Courage and Leadership
Is it not the case that a leader is responsible for all under his or her command at the time they give the order. In addition to this is it not correct that when they give such orders their immediate subordinates should be allowed the chance to point out any obvious errors or misgivings.
If this is the case is it not a clear case of cowerdice and lack of moral fibre to announce the biggest shake up in the Armed Forces for several years the day before Parliament goes into recess, therefore not allowing questioning and debate by the elected representatives.
This realtime cut in defence spending, despite the recent spin, is symptomatic of the present Government's attitude to the military. We will do what they ask, despite the dubious intel that leads to many deaths and injuries, because that is what we signed up to. However, to then be told that that many must lose their job as well, just so Bliar can win the next election, is not only rubbing salt in the wounds it is a grave dishonour to those who died and where injured in service of their country.
It is not time that we stood up to the political hierarchay and told them that we are no longer prepared to stand for such life and death political gamesmanship. It is also not time that Geff Hoon and the Government was prepared to admit that members of the both very loyal and capable Armed Forces died, were injured and continue to be at peril because of the decisions of individuals who didn't understand the consequences of their cabinet room discussions.