|
Kirk, you seem quite knowledgeable regarding American history, and I read your comments on Civil War strategy with interest. I have often thought that what is needed in our war on terror is a modern-day Sherman. But such a commander would not be allowed to prosecute the war as he saw fit, not just yet anyway. It took almost a year for the reality of the Civil War to sink in on both north and south, and I think in many ways the reality of the war on terror has yet to sink in on America in general. It may well take a nuclear or biological strike in which tens, hundreds of thousands, or more, people die, before a clear majority of Americans will be prepared for the measures necessary. I don't know that we can win the war the way we are going; there is not will to do more than we are doing, and the less we do, the more vulnerable we become.
But I digress. I notice one general you did not mention was McClellan. In my mind, McClellan was largely responsible for the Civil War lasting as long as it did. On several different occasions he could have crushed the Confederate army, but instead made excuses for not doing it. As one of his officers suggested, he seemed to be motivated by either cowardice or treason. That or he was easily fooled by the enemy, but he seems to have been smarter than that. He was a brilliant organizer, and he did much to build the Army of the Potomac into a proper army, but he seemed ill-fit to lead, perhaps because of his rapid promotion and resulting egocentric nature.
Clearly, combat tactics and strategery are in continuous development. Find a way to outdo your opponent or you stand a good chance of defeat. Right now I believe that our military and policing agencies are in the process of revamping itself to better deal with terrorist threats. It is taking time, and perhaps longer than it should, but I believe it is happening. It is now clear that our years of planning for fighting Communist Russia left us unprepared to fight the current terrorist.
__________________
Once and future king:
'64 Ford Fairlane w/approx 238,000 - looks rough, but amazingly reliable if you know how to look after it; I will soon begin work to totally restore and modernize it.
Family vehicles that I lay some claim to:
'78 300D w/approx 350,000 original, '62 Ford F100 4x4, '90 Ford E150 w/171,000 original
|