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Nothing to it! Just Say the WordBy Rick Horowitz
"There
are some recommending that more U.S. forces go in. I can tell you that
if General Abizaid recommended it, it would happen in a minute. But
he has not recommended it." Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld "...be sure that each of the chiefs gets a copy, OK?" "Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Oh, and General Abizaid is here -- he wondered if he could have a few minutes." "He's right outside? Well, for heaven's sake, don't leave the man waiting! John, you come in here right this second!" "Yes, sir. Sorry to bother you again, but -- " "No bother at all, John. No bother at all! Now sit yourself down and have a cup of coffee. Chris? Some coffee for the general?" "That's very kind of you, sir. And kind of you to see me -- I know how busy you must be." "No busier than you are, General -- I just have a cushier chair to be busy in! So, what can I do for you?" "Well, sir, it's about Iraq." "What a surprise! Here I am, the secretary of defense, being visited by the combatant commander of Central Command -- you know, I would have bet money that it was about Iraq!" "That's a good one, sir." "I do have a certain insouciant wit, don't I?" "Sir?" "Never mind. You wanted to see me about...?" "Iraq." "Of course. We're making great progress in Iraq. Still a long way to go, no question about it, but we're making great progress, don't you agree?" "Yes, sir, but -- " "Excellent! That's just what I've been telling everyone: 'General Abizaid and I agree that we're making great progress.' And when you've got a winning approach, why fool around with it?" "If I may, sir, my concern isn't so much the progress we've already made -- " "Which is considerable." " -- but with the tasks we're facing down the road. Our kids are doing everything we've asked of them, sir, but as they take on more and more responsibilities, I'm worried that they'll -- " "You shouldn't worry, John -- you'll get lines." "With all respect, sir, I'm not sure you're getting my point. My generals and I have some real concerns about our force levels, whether we've got enough -- " "Helmets for everyone? I checked all that just before you got here, John, and we're fine. There won't be a single soldier under your command who isn't properly equipped for duty." "I appreciate that, sir, but -- " "You're not saying they're asking for more than one helmet apiece, are you? That'd be a different matter entirely. I'm not sure we'd -- " "Doggone it, sir! That's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying we need -- " "Hold that thought, will you, John? Chris? A little more coffee for the general?" "I don't want any more coffee! Look, I'd better get back to work -- sorry to waste your time." "Not at all, John -- you stop by anytime. Always nice to see you." "Thank you, sir." "And if you ever need anything, just ask!" Posted 8/26/03. Click
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Rick Horowitz
