“Generals Opposing Iraq War Break With Military Tradition” -
A Q & A with Mark Sauer, San Diego Union-Tribune

by Laura Walcher

LW: Your news report of September 23, was tough; in the middle of an unpopular war, the military ‘round the country breaks time-honored code, I guess you’d say, by speaking publicly against the Iraq war.

MS: My editor Susan White had the idea for this piece when the first general or two began speaking out perhaps 18 months ago. Along with the many citizens opposed to our Iraq adventure, the ‘Revolt of the Generals’ evolved and grew. Even on the weekend my story ran, General Sanchez -- our commander in Iraq for much of the war -- surprisingly made a critical speech in Texas. So as the idea steeped, the story got deeper.

LW: I can’t quite recall this happening before - even during the Vietnam War?

MS: One really interesting aspect to me was that this was so rare in American history. That seemed to speak loudly to how passionately these military leaders feel that the Administration’s determination to invade a country that had not attacked nor provoked us was a mistake so grave it threatens our republic. The same goes for what they strongly believe is the incompetent way the war and occupation have been handled.

LW: Don’t you think talking to you took an amazing amount of courage?

MS: Several of the generals I interviewed said they were alone at first -- lost many friends over the decision to speak out -- but have been vindicated by events, and have seen their friends return one by one. Some feel strongly that speaking out is the wrong thing to do - like Navy Vice Admiral David Richardson, who said “...voices that may give aid and comfort to the enemy can cost American blood,” and the generals criticizing Bush and his war respect that. But each made a decision based on his own sense of morality, duty and patriotism. Several of the generals told me they swore an oath to defend and protect the constitution and the nation, NOT any particular commander-in-chief or administration.

LW: In terms of readership, what has been your response?

MS: Remarkable: the most printed, saved and emailed for days. Hundreds of online comments, coming down on both sides: the Generals were wrong! The Generals were right! Susan White calls the piece a ‘talker.’ It’s been thought-provoking, to say the least.

Read Mark’s story at www.sosd.com Go to “Search,” then enter “Generals in Iraq.”

Posted Oct. 2007