Ever since the new asshole wingnut theme music started playing (you know the tune - poor little Stanley McChrystal isn't getting reassurance, praise and input from the Oval Office on a daily basis), I find myself thinking a few thunks.
And now that Satan's Daughter has weighed in on the topic of the conduct of Daddy's stay-behind and how it is OK to criticize the civilian aspects of the command, it now appears to be a good time to talk about it.
Just how much reassurance and handholding does Stanley need? The guy is a senior executive, with pay and Senate confirmation to match, and is presumably competent enough to do his job without continual supervision, input and reassurance. He shouldn't need it, as he has his own chain of command to answer to and rely on, a chain that does have some layers between him and the President. He is presumably competent to execute his mission within its defined parameters, although I would question that, given his current and past results.
I mean, after all, it isn't as if any criticism was brooked by Daddy Cheney, either of himself or his idiot puppet in the last administration, and those uncriticised efforts resulted in several years of FAIL in terms of Stanley's performance. And all those conferences with Bush certainly resulted in a lot of nothing.
As an aside, I suspect that Stanley may have been promoted beyond his abilities, as he seems to be picking up stars incredibly rapidly despite a distinct lack of military success at anything other than collecting promotions. From 1 star in 2001 to 4 in 2009 is a mighty quick rise. As a further aside, I noted from another kossack's comment that there may be some question on his Combat Infantry Badge, and I further note that his Bronze Star doesn't have a V device. I guess it is good to be the son of a general.
Anyhow, with any luck, when Stanley (who can't seem to keep his mouth shut) finally gets stood down, he could lose some of those improvidently granted stars. AfPak could wind up with a theater commander that actually understands his role and is competent enough to do his job without having his hand held.