Today, Gen. George Casey, U.S. commander in Baghdad, is in hot water with proponents of a "surge" because he believes what he told The New York Times: "The longer we in the U.S. forces continue to bear the main burden of Iraq's security, it lengthens the time that the government of Iraq has to take the hard decisions about reconciliation and dealing with the militias. And the other thing is that they can continue to blame us for all of Iraq's problems, which are at base their problems."

I can see where giving the President advice that contradicts what he wants to do, advice which accurately reflects the situation in Iraq, would be considered failed leadership. After all, President Bush cannot fail, will not fail, has never failed. Failure is not an option for a Republican Commander-in-Chief. Therefore, someone else must accept the blame.

Someone in the military, preferably. Civilian politicians, as we well know can only be blamed if the wear the Democratic label, and unfortunately, none of them has made any of the decisions regarding Iraq since their first one in granting Bush the authority to liberate the Iraqi people from the evildoer, Saddam Osama bin Hussein and his terrorist minions. Sadly, too many Republican politicians joined them in that action, to make them a valid sacrifice. Even the people of our Great Nation recognized this fact, last November, when they voted Democrats into complete control of Congress for the first time in many a moon.

The troops cannot be blamed of course, they can only be supported, primarily with magnetic yellow beribboned bumper stickers (or, if you prefer, in the optional tri-colored striped arrangement of Red, White & Blue). So that leaves it to the Generals, and since General Casey is being forced out stepping down from his proconsular authority in Iraq, he makes the perfect victim.

Good luck and Godspeed, General Casey. A grateful nation thanks you for your service sacrifice.