Re: MacArthur [Was: Slow period for list]

[<ChosinMead@aol.com>]

Well beth, I am one of the people who do not admire Mac. I believe he was an  self serving ego maniac. His ever action was intended to enhance his image. Consider his statement regarding the Phillipines, "I shall return"- not WE shall return. Or at Inchon, "We will land at Inchon and 'I' will crush them!"His actions at the Bonus March was not the action of leader. He screwed up the defense of the Phillipines, and didn't even have the courage to stay and be present at the surrender- Does anyone really believe that Roosevelt ordered him out? 
How great was he at Inchon? Anyone can come up with an idea and then tell someone else to implement it. Chosin was his greatest failure, his refusal to accept the intelligence given him was responsible for the lives of thousands of men. 
And yet, when the UN summit took place in the late 50's, NYC was under Martial law. I was a Policeman on duty across the street from the Waldrof Astoria (where Mac was living). MacArthur was refused permission to cross the street to get to the hotel. I asked the Sgt. in charge,"Do you know who this man is?"
I said,"C'mon General, I'll walk you home." He took me by the arm and talked for about five minutes as we walked.
I have no respect for him as a leader, but one has to admire him for the service he gave to our country.  Lee
PS. Beth even a mistaken identification of Mac being a Marine is an insult. His only connection was his recognition of the worth of the USMC.

Merry Christmas to all!