Buh-Bye

Gen. Peter Pace is not going to be remaining as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Here's some commentary from Pam's House Blend, wondering if it was the "gays are immoral" remarks that did it. From SLDN:

“Congressional leaders, in warning Secretary of Defense Gates that Pace’s remarks would be an obstacle to his confirmation, have sent a clear message that anti-gay prejudice has no place in public policy debates,” said Sharra E. Greer, director of law and policy for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).

Frankly, at most that would contribute to a bruising confirmation hearing, which is the stated reason for not renominating Pace. And, all things considered, I think it's a minor factor -- the war is the problem, and Pace has been involved in that disaster up to his cojones.

There's also the demonstrable record of the administration not really giving a damn what Congress thinks. Maybe it's Gates' input on this one: I think it's more Gates wanting to clean house and Pace having given him a pretty big broom.

As for Pace's "immoral" remarks being "the cause," in this presidency that's more likely to get him a medal.

And, from the quotes in Spaulding's post, I'd say Mullen is a much better politician -- smoother, less likely to stick sideways in your throat -- than Pace.