A key warrior in the War on Terror has resigned. Navy Admiral William J Fox has tendered his resignation as the Commander of CentCom, or the U.S. Central Command. He has supported the Administration wholeheartedly, but in recent months he has aired misgivings about the direction of fighting. It was the contention of Admiral Fox that we were headed for a war in Iran, and he spoke out against such a war on several occasions. People that take notice of such things in the government did so, and it turned into an embarrassing situation for everyone involved.
The question is: At what point does a person, even a person who is in leadership such as Admiral Fox, when do they forfeit the right to take political stances?
On one hand, I totally agree that people in leadership, Commanders of men, and those that lead our fighting forces have to stand solidly with our civilian leadership, and with the President. Signs of discord and strife only detract from the mission, and don’t do anyone any good. But the more I think about it the more I wonder. I mean, think about it. Admiral Fox never was against our being in the theater, or our fighting enemies against terror. His career was long, and stellar, and his actions have always been done honorably, as a leader he was a fine career officer. But he was concerned about the War on Terror expanding into Iran, and our having to put “Boots on the ground” in a ground attack or fight in Iran.
I think we all are concerned with this thought, I don’t know anyone that knows about the middle east who supports our War on Terror that is thrilled with the idea of the war expanding. But I think that somehow, somewhere there should be a venue for people of sound mind to speak up, and voice concerns.
I think that as the leader of CentCom, U.S. Central Command that Navy Admiral Fox should stand with the Administration, I agree and support that idea. But he is in a position of Authority, and on scene… who better to have concerns about expanding the War than a trained, seasoned professional on scene in the area? I think it is a gravely serious issue when people that are doing their duty, who we rely on for intelligence, decisions and leadership, when these people have to resign rather than speak up when they feel strongly about an issue.
It’s a sticky wicket that is for darn certain. Secretary of Defense Gates asked for and received Admiral Fox’s resignation. I guess I am sorry to see an officer and patriot of his caliber have to resign, and wish there was some way that such a trained observer and patriot could speak his mind without damaging Administration standing or becoming a distraction
