Secretary of Defense Robert Gates Sets Me Straight
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29 May 2009
Secretary Gates arrived in Singapore after a 35 hour flight from Kansas. The aircraft landed several times along the way due to a technical issue that precluded in-flight refueling. But he got here.
And so tonight, during an off the record conversation (except for this part), Secretary Gates said he read my site this morning where I reported that he had canceled a visit with some troops. He pointed out to me -- very clearly and kindly -- that he doesn't cancel on troops. And to be sure, I saw Secretary Gates spend a lot of time with troops on the last trip; it's clear that he was looking forward to getting out among the troops. Secretary Gates likes to talk with young soldiers -- so if you are a young soldier and have any questions, get them ready. He will stop and answer your questions. Have seen him do it many times on the last trip. (Some of those questions could not possibly have been popular with their commanders.)When Secretary Gates saw me he paused to say hello and chat for a bit, but then later it was not fun for me when I got corrected by Secretary Gates in front of a bunch of high-horsepower people. But I did get reliable word from downrange that some troops thought he had canceled. Secretary Gates wanted the record straight. Nothing is canceled.
I respected him even more for calling me out on that. My information was accurate (soldiers think he canceled), but his information is also accurate. Despite the aircraft problems, he's on the way.
Record corrected. I return to duty.
Michael
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Comments
I was pleased to read this post. No one expects perfection. Unfortunately we have been trained to expect unfiltered hogwash from the media without ever knowing the level of accuracy.
It takes a real man to own up to a mistake. In my opinion, this honest mis-communication has served a greater purpose. By "falling on his sword" and clarifying the information. Michael has solidified my faith in his work.
Godspeed my friend.
Keep up the good work.
Mighty big of you to put it down for the record-- yet, so many of us look for your reports of the truth == you are a credible source. The more you are willing to accept responsibility for your actions, the more credibility you will have. You have worked hard for that and I commend you for your continued efforts.
Thanks for all you do-
Shelle
all the way,
Tony
I think it takes a bit of arrogance to say that he would never cancel on the troops. What if hostilities broke out in the Korean theatre, would he not cancel then? Regardless, you handled it like a gentleman and a scholar -- also, why mess up a good source for future stories? I personally would have used words less restrained.
Keep up the great work, Michael.
Neville
I saw Mr. Gates here last month and he struck me as a Good Guy. I am grateful President Obama kept him on.
ddw
I can only sympathize with Mr. Gates on having to walk a fine line with his new boss. Some of the things I read about what he says make me question his loyalty to the troops. However, I also realize that he needs to fend off the wolves and he knows best how to do that. Overall, I admire his dedication to our country and am also glad that he has stayed on. I have no doubt that he is able to stand up to Our Dear Leader, when needed, and tell the King he has no clothes on.
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