Shinseki tapped to head Veterans Affairs

I guess President Elect Obama meant it when he said he wanted people comfortable with talking truth to power. I think however that many people see this in the purely politcal lense. Shinseki is a no-nonsense pragmatist and able administrator who can define priorities, pursue objectives, and if required speak prophetically upon poor policy.

I think that this is a wonderful appointment.

Shinseki has an impressibe bio: his entry at Wiki.

I cannot think of a more focused and dedicated advocate for the disabled. This is a man who will not retreat in making the most of his resources and getting his objectives performed.

This was a damn good choice. I guess that this signals that Pres Elect Obama has made a commitment to veterans and genuinely doesn't need 'yes men' for his ego. I mean candidly this has to be the case. Can you imagine a public disagreement with Shinseki on funding?

Another individual whom I feel deserves recognition for leadership, uncommon valor is General Peter Pace. Ideas are powerful, and his ideas about the values and conduct of professional soldiers was instrumental in rejecting the wrong-headed notion that torture and abuse was permissable by uniformed professionals.

On November 29, 2005, Gen. Pace was present at a press conference given by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, where Rumsfeld said that "the United States does not have a responsibility" to prevent torture by Iraqi officials. Pace disagreed with Rumsfeld, saying "It is the absolute responsibility of every U.S. service member, if they see inhumane treatment being conducted, to intervene, to stop it".[6][7]

Both of these Generals took the high ground in a battle with Donald Rumsfeld and exhibited courage in doing so. Both put their careers second to the institutions that they served.

Both have the right stuff.