Name:   Talullahhound - Subject:   He should have stood his ground Date:   10/19/2021 5:18:53 PM

And if he had fallen on his sword and they did it anyway, what would he have gained? It wasn't just Rumsfeldt - it was Cheney, and Tenet, and USDP(P)' Doug Feith and a host of influential others -neocons- outside of government, but still with a lot of influence.  He didn't know at the time they would end up shutting him out and rendering him ineffective.  He took one for the team, and that was what you were expected to do.

I know it is hard for you to imagine, having never been in government and back at that time, people were less likely to speak out.  You are on the team, you make you case and argue your points, but at the end of the day, the President is the "decider" and you are expected to execute his decision.  The people around at that time hand been in and out of government for most of their adult lives and they wielded just as much power and influence as Powell.  And Powell's personality wasn't one to tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine.  

He did a lot for the State Department - got their computers updated, encouraged and inspired the work force.  They loved him and he listened to them.  Most appointees only listen to their own people that they bring with them, and shut the career people out.  Powell gave them a voice.  

In the years since I have been retired, I have sensed a change, where people are more willing to speak out.  But it wasn't that way when I worked there and I doubt defense has changed that much.