Why did the Republicans discard the Powell Doctrine

[Toots]

Powell Doctrine calls for using overwhelming force to preserve American lives and a clear defined Exit Strategy. They hammered Clinton about this constantly and Clinton never lost a US Serviceman in any engagements he initiated. Remember Somalia was brought on by Bush 1 and Clinton got us out immediately when it became plain that their purpose was complete. Powell created his Doctrine to save American lives. If Vietnam proved anything it was that to win a war the US has to be willing to use ovewrwhelming force and we did not. In Desert Storm we followed the Powell Doctrine and it was a huge success. Rummy felt he knew more than all the Generals so when they called for 300,000 minimum troops to accomplish the mission Rummy cut that in half. That is not supporting the troops that is undermining them. The generals realize this and have told Murtha and other Congressional Leaders that are ex servicemen. What is their excuse for discarding the Powell Doctrine especially after howling favorably about it for so many years?

[stray cat]

1. They were arrogant and thought the doctrine was outdated

That the military and their leadership meant we could beat anyone with our small so superior force

[Ready4Change]

2. Powell was only a Secretary of State.

As a result, the Powell Doctrine only had "Secretary of State" validity.

Bush, however, is the President. Therefor the Bush Doctrine has "Presidential" validity. It is thus clearly better than any old secretarial doctine.

[slor]

3. Because chickenhawks do not understand war...

They attack the wrong country. They start attacks on the wrong country, with 1/5 (and the most mechanized) of the attack force on ships near the coast of Turkey. They attack the wrong country with fewer troops than an accomplished General calls for, and then fire that General. I believe this condition comes from the fact that these chickenhawks love to speak in the "John Wayne fantasy" with other people's lives. It creates a mental condition called stupidity.