Image Credit: DOD.
Embattled Defense Secretary Steps Down
BBSNews 2006-11-08 -- In one sure sign of a shake up in American government, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has tendered his resignation and President Bush has accepted it. In a Defense Department bio from the DOD Website:
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Former United States Secretary of Defense, Doanld H. Rumsfeld.
Image Credit: DOD. |
Donald H. Rumsfeld was sworn in as the 21st Secretary of Defense on January 20, 2001. Before assuming his present post, the former Navy pilot had also served as the 13th Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, U.S. Congressman and chief executive officer of two Fortune 500 companies.Secretary Rumsfeld had directed the actions of the Defense Department in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
And on election day Tuesday, considered a national referendum on the war in Iraq by many Americans, bold changes are on the horizon and the resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld seems to be the first of many course corrections that are likely in America's future.
Secretary Rumsfeld shook Saddam Hussein's hand in 1983 and twenty years later led the US military to depose Hussein and helped install an Islamic theocracy in Iraq. There is no word yet on when Rumsfeld will actually stop being Secretary, President Bush said in an afternoon press conference that the the former head of the CIA from 1991-1993 Robert Michael Gates will be named to the post and he said of Rumsfeld:
"Our military has experienced an enormous amount of change and reform during the last five years while fighting the war on terror, one of the most consequential wars in our nation's history," Bush said. "Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change, yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during this time of war."Don Rumsfeld is a patriot and has served our country with honor and distinction," Bush continued. "He is a trusted advisor and a friend, and I'm deeply grateful for his service to our country."
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