George W. Bush Quotes
Mission Accomplished
This quotation is one of the classic examples of a political leader prematurely claiming success. The formal Iraq military troops had easily been defeated on the field and just disappeared. However many formed into an insurgency which after this victory celebration, they accounted for many more years of brutal fighting and tens of thousands of additional American casualties.
George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, Son of President George W. Bush, Huge sign he had placed in the Air Craft Carrier, announcing the winning of the Iraq war as he flew onto the aircraft carrier in a fighter dressed in a flying suit in front of all the television cameras, May 1, 2003
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
The reference was to Iraq president Sadaam Hussein. The CIA had determined his location and to implement the George W. Bush administration’s policy of regime change, the Air Force had been ordered to send two Stealth Bombers with “bunker buster” bombs to assassinate Sadaam. The mission was completed flawlessly and both planes hit the target destroying it completely. However, it turned out that the CIA intelligence was inaccurate, and Sadaam was not at the location. This quotation is often used to illustrate the problem of believing early action reports and the fallibility of CIA intelligence at the time.
See {583419} for more on this technique.
The proverb dates from the Samurai era of Japan where the Samurai in battle wore metal and leather protective helmets. These were secured to their heads by a tight helmet chord. Many societies, after a war and desiring peace would reduce the spending for the military, eliminate conscription, and weapons production. The result often was a more attractive target for enemies wanting land or revenge. Thus, the proverb warns that immediately after a victory, prepare for the next battle and do not let your guard down.
MacArthur’s solders had just executed a brilliant landing at Inchon cutting the North Korean forces. MacArthur, a man of great hubris, assured everyone that such a bold military stroke would certainly intimidate the Chinese Communists keeping them out of the conflict. He declared victory, and was more surprised than most when the Chinese did just the opposite of what he had assured they would do. Their troops crossed the Yalu river and attacked the American forces who suffered terrible casualties. The war was not over and the Third Division did not make it back to Fort Benning for Christmas. Many of the men never made it back at all. It would be over 50 years before another American official declared victory and when President George W. Bush did so in the Iraq War, the nation suffered the same fate—the victim of official leadership hubris.
See {618460} for the kinds of statements that stimulated this type of political attack.
George Walker Bush is an American politician and businessman who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush previously served as the 46th governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. He was born into the Bush family; his father, George H. W. Bush, was the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993.
