Friday, March 26, 2021

Political Awakenings

My first awareness of geo-politics came in 1951 at the tender age of 8.  I'd started reading adult fare.. newspaper and magazines and was somewhat interested in what made news on the front page. 
When Truman Fired General MacArthur it became enough of an issue of interest that I brought it up to my Dad.
I was aware enough that Dad really didn't like Truman so I was a little surprised at his commentary on the really contentious issue.
He said that, although MacArthur was right on far east policy and, especially, the need to defeat North Korea, the President was the Commander in Chief and Truman had no choice but to fire his General in Charge after MacArthur had openly and repeatedly criticized his policies in the Far East. 

I could tell from his demeanor, -meaning tight jaw, having seen it directed at me, how much he hated siding with Truman.  But our Country couldn't exist with this sort of dissension.
Such is politics, sometimes seems and is cruel but it's the only way in a Constitutional Republic..

Relief of Douglas MacArthur