"Ready For What?" by Wesley Clark

[Tatiana]

By Wesley K. Clark
Friday, September 8, 2000; Page A33
The Washington Post

<snip>

Among leaders in Europe and Africa, where I served, and among ordinary people, too, there is continued respect for American values and influence. For the most part, they seek the same security, opportunities and rights that we enjoy. They would like our friendship and respect. Sometimes, they ask our assistance, especially when their problems affect us too. And occasionally, they seek American leadership. But today they want to know where we stand and where we're headed.

<snip>

We need a bipartisan consensus on America's role and strategy in the world. Then we need to direct that the armed forces be structured, equipped and trained for the missions expected. This means moving farther way from the Cold War force structures. It means lighter weight, more mobile forces and increased investment in high technology. It also means more efficient, streamlined training. And it probably means some additional funding and personnel.

This is, in part, about money. In an economy ripe with budget surplus, let's not impose a false parsimony on those men and women who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for us. We should provide the resources the armed forces need to do their job and provide service members and their families with a standard of living that reflects the wealth of this nation. We can afford it.

It is also about leadership. Don't think America can lead and influence events around the world if it doesn't pull its weight in the difficult work of peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and participation in other international institutions. Leadership is not just about reacting to aggression once it occurs--it's about preventing it where we can, helping others in need and supporting those who share our values. This requires generosity of spirit and a willingness to take risks. I believe America has the character and courage for these requirements of leadership.

General Clark wrote this over three years ago. I wonder why Mediawhore Russert didn't bring this article up. Could it be because General Clark presents well-reasoned, logical, and sensible thoughts? I found a site that showcases articles by and about Wesley Clark. It is a site constructed by someone named Ann Sauronova. She's collected various news items about Clark, and I believe she's a fan of his. Anyone on the fence about Clark or seeking more information about him will find a wealth of information here:

http://wesleyclark.h1.ru/index.shtml

[Tatiana]

1. Also some info about the awards General Clark has received...

General Wesley K. Clark USA (ret.) is the nation's most highly decorated officer since Dwight Eisenhower.

Military decorations:
Defense Distinguished Service Medal (five awards)
Distinguished Service Medal (two awards)
Silver Star, Legion of Merit (four awards)
Bronze Star Medal (two awards)
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal (two awards)
Army Commendation Medal (two awards)
NATO Medal for Service with NATO on Operations in Relation to Kosovo
NATO Medal for Service with NATO on Operations in Relation to the Former Republic of Yugoslavia
Legacy of Leadership and Lady Liberty(TM) Award.

Foreign awards:
Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (United Kingdom)
Commander of the Legion of Honor (France)
Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Orange-Nassau, with Swords (Netherlands)
Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy
Grand Cross of the Medal of Military Merit (Portugal)
The Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of Republic of Poland
Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Grand Medal of Military Merit (White Band) (Spain)
The Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (Belgium)
Cross of Merit of the Minister of Defense First Class (Czech Republic)
Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic
Commander's Cross, The Silver Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia
Madarski Konnik Medal (Bulgaria)
Commemorative Medal of the Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic First Class (Slovakia)
First Class Order of Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas (Lithuania)Order of the Cross of the Eagle (Estonia)
The Skandeberg Medal (Albania)
Order of Merit of Morocco
Order of Merit of Argentina
The Grade of Prince Butmir w/Ribbon and Star (Croatia)
The Military Service Cross of Canada.



The Times writes a unique ceremony took place in the British Defense Ministry on Wednesday when Gen. Clark was presented with the insignia of an honorary knighthood. The newspaper notes the honor was conferred on Gen. Clark by Defense Secretary Hoon, who, acting for Queen Elizabeth in her absence, presented the insignia of the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KCB) to the general. The newspaper observes Gen. Clark is one of only a few foreign military personnel to receive an honorary knighthood. His two predecessors as SACEUR were not knighted it says, adding previous recipients included Gen. Colin Powell and Gen. Schwarzkopf. A related AFP dispatch says Gen. Clark was praised for his direction of peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Kosovo. It notes that since 1990, only seven honorary knighthoods have been awarded to foreign military personnel.

(Think we'll see Dubya knighted anytime soon???)



SHAPE, Belgium - General Wesley K. Clark, US Army, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), made his farewell visit to France on Friday 7 April 2000. The travel was part of his farewell tour to NATO and Partnership for Peace countries as he completes his tenure as Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The visit gave General Clark an opportunity to express his appreciation for France’s key role as part of NATO's efforts, under the command of SACEUR, in promoting peace and stability in Europe. The General met with President Jacques Chirac, Minister of Defense Alain Richard, and the Chief of Defense, General Jean-Pierre Kelche. General Clark commended, in particular, France's assistance toward resolving the crisis in the Balkans and highlighted France’s contributions to the multinational peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

General Clark was awarded 'Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur' by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Alain Richard. It is the first time in almost 25 years that a Supreme Allied Commander Europe was granted this high decoration.

Former Senator Max Cleland also sponsored a bill to award General Wesley Clark the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor:

"When we make the decision to use force, it must be our goal to win and win quickly," Cleland said. "General Clark led over 75,000 troops from 37 countries in military operations against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, putting a stop to Slobodan Milosevic's horrendous human rights abuses and wholesale ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. He always acted with the utmost professionalism, even when working within the confines of war-by-coalition. His performance was a tribute to United States military training, leadership and expertise. He was successful in meeting the difficult challenge given to him, and should be recognized accordingly."

[Spazito]

2. Thanks for this!

I knew he had many medals and honors but had no idea there were this many. I didn't know he had received a medal from Canada at all.

[Tatiana]

5. Kick

For Clark fans...

[bryant69]

3. Clark has a fine needle to thread

And he hasn't shown the political skill to thread it as of yet. He has to get the base behind him, while at the same time maintaining those qualities that will make him such a good candidate for the main election. I like Clark, and part of me hopes he wins the nomination. He's the candidate that can make the case that Democrats can handle foreign policy. But he has to show some more political skills than he's shown.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Tatiana]

4. True.

But one can argue that Clark is now coming into his own and showed tremendous political skills and savvy during his appearance on Meet the Press with Tim Russert.