Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates waits with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for President Barack Obama to arrive at the Pentagon for the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute to honor Gates, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
A Voice In The Wilderness -- Walter Pincus, Washington Post
Former defense secretary Robert M. Gates returned to Washington last Tuesday and in his first major speech since leaving government spoke of his deep concern over the “decline of views and values . . . when it comes to how we govern and relate to one another here at home.”
He compared this capital’s “oversized egos and undersized backbones” with the “low-key, self-effacing demeanor . . . steadfast integrity, common decency . . . moral and political courage” of Brent Scowcroft, the 86-year-old former two-time national security adviser and Gates mentor who was being honored at the Atlantic Council dinner. Gates was among the speakers.
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My Comment: When it comes to the former US Secretary of Defense Gates, I will always wonder if he decided to leave when the leaving was good because he did not want to face the enormous challenge of conducting the budget cuts that are occurring now. Then again .... who am I to judge a man who has served with loyalty and professionalism through many decades of service and sacrifice.
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