not want their incompetence exposed.
I think the hiring and maintenance of incompetent and possibly corrupt police at tax-payers’ expense is an issue for the blogs, sepecially “a conservative” one.
So, what is one expected to do about corruption other than attack it?
By Bampei December 27, 2011 at 12:03 am
TO SubZeroIQ:
Would you kindly send me a way to reach you via email directly.
I have a number of questions regarding Larry Mason that you seem to have a lot of background on.
I knew Larry and his then wife very well when we were both stationed in Germany together. I even assisted with some of the counter-narcotic ops that he was involved in, though I wasn’t in CID or any law enforcement at the time.
I was just looking up old aquaintences on the net and have been somewhat flabbergasted by what little I have been able to glean about his history beyond our friendship in Germany. I really want to know more!
If you can point me in some directions, I would be very grateful.
My contact is ftrinkle@me.com
Cheers
By really???? June 24, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hey sub…. apparently you are not any good at the practice of law or the practice of medicine. ha ha ha
By the Space Boogey June 24, 2010 at 11:23 am
countryBoy Wonder, now that you have it, are catching on go back to Ft. Jackson and finish training. You ‘Survived’ TWO DAYS Boot Camp before they whacked you!
By Darth June 24, 2010 at 11:54 am
Three words to reinforce the ineptness of the pretender to the throne:
Palin McChrystal 2012
By SnakeMD June 24, 2010 at 3:26 pm
McChrystal has always been a rabble rouser. Ha had over 100 demerits at West Point! A lot of them had to do with drinking. Apparently he can hold his liquor and stay fit, too. He runs 7 miles every morning and is a soldier’s soldier–old school. He still must have that gene for lack of better judgement. Why the hell would you hang out with a snot-nose-reporter from Rolling Stone Magazine and go drinking with him? Loose lips sink ships is exactly what happened here. He brought it on himself. He should have waited until he retired and then let the world know his opinions. I hate to see it happen because he was a good soldier.
By Truth Seeker June 24, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Loose lips sink ships! If there ever was a good description.
By George June 24, 2010 at 6:51 pm
My guess is McChrystal wanted out of the war and this was the only way to get his wish. He is probably also going to run for office some time and this will give him a reason to say that he was tough enough to stand against the office of president.
By James the Foot Soldier June 24, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Everybody in the military knows McCystal was simply being truthful….and there is one thing bush-lite cannot stand is someone shining light on his ineptitude.
By Jim June 25, 2010 at 9:43 am
James, are you in the military?