UPDATE - Holy Warrior: Bush Denounces; Pentagon Not Reassigning
President Bush on Wednesday repudiated the views of a top general who cast the war on terrorism in religious terms, but the Pentagon brushed aside congressional calls to reassign the general during an investigation.
Bush, talking to reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Australia, said he had discussed the comments of Army Lt. Gen. William Boykin with Muslim leaders in Indonesia.
"I said he didn't reflect my opinion," Bush said. "Look, it just doesn't reflect what the government thinks. And I think they were pleased to hear that."
Get the rest of this AP article via the Washington Post.
Matt's Chat
It took long enough, but the President has finally done the right thing and publically addressed this issue in a manner that I expected. I have problems with a president who will condemn the comments of an Islamist Prime Minister saying that the world is run by Jews, but doesn't have stronger language for an American general who thinks he's on some sort of Christian crusade.I disagree with the Pentagon, this guy could do more damage by having him in a position of authority. Boykin should do the right thing and retire. His views are getting in the way of the performance of his duties. And we can not afford that sort of slip at this time. The War Against Terrorism is too important.
Mark's Remarks
Again, for what seems like the millionth time in a day, this guy needs to realize his mistake and gracefully retire. I am sure he could negotiate a nice settlement and retire, get a job as an analyst for CBS or MSNBC, or something. While Boykin has the right to his opinion, he does not have the right to further jeopardize our soldiers on the ground in Iraq, or elsewhere in the Muslim world. He does that by staying in the military and with his comments.I applaud President Bush for chastising this man, just as he chastised the leader of Malaysia.
