Of Generals and Loose Lips

The current situation with Gen McCrystal and he and his staff's unprofessional remarks about the President, the Vice President and a host of others in the senior leadership of our government is reminiscent of the situation between President Truman and Gen McArthur.

The story this morning from CNN puts it this way:

Washington (CNN) -- America's top military commander in Afghanistan is unlikely to survive the fallout from remarks he made about colleagues in a magazine profile to be published Friday, according to a Pentagon source who has ongoing contacts with the general.

That is putting it very mildly.

He should be forced to retire after losing a star form his shoulder. That's my opinion.

It is OK to have private thoughts about those you work with--but to allow yourself to make statements like this in public and also to allow, even encourage your staff to make such remarks is not only unprofessional, but is truly is conduct unbecoming an officer and also a violation of Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ):

ART. 88. CONTEMPT TOWARD OFFICIALS

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.

I have read the Rolling Stone article--and in my mind, Gen McChrystal definitely violated this article and should be court-martialed.

Oh, and by the way, there is also a violation of Article 134:

ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE

Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.

He should consider himself very lucky if he is allowed to resign and retire.

The difference between being a military officer--especially a commanding general, and a civilian is very great. Officers are held to a much higher standard and, yes, often the basic rights that Americans are used to are not entitled to a military person and especially an officer. Officers especially serve at the pleasure of the President--we do not ever want a situation where a military officer sees them self above or better than the President and our leadership--that is how coups happen in Third World countries.

During WWII they had a saying that "Loose Lips Sink Ships." I guess they sink generals, too.

Tina and Patrick Partying on Duval St

Well the honeymooning couple provided an update on how much fun they have been having.

Swimming with the fishes already.

BTW, this is from the USNS Vandenberg, six miles off Key West.

Tuesday Morning -- Work or not to Work

I've been home from work using vacation time since Thursday last week to complete the final preparations for the wedding.

It is funny, how used to not going to work I can get.

I would love to retire and spend all of my time--doing what?

I guess I need work to give me something worthwhile to do.

So the whole idea of going to work is just a disguise, because if I didn't go to work, I'd work around the house. OK--maybe I'd watch World Cup Soccer all morning.

Then I actually need work to get me moving and out of the house and give me something productive to do.

So going to work is actually good for me!

Chris get the summer off, starting Thursday. And then the summer stress begins as she is alone all day and busy finding projects to keep her busy and gainfully employed.

I suppose I would be in the same situation if I didn't have work to keep me busy.

So as the day begins and the slug in me desires not to go to work, I guess I really need to head out for my own good.

That is a positive way of looking at it. Because if I didn't have to go to work, I'd be headed for a sunny beach in Florida--yeah, like in about three weeks from now!

Monday Musings - June 21, 2010

The Bride--Coordinating

 Weddings bring out the best in people as they remember a great day in their lives. This week, I devote Monday Musings to documenting the wedding and the fun we had.

What can I say--Simply Beautiful!

If Only it was as Easy at the real Ceremony

Gary and Kay--Thanks for Coming

P&T Enjoying a Toast

Jeremy and Nicole--

Now You See It

Happy Sisters

Pennie and Scott enjoying a timeout

On the dance floor

Partying on by playing Angry Birds

Looking for a Pirate ship during the reception

From the Honeymoon

Patrick taking a picture presumably of Tina taking a picture of him.

This breaking news just in from Key West where the honeymooning couple
received an upgraded suite at the hotel.

Patrick and Tina Get Married

It should be the title for a movie--or at least a book.

The long awaited wedding finally happened and in a true-to-form manner--it was simply awesome.

There was drama, confusion, anxiety, changed plans, and perfect weather. There was something for everyone.

Most importantly, two people very much in love were married. After-all--isn't that what it is all about?

We each had our parts to play in the movie that is "Patrick and Tina Get Married" but the real stars were Patrick and Tina. Through it all, they each demonstrated a grand sense of humor and a knack for keeping their "eyes on the ball" rather than getting slogged down in the more mundane aspects of what was swirling around them.

I owe huge a thank-you to many people who worked really hard to make the day come together, and especially the rehearsal dinner, which we hosted at the house with the assistance of our best friends: Fran and Mary. I am always amazed how much work there is to do before hand to make something like a dinner come off and look so effortless.

I was reminded through the planning and execution of this wedding of how many people are involved--each with their part to play, to make the day a success.

I also want to thank the guests who traveled great distances to be part of the celebration. Each of them also played their part by attending and witnessing the event. Remember--not everyone got an invitation--so it certainly was an honor to receive one and then to follow through make the effort to actually attend was especially appreciated.

And then to the parents of the bride--thanks for raising such a special woman who can love and appreciate my son. They are perfect together. It always brings a smile to my face when I see or hear them coming through the door--together or separately.

So now, I'm already waiting for the sequel--as the marriage begins. Perhaps the first sequel will be titled something like "Hot Nights in Key West." I hope they are having fun in one of my favorite places in the world. It just occurred to me how much fun I have living vicariously though the experiences of my children and their families.

God bless you both--Tina and Patrick, today and always.

After the Wedding

We are out on the town in Annapolis with Mike and Nicole and Scott and
Pennie. A great way to chill after the pace of the last couple of days.

Even today we were busy cleaning up and retrieving the arch from the
hotel.

The memory of a great wedding and reception partying with family and
friends remains fresh and makes me smile.

There are so many people I need to thank for making the whole process
a success.

But my love and prayers go you out to Patrick and Tina.

From the Reception

And here it is as we sit here from Patrick and Tina's reception. The
party of the year is well underway after the long awaited wedding.

In a word. It was awesome.

Party on dudes.

Wedding Day 2010: Patrick and Tina

And today is the day.

The timing is set--the plans are made and mostly set.

The guests are arriving and most of us survived the Rehearsal dinner without incident.

The rehearsal went off well and everything seems ready.

Panic is setting in--and things are falling into place--but we will all be ready this evening.

Family vs Work: And the Winner Is?

The situation:

A major presentation due at work or travel to attend a grandchild's wedding? What are you going to do?

For conflicts involving big family events: marriages, funerals, reunions, vacations, kid sporting events; the family should win out over work nearly every time!

I think it is important to understand that nearly everyone believes this to be true, so when people use the excuse that work won't allow you to attend--they all know that you don't want to attend and are too disingenuous just to say so! I mean, I have been in the rare situation where I've been called away to support some important operation--but those are generally pretty rare.

People know!

And it is important to have a healthy perspective of work requirements vs personal life situations.

To begin binning the demands on my life--I look at life and priorities as follows:

1, God (personal relationship, not duties associated with religious organizations)
2. Personal Health and Well Being
3. Family - spouse and kids (and grand kids)
4. Work (to include volunteer activities, like churches and fraternal organizations)
5. Extended Family and relatives
6. Friends
7. Home maintenance and repairs
8. Someone I just met
9. A stray animal

So by using the above order, I find I'm getting it right more than not!

So let me give you some examples.

Attending Ethan's Tee-ball games--priority 3
Mowing the lawn - Priority 7
Playing Racquetball - priority 2
Taking a nap - priority 2
Running out in the middle of dinner to view a house for Jeremy - priority 3
Enjoying Happy Hour with Friends on Friday night - priority 2
Helping Jeremy Move (OMG that is gonna be a priority 3, ugh!)
Helping a friend make a trip to the landfill - priority 6

So you kinda get it.

Now--to explain some of the weirdness in the priorities.

Mowing the lawn contributes to the upkeep of the home and is a priority 7 item--but if I don't get it done in a timely manner, it could become a priority 3 issue--where the spouse begins to need it accomplished for her well being.

Although taking a nap contributes to my personal well being, I don't have to take a nap to be happy so I generally do not take naps--but I dream about that afternoon siesta all the time!

So in answer to the question about attending the grandchild's wedding--the wedding wins! Hands down--even if the work conflict is church related and it's the senior pastor of the church. I've seen our pastor leave for these things. And see my blog on delegation to assist in resolving the problems associated with priority conflicts.

Finally, don't let priority 1 and 4 get fuzzy.

Many people do!