Admiral Fallon For VP?

National Review Online: Military Giant’s Abrupt Resignation Could Be A Calculated Political Move

(National Review Online)  This column was written by Frank J. Gaffney Jr..

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Here’s a radical thought: The abrupt resignation Tuesday of the combatant commander of U.S. Central Command, Admiral William J. “Fox” Fallon, is not the end of a career but a move calculated to catapult the former naval officer into the vice-presidential sweepstakes. After all, a military man who has proven himself utterly unserious about the Iranian threat would be perfect running mate for either Senators Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.

The superficial appeal of such a cynical gambit may prove short-lived, however. The more one knows about Admiral Fallon’s conduct as a senior officer in sensitive positions around the world, the more unappealing his candidacy should be. Would any president want on his (or her) team an individual who had engaged in serial acts of insubordination and sabotage of a previous commander-in-chief? Consider just a few of the more public examples of such behavior:

According to a recent, fatuous profile in Esquire, no sooner had Adm. Fallon assumed his previous post as commander of Pacific Command in 2005, than he began an aggressive campaign to establish closer military-to-military ties with China’s People’s Liberation Army. The history of such efforts was replete with examples of the Chinese using these contacts as opportunities to collect intelligence against our forces, while systematically withholding information about their military’s capabilities, prompting many in the Pentagon and Congress to oppose the resumption of these exchanges.

Fallon’s appeasement of Communist China continued in 2006 when, as the Washington Times’s national-security correspondent, Bill Gertz, reported, he “restricted U.S. intelligence-gathering activities against China, fearing that disclosure of the activities would upset relations with Beijing.” Never mind that the PRC is engaged in even more comprehensive and aggressive espionage against this country than that of the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War.

The admiral’s assignment to Centcom commander came as a shock to those who had observed what some called his “toxic leadership” in the Pacific Command. Having secured this new posting, he inflicted a similar disfunctionality on the headquarters for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He actively worked against the surge in Iraq and, at every turn, sought to impede Gen. David Petreaus’s implementation of a successful counterinsurgency strategy there. He has acknowledged that he did not forcefully deliver a message from Washington aimed at discouraging Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf from imposing martial law on his country.

Fallon also takes pride in having “banished the term ‘long war’ from Centcom’s vocabulary.” The Esquire puff-piece details how:

[Fallon] believes real victory in this struggle will be defined in economic terms first, and so the emphasis on war struck him as ‘too narrow.’ But the term also signaled a long haul that Fallon simply finds unacceptable. He wants troop levels in Iraq down now, and he wants the Afghan National Army running the show throughout most of Afghanistan by the end of the year.

Then, there is the matter of Iran. Fallon was most clearly in breach of the principle of civilian command of the military as he sought to contradict presidential assessments of the threat posed by the mullahocracy there and to promote his own diplomatic initiatives with Tehran. For example, he told Esquire that Iran could eventually participate in a summit of Persian Gulf chiefs of defense, similar to one he convened earlier this year in Tampa. He also asserted that engagement with Iran is crucial to stop the flow of munitions into Iraq, when every indication is that the Iranians perceive such diplomatic openings as signs of American weakness and lack of resolve, to be exploited wherever possible.

Not least, Fallon opined on al-Jazeera last fall that, “This constant drumbeat of conflict . . . is not helpful and not useful. I expect that there will be no war, and that is what we ought to be working for. We ought to try to do our utmost to create different conditions.” Asia Times carried a report last year that he would resign if ordered to go to war - a sentiment he never denied.

The question is: Will rank insubordination on a scale arguably not seen in a military commander since MacArthur faded away nearly six decades ago be rewarded by still higher office? Will Democratic politicians, so anxious to demean George Bush’s presidency and seek partisan advantage by pandering to the American people’s penchant for ignoring, rather than confronting emerging threats, resist the temptation to embrace Fox Fallon? Or will they seek to burnish their own, woefully inadequate national-security credentials by enlisting this arrogant, short-sighted, and insubordinate officer in a new, and probably even more problematic, political career?

[gkc99]

Sounds like the Repug Slime Boat is pulling away from the dock!

[Razzl]

Yes, the end of the cold war was really tough on these tinhorn generals at NRO. A recent study showed the the eras of domestic terrorism in the US since the start of the 20th century were all eras of right-wing terrorism fomented by right-wing politicians and propagandists accusing liberals and Democrats on being "traitors" or "soft on Communism" or whatever militarist vision was current at the time. Warmongering is the bread and butter of the right, and they''ll milk it for all it''s worth. No soldier with any honor would follow Bush directives unquestioningly, given the levels of incompetence and malicious misuse of authority the Bushies bring to government. NRO is like the Spitzer of right-wing propaganda, wagging fingers at everyone for their lack of virtue while cozying with ****** on the side...

[lovenuts]

Radical thought indeed. I find it interesting that this article only mentions the VP idea in the first paragraph then goes on to smear Fallon for the remainder. I think that Admiral Fallon is a great patriot who has served our country well. A good American citizen will do what is right in the face of adversity, not cowering to pressure from an oppressive administration or institution. Fallon would not have achieved the rank of admiral had he refused to follow direct orders. He is well within his rights to have his own opinions as long as he does his job. Fallon is another in a long series of respected, high profile officials who have voiced opposition to this administration''s policies. Remember that these sentiments are also found among many of the rank-and-file in our armed forces as well, who, of course, are the ones that will be putting their lives on the line during any conflicts that we commit to.

[petesis]

Wow. Fearmongering on CBS. Nice. And painting a 40 year Military Veteran as a threat to national security and moms apple pie...Nice.

[imnho]

This man has put forty-one years of good service to our country. He is not a fool. He was trying to put a damper on the tendency of the necons to go to war without thinking of the conquences. Iran will have to be brought in to any talks to get a workable agreement.

A war with Iran seems to be what Bush wants right now. It would make him feel macho, but it is nor in the best interest of the country. The armed forces are already at the breaking point ad the only way we coulf fight Iran is with either a draft or tactical nuclear weapons. Those options would be unwise.

I wouls not be surprized if other people of flag rank quit to avoid being part of the bush debacle

[neoconslayer]

What did Gaffney ever do for America?

[bpai99]

Nice Machiavellian move by Gaffney - bring up an idea that no one takes seriously, point out how absurd it is, and in doing so try to bait the Dems into doing it.

[jimfinster]

If the guy is such an incompetent flake, how did he rise to the top? That is just not the way the military works.

This is a hit piece for sure.

[gkc99]

Amazing how fast communication is these days between the Bushit regime and the suckwad toadies at NRO! Just a couple of days ago, Fallon pointed out that the Chimp has no clothes. Prior to that you never heard a peep about Fallon''s alleged insufficiencies from the NRO Hoes.

But a word of criticism of the Chimp, and the groveling asslickers at NRO are all over the guy.

Coincidence--I think not!

[pareidolia-2009]

Frank J. Gaffney Jr.:

Tell us about your military service to this country.

[energywizzad]

Admiral Fallon can and should answer all of these criticisms point-by-point. I personally know his family and went to school with his sister. He is the product of a very strict and disciplined upbringing and has a moral compass that would be uncommon inside the Beltway. Our Nation would be much better for his Presidency. His perception of economic strategy as a tool of warfare reflects his cogent and scholarly approach to conflict and his understanding of ''Eastern Mentality''. Our leaders have never demonstrated such wisdom. Gen. Vu Ngyn Giap, the Viet Nam-ese Architect of our defeat in Viet Nam and disciple (2500 years removed) of Tsun Tse, author of "The Art of War" would have much in common with Fallon, intellectually. These methods of warfare fly completely over the heads of our leadership. Fallon will usher in an era of more sophisticated understanding of our ''enemies''. If we are fortunate enough to have him as VP (on either side of the aisle) I hope that he will be elected as president soon and serve two terms some day. We will really come to know a moral patriot with no hidden agendas (for once in our lifetime). Please get to know him better and lets all support his nomination.
Thank you,
Phillip L. Morris

[mcvet]

Radical thought indeed. I find it interesting that this article only mentions the VP idea in the first paragraph then goes on to smear Fallon for the remainder. I think that Admiral Fallon is a great patriot who has served our country well. A good American citizen will do what is right in the face of adversity, not cowering to pressure from an oppressive administration or institution. Fallon would not have achieved the rank of admiral had he refused to follow direct orders. He is well within his rights to have his own opinions as long as he does his job. Fallon is another in a long series of respected, high profile officials who have voiced opposition to this administration''''s policies. Remember that these sentiments are also found among many of the rank-and-file in our armed forces as well, who, of course, are the ones that will be putting their lives on the line during any conflicts that we commit to.


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Posted by captkeebz at 04:17 PM : Mar 13, 2008
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As a Combat Veteran I thank you for your opinion. I just wish MORE people cared as much as this man obviously did about Men dying in combat.

[brianbwb-2009]

If Mr. Obama did choose Adm. Fallon as VP, the GOP would be extinct, that would be as close to a 95% landslide as could be possible.

I say he should seriously consider it, float a few balloons out there, and watch the neocon war mongers start crying.

[spetiya]

There are plenty of other ex-generals who could be on the VP list, a new one isn''t needed.

[collinsej]

I am an ex-Army Major who served in Iraq for a year, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. I resigned my commission as an officer from the US Army after I concluded I could not in all conscience continue, on account of my lack of confidence that the commander-in-chief can competently serve the interests of my country.

Admiral Fallon has worked hard to preserve peace and prevent another tragic war. As a physician who saw the effects of war close up, I believe that war is not something to be lightly entered into. Unfortunately this is not true of the swaggering armchair warrior neoconservatives and Israeli fifth-colunists who dominate the President''s administration and the staff at National Review. As a citizen, I do not want to live in some kind of perverted Empire that is engaged in perpetual war for nefarious purposes. I want to live in a Republic where I and my children can be free.

I would be very interested to find out more about why Admiral Fallon resigned, rather than rely on cheap attempts at character assassination.

[collinsej]

I am an ex-Army Major who served in Iraq for a year, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. I resigned my commission as an officer from the US Army after I concluded I could not in all conscience continue, on account of my lack of confidence that the commander-in-chief can competently serve the interests of my country.

Admiral Fallon has worked hard to preserve peace and prevent another tragic war. As a physician who saw the effects of war close up, I believe that war is not something to be lightly entered into. Unfortunately this is not true of the swaggering armchair warrior neoconservatives and Israeli fifth-colunists who dominate the President''s administration and the staff at National Review. As a citizen, I do not want to live in some kind of perverted Empire that is engaged in perpetual war for nefarious purposes. I want to live in a Republic where I and my children can be free.

I would be very interested to find out more about why Admiral Fallon resigned, rather than rely on cheap attempts at character assassination.

[vet_sk]

I agree with the posters disagreeing with the disparagement of Adm Fallon. This man is in the weeds every day, trying to keep the beast that is George Bush in bay from invading another solvereign country like Iran - knowing the damage that has been done to America''s reputation over the world in the last 7 years.

To say that Adm Fallon broke the code of civilian leadership of the military is fully disingenuous. Adm Fallon leads a huge part of the buroucracy that is the military. He must not just follow orders of the the commander in chief but a buroucrat must weight that directive against all other law and treaties of the United States, which according to our Constitution are the Supreme Law of the Land. If a general officer was just suposed to follow orders, then why do they need teams of lawyers (general counsels) to help them make correct legal decisions.

If you want military without buroucracy, you get BlackWater. I serverd in Iraq for a year as well

[vet_sk]

I agree with the posters disagreeing with the disparagement of Adm Fallon. This man is in the weeds every day, trying to keep the beast that is George Bush in bay from invading another solvereign country like Iran - knowing the damage that has been done to America''s reputation over the world in the last 7 years.

To say that Adm Fallon broke the code of civilian leadership of the military is fully disingenuous. Adm Fallon leads a huge part of the buroucracy that is the military. He must not just follow orders of the the commander in chief but a buroucrat must weight that directive against all other law and treaties of the United States, which according to our Constitution are the Supreme Law of the Land. If a general officer was just suposed to follow orders, then why do they need teams of lawyers (general counsels) to help them make correct legal decisions.

If you want military without buroucracy, you get BlackWater. I serverd in Iraq for a year as well

[vet_sk]

I agree with the posters disagreeing with the disparagement of Adm Fallon. This man is in the weeds every day, trying to keep the beast that is George Bush in bay from invading another solvereign country like Iran - knowing the damage that has been done to America''s reputation over the world in the last 7 years.

To say that Adm Fallon broke the code of civilian leadership of the military is fully disingenuous. Adm Fallon leads a huge part of the buroucracy that is the military. He must not just follow orders of the the commander in chief but a buroucrat must weight that directive against all other law and treaties of the United States, which according to our Constitution are the Supreme Law of the Land. If a general officer was just suposed to follow orders, then why do they need teams of lawyers (general counsels) to help them make correct legal decisions.

If you want military without buroucracy, you get BlackWater. I serverd in Iraq for a year as well as a combat soldier and know that while Blackwater servers a purpose (quick highly training and skilled response teams to pull military patrols under fire out of harms way), we certainly do not want them to override the good decisions that a good military buroucracy make.

I would like to see Adm Fallon further vetted by good people. From the first glaces I have seen of this man, it appears that he would fit the foreign policy of Obama, where we should explore diplomatic relations rather then military force.

[joyous88]

well, finaly arrived, the Bush Administrations propaganda piece attacking another, one more in a long line of military victimes of busCo, milutary officer that did not agree with them.

Bush is an incompetant criminal

he needs to be impeached

[joyous88]

right on veteran 71

the fascists party of republiCONs will attack any military man that does not bow down to them

[fettkonserv]

Admiral Fallon certainly has better qualifications than No Major Sea Command Captain (Wackjob) McCain!
NRO should see if they can fit their other foot in that mouth who wrote this article. I would like to hear what Admiral Fallon has to say about this article. Vote Democratic! Vote Often!

The NRO has really stepped in it this time, trying to sow public discontent against a US admiral. Any alleged insurbordination would be investigation through a Naval/Congressional inquiry, not an ideological magazine.

There is a dangerous precedent here of a small but vocal group of extremists that occupy infuential positions and finger-wag at our most vetted and trusted institutional leaders.

[taddles-2009]

"After all, a military man who has proven himself utterly unserious about the Iranian threat would be perfect running mate for either Senators"


Wow, what an unbelievably stupid comment...no wait, it''s in the NRO so I guess it''s believable that you would print something that stupid.

Frank, do the world a favor and put a gun in your mouth.

[rowdytexan2]

OMG! You could have almost pinned this journalistic event on your calendar! And you could''ve predicted it came right off the NRO webisite! Whatta bunch of Neocon creeps! These Nazi''s would propagandize anyone that used their own brain, much less a general in the Idiot Son Commander in Chief''s military! ROFL!

Way to go, Fallon! 90% of the people in the US as well know there are other options in the Middle East crisis rather than beating the tom toms of war! I see a really good place for you in the new democratic government come November! Roh! Roh!

[rowdytexan2]

How come they left out of their propagandized article that Fallon called General Betrayus a **** ant or something! lol

[thisisfunny]

Wow, Frank Gaffney that Frank Gaffney the so called ex-DOD military expert is going to give us his talking point memos about this career naval officer. First of all Frankie boy, the job of a trusted military officer is to give the Commander-in-Chief frank information, in other words be a devil''s advocate. The problem with these so called republican in name only dudes is that they only want the "expert" advise if it jives with their line of thought. As far as I''m concerned that is not "listening to your military advisors". So, Frankie boy get some credibility first and put down your cheerleader pompoms, because you along with, you know all those military veterans like, limbaugh, hannity, o''reilly, dobson, hagee, krauthammer, and many many more cheerleaders, need to get your facts in order before trying to bamboozle some of us. Shame on you Gaffney, but it was a good try especially if you drink lots of kool aid and live in those states where people only listen to fox and the crazy talk radio hosts. In summary Gaffney, what Adm. Fallon did was not insubordination, like I said get your facts in order.

[tibu987]

Admiral Fallon for VP.

NO!

[infe5]

I think Obama has a decent shot at becoming our next pres, and having this guy as a vice pres. probably would look good to voters... Man I wish I could just fastforward 4 1/2 years or so to the end of his first term. What would it be like?

A more taxed, yet more benefitted US public. Calm and stable relations with other nations that improve daily. More common folk makin'' at least nine bucks an hour. Less terrorism ''cause the US will once again be viewed as a swell place by others.

or

An over-taxed public and stressed economy that is on the verge of collapse. Emboldened, rogue states with access to nukes that go unchallenged. Rampant inflation due to a socialized devaluing of the dollar. And major terrorist attacks due to tighter restrictions on intelligence gathering.

[quatrops]

Where was this NRO hit piece on Fallon when Bush appointed him to his recent job?

Fallon is anoither in a long line of Bush military appointees who were eased out or canned for doing their jobs! Give me an explanation for THAT reality, some of you TWITSPEAK Republicannots out there.

I know, you''re going to say Bush''s advisors were mistaken (not Bush, of course - - it''s always other folks giving him bad advice that makes it subsequently appear he is LYING, God forbid). They weren''t NEARLY as mistaken as the people of America were in 2000 and 2004.

Less than a year to go, fellow patriots. Let us pray that The Incompetent One can keep his finger off the trigger for 10 more months.

And forget McCain, PLEASE! It''s no wonder Washington insiders can''t think straight, what with the cacophony of rattling sabers 24/7.

[shlomoamir]

As a Jew who is tired of neo-con Israel-Firsters of the cult of AIPAC (American Public Affairs Committtee), who have caused the deaths of thousands of young Americans not to mention the maiming of tens of thousands more including disproportionate numbers of low income white Americans, Afro-Americans and Hispanics, I think Obama is amazing and full of integrity, intelligence and plans for a better America. Unfortunately, Israel-Firsters in America like Craphummer of the Washington Post, KristalNakht of the Weekly Standard and the other neo-cons belonging to the cult of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) like Goofney above, are trying to portray all the tens of millions, indeed hundreds of millions of people, supporting Barack Obama`s message of change, as belonging to some sort of cult. Now they attack Admiral Fallon for daring to oppose their wonderful desire for another horrible and stupid war for the benefit of their precious parasitic leech, namely,Israel
Fortunately, Americans in general including Afro-Americans and Hispanics are seeing through the rabid dog attacks of these Israel Firsters belonging to the cult of AIPAC for the Jonathon-Pollard-like sell-outs to America that they are.

[shlomoamir]

Why are neo-con Israel-Firsters attacking Barack Obama and now Admiral Fallon?
One simple reason: Barack Obama will refuse to send more young American servicemen and servicewomen to fight and die in the Middle East by launching a needless and murderous war against Iran for Israel-Firsters'' precious Israel and desire to maintain a racist apartheid occupation over the Palestinians.
Barack Obama will stop tens of billions of the tax dollars of hard-working Americans annually going to Israel (which is a well-off first world country and not some third world banana republic), with barely any Congressional oversight (fifty plus years and counting which makes it the biggest welfare bum in American history bar none), while the children of Afro-Americans, Hispanics and other minorities live off of food stamps, and their neighborhoods look like decrepit ghettos (contrast that to the luxury racist apartheid settlements, roads and highways that Israel builds for its settler/squatters in the West Bank using American tax dollars).