Reply #10: It's true, Bush does not have the power to dismiss Rumsfeld. [View All]

[cliss]

Only Cheney does. He is the real seat of power. All answer to him.

However, there are 2 extremely important dynamics which are happening at this moment.

Point #1, and most important: This is the Military we're talking about here. This is not the teacher's association. Without the support of the military, there is no war in Iraq or Afghanistan. Cheney loses completely. The generals are very clear about this: it's not just the retired generals, but the entire military which is fed up with Rumsfeld. Something has to happen, and it needs to happen quickly. Think of Captain Bligh (Mutiny on the Bounty). His entire crew has just turned on him.

Point #2: Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld are sinking together. These are old friends who have been together since the 70's. THEY are the ones who hijacked the United States and sent it careening out of control.

Dick Cheney's poll numbers are a disaster. There is no way he can rescue himself at this point. No matter what he does, they hover around 17% approval rating. That's probably why he hides out. This week, Cheney threw the 1st pitch of a baseball game. He was booed relentlessly. The shooting accident didn't help matters.

So in a sense, Mr. Roland is right. It's not about Rumsfailed. It's about Cheney. But he's taking on water -- fast.