What Would George Patton Do?
For those needing an extra helping of Victor Davis Hanson commentary, check out the October edition of Imprimis. In his inimitable way, VDH applies the lessons of history to modern conflicts, including those torn from today's headlines. Excerpts:
Patton always realized that armed forces serve political ends and create an immediate reality on the battlefield that politicians argue over for years - that there are times when audacious commanders can create favorable diplomatic situations impossible to achieve by politicians even after years of negotiations.
Patton's own general sense was that his Third Army took greater casualties when immobile, not simply because of stiffening enemy resistance, but also because his soldiers were singularly ill-equipped for a war requiring rote, method and patience. In the present context Patton would advise us, in view of our national character, to be constantly on the advance, seeking to surprise and storm enemies rather than being merely reactive. If we are in a real war, Americans must move quickly on Fallujah and Najaf rather than "contain" such "no-go" zones. Syria and Iran should be warned that their continued sanctuary and aid to terrorists are synonymous with a state of war with the U.S. Patton would advise us that static occupation, negotiations with undefeated insurgents, and mild rebukes to neighboring terrorist sponsors are not only futile, but against the American character of decisive advance and unconditional surrender once war is upon us.
Imprimis is a newsletter published by Hillsdale College and each month features a single essay, from the stars of conservative scholarship and philosophy (and Pat Sajack). Fiscal conservatives and cheap SOBs take note, it's free for the asking.
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