Delftsman

Rumsfeld NOT the Ogre

The MSM has done everything in it's power to make Donald Rumsfeld out to be an overbearing, self-righteous ogre that cares little for the welfare of the troops under his purview. One father of a Marine captain killed in Iraq has a different view.

I think the reason for the villification of Rumsfeld is that he stands up to the press and answers their questions with cold logic and not a hand wringing angst of "what did we do?" Rumsfeld is a MAN in a mans position, and the press act like little children trying to play "gotcha" and playing as if the the cold hard facts of life in war don't apply to american soldiers. The questions SHOULD be tough about any military operations, but the focus shouldn't be about a personality, but about facts, results and consequences. Mr. Rumsfeld has shown himself to be able to handle his responsibilities like an adult, and it's irritating the childlike press.

The fact that Rumsfeld visits the wounded at Bethesda often and WITHOUT PRESS COVERAGE speaks volumes about the man in my mind. He could use these visits as photo-ops to ease the pressure against him, but he knows that only children and polititians think that way. He goes because it is the RIGHT thing for him to do. He takes his responsibilities personally and ackowledges the sacrifices made by the men and women who are affected by his decisions in a personal and heartfelt manner, not as a part of a political game.