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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Gen. Tommy Franks: `Mission Accomplished' aimed to draw foreign involvement |
| 2004-08-03 |
| EFL After commanding the operation that toppled Saddam Hussein, Gen. Tommy Franks suggested that President Bush publicly mark an end to major combat in Iraq - an idea that led to the president's politically controversial appearance aboard an aircraft carrier. But, but, but...I thought Karl Rove pulled the puppet strings? Bush's announcement, under a banner that read "Mission Accomplished," took place just six weeks after the start of the war, generating harsh criticism as being a premature celebration and political grandstanding. "Generating harsh criticism," translation: Democrats crapped themselves. Then, they crapped in our pools. Franks, who retired a year ago, said he thought a public announcement would send a green light to countries that had balked at joining combat operations but had expressed willingness to join efforts to rebuild Iraq. Seems reasonable. I bet Kerry could have brought the French on board (help I just swallowed my tongue). "That was not so everyone could have a victory lap," Franks said in a telephone interview Monday. "We'd been given to believe that once major hostilities were over, we would have lots and lots more help from the international community." Never underestimate the power of cowardice. |
| Posted by:Dragon Fly |
| #4 BAR, DF, and SH: all correct!. Tell the limp dicks complaining to "Shove It". Apparently it's not an offensive phrase now.... |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-08-03 11:23:03 PM |
| #3 I thought the banner was a note of respect and congradulations to the crew for a mission well done. Usually, when I ship returns home, its mission is considered to be "accomplished." It is not very motivational to post a sign that announces, "Half Finished - we left enough to keep the others busy." |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-08-03 11:13:35 PM |
| #2 Bomb-a-rama...It could also be thought of this way: Imagine you were on the aircraft carrier. You just spent a year at sea. You did what you were asked to do. If I were on the carrier, it would have been great to have my Commander-in-Chief to send a signal of Mission Accomplished. |
| Posted by: Dragon Fly 2004-08-03 12:39:18 PM |
| #1 Bush’s announcement, under a banner that read "Mission Accomplished," took place just six weeks after the start of the war, generating harsh criticism as being a premature celebration and political grandstanding. GWB never himself said "mission accomplished"; he understood that there was more work still to be performed in rebuilding Iraq. However, from the point of view of disposing of Hussein's rule, yeah, I'd say that the objective was achieved. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2004-08-03 12:20:28 PM |