DISQUS

The categorical nature of Korb's title gets things off on the wrong foot. There are times when our generals were right and we can fervently wish civilian leaders had listened to them: General Dwight Eisenhower knew that Japan was almost defeated, and when told in advance of Truman's decision to drop the atom bomb on Hiroshima, disagreed, saying it was unnecessary. Most top WWII military leaders, including William Leahy, agreed with him. It turned out that Truman not only ignored the military but U.S. intelligence as well.

Gen. Shinseki recommended more troops for the ill-considered war in Iraq, while it was Rumsfeld who wanted a lean army.

"Morinao" makes a great point: "political leaders ought to have the brains . . ." and this is where the voting public comes in and the point where we need more of an independent media. As the July 29 Rand Report on "How Terrorist Groups Die" points out, this administration got us off on the wrong path with its "global war on terror" approach. The resulting tragedy and chaos should make us want to learn more and choose our leaders much more carefully.