Bush throws Pace under the bus - or does he?

so much for trusting your generals...

The Bush administration sidelined Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Friday, announcing plans to replace him as the nation's top military officer rather than reappoint him and risk a Senate confirmation struggle focusing on the Iraq War.

so, what makes them think there isn't going to be a confirmation battle with THIS guy...?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates ... announced he would recommend Adm. Mike Mullen to replace Pace.

Mullen is the chief of naval operations, and Gates praised him for having the "vision strategic insight and integrity to lead America's armed forces."

and so, while the wheels of the bus are still rolling over pace's mangled corpse, we have the obligatory paeans of boiler-plate praise, probably as phony as a three-dollar bill...

"President Bush appreciates Gen. Pace's long and distinguished service to the country and as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe, who was traveling overseas with Bush. "He is an example for all our men and women in uniform and has been an integral part of the president's national security team."

[...]

Gates heaped praise on Pace, a Marine of more than 40 years. "He has served our country with great distinction and deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, trust him completely and value his candor and his willingness to speak his mind," he said.

so, what's the REAL reason for dumping pace...? who knows...? maybe it was pace himself, who got tired of being given white house talking points to mouth, and having to look himself in the mirror each morning... maybe we'll get to meet the REAL pace once he re-enters civilian life...

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