Former generals in the news again.

[Little Raven]

This time, they're campaigning.

Two retired Army major generals with experience in Iraq will appear in television commercials critical of President George W. Bush's handling of the war. The ads, to begin airing Wednesday, take aim at key Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Financed by VoteVets.org, the $500,000 (euro368,785) in ads will feature retired Maj. Gens. John Batiste and Paul Eaton, both of whom have criticized civilian leaders of the U.S. Defense Department in the past. Batiste commanded the 1st U.S. Infantry Division in Iraq, and Eaton oversaw training of the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004.

...

The ads represent the first time former military commanders in Iraq have appeared in commercials to criticize the conduct of the war, now in its fifth year.

I'm not aware of any restrictions placed on ex-military with regards to this sort of thing, so I think this is perfectly above-board. I'm also not aware of any similar situation in previous conflicts. Anyone remember this type of thing during Vietnam?

But I admit that the idea of ex-Generals being paid to hawk political positions sets off warning lights in my psyche. I'm not sure how justified those lights are.

 

[JollyRoger]

Bush is hiring the Harlem Globetrotters to make ads in response.

In seriousness though, a current General really cannot speak out publically. If Swift Boat Vets are taken seriously, I don't see why recently retired Generals cannot be.

 

[GeorgeOP]

It is completely legal if they are no longer in the military, as long as they aren't giving away secrets or tactics. On the one hand, it doesn't look good. But if this gets us to actually fight the war correctly, in can be a great help. I just don't think they should be used specifically for or against any one party, but just against the policies of the strategy in the war.

 

[El_Machinae]

I guess it's up to the generals' consciences then.

 

[bhsup]

In seriousness though, a current General really cannot speak out publically. If Swift Boat Vets are taken seriously, I don't see why recently retired Generals cannot be.

Something we can agree with. I was going to bring up the Swift Boat gentlemen if someone else hadn't already. It doesn't have to mean you agree with what they say, but don't necessarily just blow them off as political hacks. Ditto the Generals. I am sure they all are/were sincere in what they voiced.

 

[Mark1031]

Something we can agree with. I was going to bring up the Swift Boat gentlemen if someone else hadn't already. It doesn't have to mean you agree with what they say, but don't necessarily just blow them off as political hacks. Ditto the Generals. I am sure they all are/were sincere in what they voiced.

Well I sure wouldn't give the swift boaters who weren’t even present at the events they were talking about the same credence as the Generals that were commanding in Iraq.