Readers respond to columns by Bret Stephens and Thomas L. Friedman. Also: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy; gender inequality; Donald Trump’s harangues.
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Harry Truman with Gen. George Marshall, center, in 1949. General Marshall headed the Defense Department in 1950 and 1951.Credit.Associated Press
To the Editor:
Mr. Golbyâs Op-Ed is especially important as a defense of the supremacy of the United Statesâ civilian leadership in matters relating to the military.
As he correctly states, George Marshall and James Mattis were not particularly effective in their performance as defense secretary, at least in part because of the short time since their uniformed service. Further, generals are not necessarily the best big picture strategic minds (e.g., George McClellan, George Patton and Curtis LeMay). There is no guarantee that former officers are especially wise or effective or honest, nor can â or should â democracy depend on them to be the âadults in the room.â