Ask Geo » General replacement in Afghanistan reminds me of fresh start at Rockford airport

General replacement in Afghanistan reminds me of fresh start at Rockford airport

May 12th, 2009 at 09:50am Georgette Braun

The top American commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan, was forced out Monday in an abrupt shake-up intended to bring a more aggressive and innovative approach to a worsening seven-year war, according to this New York Times story.

The move reflects a belief that the war in Afghanistan, waged against an increasingly strong Taliban and its supporters across a rugged, sprawling country, is growing ever more complex. He is to be replaced by Lt. Gen. StanleyA. McChrystal, who served in Afghanistan as chief of staff of military operations in 2001 and 2002 and recently ran all commando operations in Iraq.

The change in direction reminds me of when James Loomis was replaced in 2002 by Bob O’Brien at what is now being called the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The airport board wanted a new director to embrace bringing passenger service back to the airport, instead of sticking with the status quo of focusing on cargo services.

Over the years, O’Brien has been enthusiastically bringing passengers to the Rockford airport.

Let’s hope the generals shake-up accomplishes the results Obama and the Defense Department want for the U.S.

Entry Filed under: airport, obama, politics

6 Comments Add your own

1. Monkey | May 12th, 2009 at 10:54 am

Wow. Nice stretch. I’m thinking that comparing an ongoing war where people are being mangled and killed to passenger versus cargo service at a small airport is really inappropriate.

Find some better analogies next time.
2. Georgette Braun | May 12th, 2009 at 11:07 am

Monkey: Sorry for offending you and anyone else.
I was just trying to think of something concrete locally that changed direction with a leadership shake-up, and the airport seems a good example.
3. Chuck Sweeny | May 12th, 2009 at 11:21 am

GEO, Monkey is generally against anything we write. You should feel honored.
4. Georgette Braun | May 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am

Chuck: Thanks for the support.
5. Monkey | May 12th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Actually, that’s not true at all. I’m a huge supporter of Pat C., and generally like Sweeny’s writing. I know a lot of the reporters personally and I think the RRS generally does a good job, given the extremely limited resources you have at your disposal.

However, someone needs to point out things that are pretty obviously misplaced, as I feel this analogy was. In general, I think my opinions are fairly moderate compared to some of the nutjobs that usually comment on the blogs. Don’t be so sensitive.
6. Georgette Braun | May 13th, 2009 at 11:04 am

Monkey: Thanks for your further explanation, and for your supportive comments about the paper. Be assured, we do value opinions that are different than ours.