Rummy Says Goodbye To His Guys

"For the past six years, I have had the opportunity and, I would say, the privilege, to serve with the greatest military on the face of the Earth," still-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told troops in Iraq today.

What class, to go back one more time and meet with the guys. He's scheduled no formal meetings with senior commanders; he just wants to talk to the troops he respects so deeply.

He said, reminding them of the importance of their mission, "We feel great urgency to protect the American people from another 9/11 or a 9/11 times two or three. At the same time, we need to have the patience to see this task through to success. The consequences of failure are unacceptable."

A high bar has been set for Robert Gates.

Related Tags: War in Iraq, Rumsfeld, Iraq