Krauthammer on Rummy and Abu Ghraib
I may disagree with Charles Krauthammer on the issue of Rumsfeld's resignation, but he does bring up a very good point. Isn't the spectacle of all these Democrats clamoring for Rummy's head just a little hypocritical?
Democrats calling for Donald Rumsfeld's resignation invoke the principle of ministerial responsibility: a Cabinet secretary must take ultimate responsibility for what happens on his watch. Interesting idea. Where was it in 1993 when the attorney general of the United States ordered the attack on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, which ended in the deaths of 76 people?
Janet Reno went to Capitol Hill and said, "It was my decision, and I take responsibility." This was met with approving swoons and applause. Was she made to resign? No. And remember: This was over an action that did not just happen on her watch but that she ordered -- an action that resulted in the deaths of, among others, more than 20 children.