Comments on: The American General Broulard http://dangerousintersection.org/2006/05/06/the-american-general-broulard-2/ Human Animals at the Crossroads of Culture, Science, Religion and Media Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:09:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Rich http://dangerousintersection.org/2006/05/06/the-american-general-broulard-2/#comment-12981 Rich Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:19:37 +0000 http://dangerousintersection.org/?p=151#comment-12981 The closest thing we had to a real life Colonel Dax was Colonel David Hackworth, who died two years ago of cancer that was probably caused by his exposure to agent blue (similar to agent orange) during the Vietnam War. Hackworth was a highlydecorated combat Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, and rose to the rank of Colonel from the enlisted ranks. This dynamic leader, who was genuinely concerned for the men in his command was being groomed for bigger and better things (Advancement to General Officer rank) when he stated on network television that we could not win in Vietnam. Hackworth avoided being court martialed by the brass and was able to retire from the army. After living in Australia for a number of years, where he prospered in business and spoke out against nuclear weapons Colonel Hackworth returned to the states and became a reporter and maintained a website dedicated to American Soldiers. Even after he ended his career in the Army, Hackworth spent years standing up for the everyday soldier and almost always found fault with Generals who cared more about their careers than their troops. Hackworth referred to these generals as "perfumed princes". General Mireau in Paths of Glory was definitely a perfumed prince, as was his superior General Brouland. The closest thing we had to a real life Colonel Dax was Colonel David Hackworth, who died two years ago of cancer that was probably caused by his exposure to agent blue (similar to agent orange) during the Vietnam War. Hackworth was a highlydecorated combat Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, and rose to the rank of Colonel from the enlisted ranks. This dynamic leader, who was genuinely concerned for the men in his command was being groomed for bigger and better things (Advancement to General Officer rank) when he stated on network television that we could not win in Vietnam. Hackworth avoided being court martialed by the brass and was able to retire from the army. After living in Australia for a number of years, where he prospered in business and spoke out against nuclear weapons Colonel Hackworth returned to the states and became a reporter and maintained a website dedicated to American Soldiers. Even after he ended his career in the Army, Hackworth spent years standing up for the everyday soldier and almost always found fault with Generals who cared more about their careers than their troops. Hackworth referred to these generals as “perfumed princes”. General Mireau in Paths of Glory was definitely a perfumed prince, as was his superior General Brouland.

]]> By: Sujay http://dangerousintersection.org/2006/05/06/the-american-general-broulard-2/#comment-582 Sujay Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:19:24 +0000 http://dangerousintersection.org/?p=151#comment-582 Great Post Sarah! I'll check out the movie soon. BTW, the best war movie I've seen so far, is one made by the same director, called "Dr. Strangelove". The perspicacity of Kubrick revealed in that cutting satire is startling. Call me a person lacking a sense of humour (in which case, you're right), but "Dr. Strangelove" is the only comedy which I've REALLY liked (though there are a few other great comedies I've loved too, like "Almost Famous"). If I were to come out with my own "essential viewing" list, "Dr. Strangelove" would definitely be on it, and who knows? After watching 'Paths of Glory', it might be too! Great Post Sarah! I’ll check out the movie soon. BTW, the best war movie I’ve seen so far, is one made by the same director, called “Dr. Strangelove”. The perspicacity of Kubrick revealed in that cutting satire is startling. Call me a person lacking a sense of humour (in which case, you’re right), but “Dr. Strangelove” is the only comedy which I’ve REALLY liked (though there are a few other great comedies I’ve loved too, like “Almost Famous”). If I were to come out with my own “essential viewing” list, “Dr. Strangelove” would definitely be on it, and who knows? After watching ‘Paths of Glory’, it might be too!

]]> By: Erich Vieth http://dangerousintersection.org/2006/05/06/the-american-general-broulard-2/#comment-102 Erich Vieth Sun, 07 May 2006 17:26:44 +0000 http://dangerousintersection.org/?p=151#comment-102 Only retired Generals seem to be the only knowledgable people comfortable with and capable of expressing effective dissent. Genuine criticism, then, might be YEARS too late. The future well-being of our country thus depends upon knowledgable people retiring soon enough that their disclosures are still relevant. This is not a formula that inspires confidence. Effective leaders invite dissent in their presence. They crave it because it makes them better leaders. They thank those who speak up. If only it had been that way in the White House since 2002. Only retired Generals seem to be the only knowledgable people comfortable with and capable of expressing effective dissent.

Genuine criticism, then, might be YEARS too late. The future well-being of our country thus depends upon knowledgable people retiring soon enough that their disclosures are still relevant. This is not a formula that inspires confidence. Effective leaders invite dissent in their presence. They crave it because it makes them better leaders. They thank those who speak up.

If only it had been that way in the White House since 2002.

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