Is Clark just part of the MIC? [View All]

[BootinUp]

I promised to write a post about this because it is a concern for many at DU. Clark served in the military his whole career and is a Ret. General. I can understand why many here would not feel comfortable with him as President. I do not expect to change minds with this post, but I invite you to learn a little more about the General.

Have you ever heard or seen Clark talk about Kosovo? There were two interviews, 60 Minutes II and one at USATODAY. The USA TODAY one is no longer available free. but here is the 60 Minutes II:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/19/60II/main584446.shtml

In these interviews journalists he shows pictures of the ethnic cleansing, and talks about them. Women and babies that were senselessly killed, he has tears in his eyes. He says that he had to fight the Pentagon and Sec. of Def. Cohen over how to stop the atrocities. He says that Bill Clinton once inspired him by saying "If you can do good, you should." To top it off Clark lost his job after a successful campaign in Kosovo, it is reported that this was because of conflicts with the Pentagon and Cohen.

(I don't know what you think, but Clark does not strike me as someone that normally wears his heart on his sleeve. He does not seem comfortable expressing emotions in public to me.)

In other interviews Clark has talked about why he went to West Point. He wanted to serve his country and make a difference. At West Point he and his classmates were inspired by Pres Kennedy. At this time America was united in the Cold War. It was a different situation entirely from today.

What will he do? Clark wants to restore some serious thinking and planning to our foreign policy. He has enlisted the help of the best minds to accomplish this. You can read his speech given at the New American Strategies for Security and Peace Conference here:

http://www.clark04.com/speeches/008/

You can learn more about the conference here. There were excellent speeches and panel discussions:

http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?cid={E9245FE4-9A2B-43C7-A521-5D6FF2E06E03}&bin_id={F2813D5B-78F0-4CF4-A3C2-2D92234DC579}

Lastly, Clark has stated that the defense department budget is on the table for possible cutting in order to restore fiscal responsibility. Is this what a candidate says in order to pander to the MIC?

Feel free to ask me questions if you wish.

Cheers