by Nancy Lynam

Created on: June 28, 2010   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

While I think General McChrystal's comments should have been held within himself, this is America. We should not be penalized for our freedom of speech just because it offends someone. His military expertise should have outweighed any offenses. A reprimand without being replaced or succumbing to the pressure of resignation would have been adequate. The fact that he is a General speaks volumes of his military experience of which President Obama has none.

I have to wonder about General McChrystal’s personal politics possibly being in conflict with the current administration's. Yes, he is in a position where such refrain should occur, but I believe his comments are the frustrations of many Americans. Did we learn nothing from the Viet Nam war? Just because the president is our "commander and chief" doesn't make him as knowledgeable and experienced regarding the military as someone such as Gen. McChyrstal.

I heard one news commentator state that because of a plane delay, the General and the Rolling Stone interviewer spent more time together than expected. Drinks were had and that obviously loosened his lips. I am thinking that the interviewer took advantage of the situation and ended up with a quote he otherwise wouldn't not have gotten. (I don't have much respect for the interviewer "if" that was the case because his motivation would have been nothing more than to print an article for the sake of the almighty dollar. The interviewer had to know the General's comments weren't going to be well received by the White House).

If loose lips sink ships, much of what President Obama spouts should be censored from the news. The news also reported that those kind of comments are often made in the field due to frustration. It is pathetic that President Obama couldn't understand the frustration of someone who is often at the front line...unlike himself.

Gen. McChrystal has made a career of being a member of our military. Climbing the ladder to General takes years of knowledge, dedication and service. I, for one, would love to see an honest interview with him as to why he feels as he does. While some think that he disrespected President Obama, I have to wonder how many think we, as a nation were disrespected by the president when he said we are an "arrogant nation", and that we are "NOT a Christian nation".

I always believe that there are two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle lies the truth. It appears that while we are having to listen to President Obama’s perspectives, he doesn’t want the nation hearing anything to the contrary. Just my opinion.

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