Stan Geiger

McChrystal the Pistol

Like a rolling stone, General Stanley McChrystal has been relieved of his command and will, reportedly, retire. If I knew how to do it right, I'd give the general a salute.

There's something funky about this deal. A common term attached to the general is "self-discipline." I saw one report that said he runs seven miles a day and only eats once a day. The man is a soldier. Despite his age, and despite the stars on his collar, he figured he should keep himself in good enough shape to be a soldier.

McChrystal didn't get caught in one of those "gotcha" moments, where an off-the-cuff comment got him into trouble. The Rolling Stone story came from a lengthy interview. The general knew what he was saying; the general knew what he said would likely cost him his command and his career. He said what he felt needed to be said anyway.

There is a word commonly attached to McChrystal's replacement. That word is "ambition."

Obama just fired a soldier and replaced him with a politician.

Happy trails to you, General McChrystal. And happy loss of a reelection campaign to you, Mr. President.

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