Rumsfeld Resigns - Godspeed Mr. Secretary

Rummy is out. Having served as Secretray of Defense for six years, Donald Rumsfeld is stepping down from the position.  President Bush referred to Secretary Rumsfeld as a trusted friend and patriot who had served his country well.  Secretary 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 was responsible for directing the actions of the Defense Department in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He is credited with developing a new defense strategy and replacing the old model for sizing forces with a newer approach more relevant to the 21st century.  He also lead the Department in refocusing its space capabilities and fashioning a new concept of strategic deterrence that increases security while reducing strategic nuclear weapons.

Secretary Rumsfeld's distinguished biography can be found at The Department of Defense Website.  Despite drawing criticism from many, he never waivered and was always direct and forthright, a characteristic that is unpopular in Washington, D.C. His press conferences also gave us some of the best quotes ever (see banner above). Not to mention the various Rummy Fighting Styles - see BlackFive. Mr. Secretary we thank you for your selfless service to our country and we wish you Godspeed in your future endeavors.

Others Blogging on Rumsfeld:
BlackFive
CounterColumn
ThunderRun
Captain's Quarters

Comments

[phil]

Rumsfeld is one in a million. Compare him to Nancy Pelosi and you have defined opposites. Strong, determined, capable vs. weak, lame, incapable. Hats off to you Rummy!