2008 Woodie Awards
Subtract Rumsfeld, subtract arrogance
Jaime Zepeda
Issue date: 11/14/06 Section: Opinion
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Not only because a new majority in the House and Senate resulted from a landmark election, although that was definitely refreshing. Not only because we now have the first ever female Speaker of the House (San Francisco's Nancy Pelosi), although that was definitely due. Not only because Bush is now looking to work with Democrats, although that is definitely a funny thought. I woke up with sunshine in my face when I knew that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was done. No more Rummy, no more wrinkly arrogance at the podium.
Rumsfeld will be missed. His lack of leadership, and horrible leadership when actually present, will not be easily replaced. Failing the troops in Iraq by constructing a flawed strategy that was criticized by the military itself, and by failing to supply them with the bare necessities, will be hard task for the new secretary to replicate. The inhumanity seen in Abu Ghraid was approved by Rumsfeld, the head of civilian military command under the president. His contempt for the American people and press was a continuous show of arrogance and disdain, something difficult to continue. It is very hard to find another person that contains incompetence, hubris, and stubbornness all in such a lovable package.
There are powerful implications in his resignation. First, for Rumsfeld it means that his diplomatic immunity will cease to protect him. And as soon as he exits his office German officials may charge him with war crimes because of Abu Ghraib-so much for a farewell party. For the rest of us, it means new leadership in Iraq and in everything that deals with national defense. The newest name floating around is Robert Gates, former head of the CIA. Gates has been called a "consensus-builder," a man who defies labels and a man of substantial nuance. I suppose Bush chose to choose the least Rumsfeldian of them all with Gates. He is expected to go through the Senate confirmation process without a hitch, placing the war disaster, the tarnished U.S. image around the world, and military restlessness in his hands. So much for a welcome party.
I wish Rumsfeld the best.
As a man who has called Washington home for decades, who has shaken the hands of many world leaders (he still has Saddam Hussein's business card), and one who relishes the limelight, I bid Rummy adieu. He doesn't have to go home, but he should just please leave Washington for good.