Rumsfeld’s revenge.
A story in tomorrow’s Washington Post reports that early in 2004, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld became angry that the Pentagon was losing control over reconstruction efforts in Iraq. In return, he refused to provide military security for diplomats, forcing the State Department to rush to Blackwater:
The next year, as the United States prepared to return sovereignty to the Iraqis and the State Department began planning an embassy in Baghdad, Rumsfeld lost a bid to retain control over the full U.S. effort, including billions of dollars in reconstruction funds. A new executive order, signed in January 2004, gave State authority over all but military operations. Rumsfeld’s revenge, at least in the view of many State officials, was to withdraw all but minimal assistance for diplomatic security.
“It was the view of Donald Rumsfeld and [then-Deputy Defense Secretary] Paul Wolfowitz that this wasn’t their problem,” said a former senior State Department official. Meetings to negotiate an official memorandum of understanding between State and Defense during the spring of 2004 broke up in shouting matches over issues such as their respective levels of patriotism and whether the military would provide mortuary services for slain diplomats. […]
State chose the most expedient solution: Take over the Pentagon’s personal security contract with Blackwater and extend it for a year.
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Their Petulance and pride trumped patriotism.
October 20th, 2007 at 11:51 pmThe little boys never grew up — arrested development — they are still playing with their G.I. Joes except this time the soldiers are real.
AHhh, and so we get to see the internal HATE of America. The internal self conflict. This is EXACTLY the hate that is inside George Bush. He hates his father and mother, but yet knows one is supposed to love their father and mother. Ohhh the conflict between Condi and Rummie has just layer upon layer of Freudian constructs.
It is going to only get worse, before it gets better.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:09 amThese childish monsters are sociopathic mass murderers, throwing tantrums and threatening people with their lives, all in the name of their bruised, shriveled egos.
Welcome to Jerry Springer’s Defense Department. Just add Giuliani in drag, bush’ll bring the nazis…
October 21st, 2007 at 12:16 amThey’re all children. Every last one of ‘em.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:25 amAmerica is being run into the ground by a pack of bitter old retreaded Nixon flunkies who glommed onto a wet-brained legacy as a figurehead to manipulate and who would put a goofy, Alfred E. Neumanesque smile on while they shove their fascistic agenda down the worlds throat.
Thanks asswipes…thanks alot.
-GSD
October 21st, 2007 at 12:33 amApparently, these hoes were so busy trying to get bigger piece of the pie and have invested their resources(individual) in doing so. Each one of these Neo-jackasses involved were fighting among themselves. This actually jeopardized the stability of Iraq and any success that might have been possible in the beginning of this war totally avoiding this quagmire. A friggin’ RAT RACE.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:33 amAnd yet the Dems refuse to do anything about it. These NeoCons are obviously insane, but the Dems are enabling them. The Dem’s refuse to stand up for the Constitution. The NeoCons are simply crazy, the Dems are spineless, and knowingly refuse to stand up for the people.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:37 amJunior high school students are more mature than dumbsfeld and his vengeful cohorts. Charges of treason would not be inappropriate.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:50 amTypical behavior by Rumsfeld. “If you’re going to cut me out of my chance at the money trough and power, then you die.”
Where’s the shock and outrage from the right on this one? Oh, that’s right. They’ll be pissed that we, the people, have gotten another look behind the curtain of The Great Oz.
How unpatriotic of the Washington Post. Don’t they want us to win? [/snark]
October 21st, 2007 at 1:11 amWouldn’t the DoD have been providing security for the State Dept because the Congress said they should? I was under the impression that the Congress determines what the military is and is not allowed to do. If so, then under whose authority did Rumsfeld decide to not follow the laws prescribed by Congress?
October 21st, 2007 at 1:48 amI’d be amazed and disgusted by the mortal damage caused by this gamesmanship - Plame, Blackwater, you name it - but it’s almost impossible to be amazed and disgusted any further. Atrocity Fatigue, I’ve got it bad. And will any indictments and/or impeachments come out of this? Of course not.
October 21st, 2007 at 2:40 am> under whose authority did Rumsfeld decide to not follow the laws prescribed by Congress? –Wayne A. Schneider
This administration (dictatorship) does not see itself as bound by mere laws. Whatever the Prez and his minions do is automatically legal. AG-designate Mukasey has said as much, and the Dems will confirm him anyway. I suspect that Dem ‘leaders’ have been unresistant to the whims of Dubya’s Gang because they fear being Wellstoned. Such assassinations will of course be ‘legal’ as authorized by the Prez.
October 21st, 2007 at 2:52 amThese aren’t diplomats, they are all war-mongers; to Hell with their security.
∞
October 21st, 2007 at 2:58 amIsn’t Erik Prince lying when he says that Blackwater thugs pay state and federal taxes? I have read before that contractors in Iraq are not subject to U.S. taxes.
October 21st, 2007 at 3:41 amThe Bush administration has taken the word “incompetence” to a whole new depth.
This is how they chose to undertake -and plan to win- the single most important mission they imposed on themselves: With internal bickering and petty jealousies.
It’s no wonder everything they touch turns to rubbish.
October 21st, 2007 at 4:33 amMaybe that’s why the trolls are so rabid in their support for Pres Bush: Given the overall lack of qualifications in the people serving in this administration, I wouldn’t be surprised if these trolls think they too, one day, can grow up to be like uncle Rumsfeld, or uncle Cheney.
After so many months of reading their tripe here on ThinkProgress, I’d say these trolls are way on their way of being about as unable, unethical, and morally bankrupt as anyone in this White House. Perfect material for a future Republican presidential candidate. Or secretary of state, at the very least.
October 21st, 2007 at 4:34 amHeckuva job, Rummy!!
October 21st, 2007 at 4:39 amOK I’ll be the one…
Speaking for myself and maybe others,
October 21st, 2007 at 6:36 ambrevity is appreciated. The enthusiasm is great, but if I wanted to read a book.. No offense, just a suggestion/plea!
By the way, whatever happened to all these neocon war-mongers? The only one left in the White House is Cheney and his sphere of influence seems to be getting smaller. With all of rats jumping ship, how much damage can one man (and a small army of Regent grads) do?
October 21st, 2007 at 7:38 amWhy are we still there in Iraq, if:
Saddam and his government are no longer there
October 21st, 2007 at 7:42 amNo WMDS were found
Claims made that Al-Qaeda is cippled ! (although by best estimate,they represent no more than 5% of totaL fighters in IRAQ)
No gains to consumers in oil prices made from this war…Barrel reached over $90.00 .
It was around $20.00-$22.00 when the war began.
There is nobody we are talking to end this war in Iraq from the Iraqi’s insurgents’ side.
The Iraqi government is so weak that they cannot afford to see us leave When the end of the tunnel can be seen…?!!
Cheney, Rumsfeld, and the neocons are doing all this for oil and power? It appears to be working so well all the “loyal” neocon supporters have slithered away into dark shadows hiding away from the glare of truth. Cheney should have known better that when he put Rumsfeld “in charge” of anything that failure was an inevitability (just ask Gerald Ford’s legacy). Or maybe that was the “plan” all along . . .
October 21st, 2007 at 7:54 amThanks plunger.
My blog’s where I do my ‘extended’ commenting. That way I can link to it when necessary.
Have a good one.
October 21st, 2007 at 8:07 amRummy’s stature isn’t the only thing about him that’s small.
October 21st, 2007 at 8:43 amThanks, Plunger! You’ve given us much to think about on this Sunday morning and it is ALL so very much appreciated. Do you still have your blogspot? As always, you are the most informative blogger on TP and provide links to each premise which is duly noted and appreciated. And, as always, you provide a nugget of insight which many of us may miss along the way…..one more “dot” to connect in the pursuit of the entire snapshot of ‘Truth’.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:18 amTRDaggett: Just checked your blog and it looks like the work of a true patriot. I’m off for the day but will read your posts soon. It’s all about getting to the truth of how this administration was enabled to become an “Imperial Presidency”, what they knew and when and how their diabolical plan was hatched and expedited. The Truth is emerging, now fast and furious, in it’s rush to justice. And, as evidenced by some of the aspects which you and Plunger have identified, this is just the beginning of an avalanche of information, facts, and truth which will boggle the mind and sour the stomachs of all americans when it becomes mainstream. Keep up the great, patriot work!
October 21st, 2007 at 9:24 amOur REAL soldiers should be escorting diplomats.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:25 amThe blood of innocent Iraqis is on the hands of diplomats who use Blackwater. To a man.
P.S. And, it goes without saying: The Truth will set you free! Regardless of how unsavory, necrotic, and distasteful the Truth actually is, it is the ONLY thing which will liberate us as americans.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:26 amIt was very wise of George Washington to limit himself to two terms. America should never again elect any family dynasty. It always comes with nepotism, incompetence and corruption.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:54 am“Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks
You that never done nothin’
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it’s your little toy….
…..
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could”
Bob Dylan
October 21st, 2007 at 10:55 amComment by TCDon — October 21, 2007 @ 10:02 am
You cannot comment on the actual article and subject of the thread, but you can post a “Clinton too” post.
figures……
Typical limitation to troll intellegence.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:56 amThey’re all children. Every last one of ‘em.
Comment by ralph the wonder llama — October 21, 2007 @ 12:25 am
Ralph, you almost had it right. They’re “evil children.” Every last one of ‘em.
October 21st, 2007 at 10:56 amGenerals gathered in their masses,
just like witches at black masses.
Evil minds that plot destruction,
sorcerers of death’s construction.
In the fields the bodies burning,
as the war machine keeps turning.
Death and hatred to mankind,
poisoning their brainwashed minds.
Oh lord, yeah!
Politicians hide themselves away.
They only started the war.
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor, yeah.
Time will tell on their power minds,
making war just for fun.
Treating people just like pawns in chess,
wait till their judgement day comes, yeah.
Now in darkness world stops turning,
October 21st, 2007 at 10:58 amashes where the bodies burning.
No more War Pigs have the power,
Hand of God has struck the hour.
Day of judgement, God is calling,
on their knees the war pigs crawling.
Begging mercies for their sins,
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings.
Oh lord, yeah!
–Black Sabbath, War Pigs
Rep. Diane Watson has stated ON TAPE, on Oct. 14th 2007, Pelosi’s real reasons for not pressing forward on impeachment! She says they (the other democrats in the House) have the evidence to support impeachment and the desire to do so, but that their “leader†has a different plan!
“Now, our leader has looked at this issue, and her strategy is, our speaker, is be sure we take the White House and that we win 60 (more) seatsâ€
At best this is the politicizing of the impeachment proceedings and at worst it is her own desire to remain Speaker of the House! As our soldiers place their very lives on the line in an illegal war, and as this administration beats the drums for another war with Syria or Iran, Pelosi is content to let it all happen, so they can regain control of the House in 2008 and she can retain the Speakership!
Watch for yourself and please get the video out to as many people as possible. Pelosi must be removed!
watch it HERE!
http://willyloman.wordpress.com/ 2007/ 10/ 21/ watson-lays-out-pelosis-reason-to-suppress-impeachment/
October 21st, 2007 at 11:01 amPelosi must be removed!
Comment by willyloman — October 21, 2007 @ 11:01 am
Ya think?
I agree totally, the Dems need to oust Pelosi and vote for someone that puts Country and Contitution before Party, to the Speaker Seat.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:06 amSame sh!t the Republicans are guilty of and why this country is in the Sh!tter now.
Plunger & willyloman, Thank you both for your post’s this gloomy Sunday morning…..While my brain is exploding with all the info and link’s I will take an asprin and read on…..The best discription of my feeling’s to your post’s are to say a huge WOW! and again thank you….Blessings…P.S. good to see someone else is getting “it” about Palosi.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:13 amRumsfeld’s Revenge. It sounds like a case of fascist diarrhea.
-GSD
October 21st, 2007 at 11:42 amDo you apply this to the Clintons as well?
Comment by TCDon — October 21, 2007 @ 10:02 am
Abso-friggin’-lutely. Would YOU apply such a sentiment to the Bushes? Or would you vote for Jeb Bush if he were the primary-winning candidate in 2008? I myself want no political dynasties (That goes for the families such as Bush, Clinton, or the Kennedy family, among others).
I also want a limited number of terms for Congress Critters. None of this lifelong D.C. politician crap. You want to stay a politician, go back to your home state and rejoin your state political scene. Career politicians on the Hill are far too susceptible to bribery, blackmail, and so on.
I wouldn’t mind seeing an expanded Supreme Court if they insist on lifetime appointments, else give them a term measured in years, not a lifetime.
I REALLY want journalists to be required to rotate in and out of our nation’s capitol. The longer they stay, the longer they become corrupted by becoming too friendly, too socially involved with people whom their job requires they be CONFRONTATIONAL with. If you are invited to parties and social events by politicians, slowly but surely, you become vested in maintaining those connections. They become more important than investigative journalism, because these journalists somehow think that this connection gives them an inside source of information, when in reality simply taking the word of a politician in such a manner is in fact a source of DISINFORMATION. I want investigative, hard-hitting, QUESTIONING journalists. Not the crap we deal with today on the Hill.
Finally, I want all the money coming from lobbies to be outlawed. A lobby should be required by law to use political capital for influence, measured strictly in the numbers of voters they represent. Economic capital is not, not, not a legitimate voice. It certainly destroy representative taxation, if our representatives collect tax money from We the People to enact legislation that comes from, and benefits primarily the interests of the elite, who can afford to pay (alot) more to garner such influence. It is the purest definition of corruption, allowing money to change hands in such a manner.
Clinton is my last choice among the current crop of Democratic contenders (Kucinich is the first, Edwards is second, Obama is third in my book). But if it comes down to a choice between Hillary and one of the leading Republicans, especially someone like Guiliani, the nod still must go to Hillary, unfortunately.
October 21st, 2007 at 11:44 amwell, this is a bit of a surprise… i had thought, all this time, that rummy was behind the privatization of this war… including the security of diplomats…
and in a way he was, i suppose…
but, this still leaves a very unattractive picture of these people
October 21st, 2007 at 11:59 amwho have been playaing with lives… too, too many lives…
a game…
.
I hate these idiots.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:13 pmMaybe that’s why the trolls are so rabid in their support for Pres Bush: Given the overall lack of qualifications in the people serving in this administration, I wouldn’t be surprised if these trolls think they too, one day, can grow up to be like uncle Rumsfeld, or uncle Cheney.
After so many months of reading their tripe here on ThinkProgress, I’d say these trolls are way on their way of being about as unable, unethical, and morally bankrupt as anyone in this White House. Perfect material for a future Republican presidential candidate. Or secretary of state, at the very least.
Comment by Gregor Samsa
Just remember, the more idiots cling to a sinking ship, the faster it goes down.
October 21st, 2007 at 2:16 pmWhat sickens me most is that the Democrats have forgotten one of the more biting of Ben Franklin’s sayings - “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
October 21st, 2007 at 4:23 pmPelosi MUST be replaced in order for the Constitution of this country to prevail. She’s clearly putting partisan politics (gaining the white house in 08) over maintaining the constitution and rule of law in this country.
If she can’t see the forest for the trees then the Dems need someone less myopic.
After all, this country and it’s constitution could be totally destroyed by the time the 08 elections roll around so there will be nothing left to “take in 08″. In order to save face internationally, this country needs to put up or shut up. If it’s a democracy, then there should be no argument regarding impeachment.
First things first, Pelosi.
October 21st, 2007 at 4:45 pmClearly the Dems are very narrow in their mindset if they cannot see that most of their investigations and woes could be corrected via impeachment - making GWB even more of a lameduck so the whistleblowers will feel free to provide the testimony.
How can they be so stupid?
October 21st, 2007 at 4:46 pmRumsfeld is a PHUCKING war criminal!!!! ‘Nough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 21st, 2007 at 5:32 pmSO IS CHENEY!!!!
October 21st, 2007 at 5:33 pmAND GW BOTCH!!!!
October 21st, 2007 at 5:34 pmThis sounds like the loose cannon Armitage; the same Armitage that first leaked Valerie Wilson’s name to Bob Novak. By this time Powell was just going through the motions until early 2005 retirement. Still, though, it reflects on the ineffectiveness of Colin Powell as Secretary of State.
October 21st, 2007 at 5:51 pmI wonder if whatever new company takes over for Blackwater isn’t going to be given the same rules of engagement. It comes down to leadership, and if the company tolerates ‘cowboys’ I don’t see much changing.
As with the regular military there are a range of personality types in the private security companies, and although most are ‘type-A’s that doesn’t mean they’re ‘bad apples’, it’s all in what’s tolerated, how they’re vetted, and how they’re managed/led.
I get the impression that Blackwater was given a long leash for reasons unknown to me, but the result is increased lack of trust in ALL American forces, increased tensions, a certain amount of resentment by our own military troops, and generally making a bad situation worse. It has also enabled any ‘bad apples’ to flourish, and instead of weeding them out they’re protected.
But I’m sure Rummy would have a funny quip to explain the whole thing and try to make the questioner feel bad about bringing it up, as usual. Remember, like Bush and Cheney he’s never wrong.
Why does almost everything our “leaders” have done over the past seven years seem to fly in the face of logic and decency?
October 22nd, 2007 at 9:07 am