Lead story in the Washington Post 10/18: Retired U.S. Generals, Admirals Take Top Jobs With Saudi Crown Prince.
Within hours similar stories appeared in The Daily Beast and FOX News.
The Washington Post opening paragraph: “More than 500 retired U.S. military personnel – including scores of generals and admirals – have taken lucrative jobs since 2015 working for foreign governments, mostly in countries known for human rights abuses and political repression.”
Right off the bat, let my opinion be known. It is wrong. It is detrimental to the good health and well being of the U.S. The nation that made these persons. The nation that placed them in positions to serve other masters and receive exorbitant dollars for their services.
Saudi Arabia the perfect example. The Saudis have turned their backs on the U.S. big time re recent OPEC+ decisions. Major retaliatory pain by the U.S. is called for. How can it be accomplished with some of our former top military leaders sitting in positions of power with the Saudis? I do not see how clear headed decisions can be made in Washington to force a correction of the Opec+ decisions.
Since 2016, 15 former American generals and admirals worked as paid consultants for the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The Ministry is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman, Saudi’s de facto ruler. The man who U.S. intelligence agencies say approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Two major former U.S. military figures include Marine General James L. Jones, a national security adviser to Obama, and Army General Keith Alexander, National Security Adviser under Presidents Obama and Bush 2.
A former 4 star Air Force General and former Commanding General of U.S. troops in Afghanistan also are on the Saudi payroll.
The preceding perfectly legal. Congressionally approved back in the 1970’s. Required for Congressional ok first is approval by the branch of the armed services involved and the State Department. Routinely given.
Certain information has to be provided. For example, name, the government involved and how much paid. Teeth had to be pulled for the Washington Post to obtain the information printed. Several years of FOIA litigation before court approval obtained.
All kinds of “secret” problems involved once the officers begin foreign employment. Many such “retired” officers testify before Congressional Committees, appear on national TV, etc. Rarely is it revealed that they are on the payroll of a foreign government. Congress knows. The U.S. public however till now has not. The American people assumed their loyalty solely to the U.S.
I am a history lover. Majored in history in college. I have mentioned in this blog several times over the years how I enjoy walking old cemeteries. The tombstones a written history of an area. My work took me all over New York and into several states. Trials, etc. kept me in an area for days and weeks. My evenings pleasure walks through local cemeteries.
A cemetery history talk and tour has been scheduled for wednesday November 2 at 10 am at the Library in Key West on Fleming Street. Historian Corey Malcom and Archivist Breana Sowers will speak. The talk followed by a procession to the Key West Cemetery for a tour.
Fantasy Fest begins with Goombay. Goombay is friday, saturday and sunday, beginning this week.
Goombay on Petronia Street in Bahama Village. A Cuban/Latin street feast of sorts. Totally a family event.
Always fun. Walk Petronia. See neighbors and friends. Eat some enchanting foods.
Unfortunately, I will not make it. Even with the cane, I am not capable of walking the crowded several blocks involved. Did enough in past years, however. The happy scene glued in my mind.
Cold during the night. Turned the heat on. Turned it off this morning. House soon cold. Heat back on.
Checked the weather report. Presently 70 degrees. High today 74. Cold for Key West. Heat called for.
Feeling better again. I have a haircut scheduled for noon with Lori. Then lunch somewhere. Might need a sweatshirt.
Enjoy your day!