On His Own Merits

Continuing with his administrative shake-up, President Bush is seeking to replace DCI Porter Goss with Air Force General Michael Hayden. A decision like this, timed as it was, was sure to raise eyebrows even in among a group of politicos as hugely out of touch as the Bush Team sometimes is. After all, Gen. Hayden is the architect of the no-warrant wiretapping protocols that has raised the ire of so many. That’s a legitimate point of contention. But as far as I can see, it’s the only one.

There has been much talk about a military man running a civilian organization. For a junior officer, this might be a concern but for a very senior one who has already run a civilian agency, the charge is ridiculous. The problem with civilian organizations is civilians. Military organizations are inefficient when their members behave like civilians. If the struggle to confirm Gen. Hayden becomes to acerbic or partisan, he will not be able to accomplish anything in his term because of internal sabotage. Civilians, generally trusting in their own judgment instead of those appointed above them, will see no problem with leaking sensitive information, stonewalling decisions. Conveniently forgetting to forward data until it is OBE…

A great many civilians in our Country still have no clue about the military. Very recently, I had dinner with a group of well-educated people who didn’t know that Officers had to have a college education. They didn’t even know the difference between Officers and Enlisted. In many places, being prejudiced against the military seems to be growing in popularity.

Point being that Gen. Hayden should be appointed on his merits and not be held to account for the preconceived notions of the uninformed. The more we struggle with this, the weaker we look to our enemies and we must remember our enemies. Sometimes, I think we get caught up with our motivations. Our self-absorption will be our downfall. Second guessing yourself in a dangerous, fluid environment is the surest way to doom.