March 09, 2007

Smart

My cousin sent me a quote, attributed to Robert E. Lee:

"It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces, and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers! In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start, yet failed to inform me until it was too late. Accordingly, I'm readily willing to yield my command to these obviously superior intellects, and I'll, in turn, do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact."
Whether or not Lee actually said it, it's a great line.

Posted by That 1 Guy at March 9, 2007 07:49 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Ever hear the old “toast” story that occurred between Lee and Grant?

Grant and Lee met after the signing of the surrender. Grant stood and offered a salute:

“Here’s to that northern eagle, that wondrous bird of prey that feeds on northern riches and shits on southern clay!”

Lee, being the consummate gentleman, stood and raised his glass in a toast:

“Here’s to that southern soil, so fertile and rich, we need on shit from your big bird you Yankee son of a bitch!”

Posted by: Mushy at March 9, 2007 08:23 AM

You're right - what a GREAT line.

Funny how some things haven't change.......

Posted by: Tammi at March 9, 2007 08:41 AM

A great line indeed. I say we send all of the talking heads who seem to know so much to the front lines - let 'em lead by example!

Posted by: Richmond at March 9, 2007 11:02 AM

What a friekin' great quote!

Posted by: michele at March 9, 2007 01:44 PM

Agreed. Thanks, to your cousin. ;)

Posted by: tesco at March 9, 2007 07:37 PM

If Lee didn't say it, he should have. Now I've got to get back to swilling homebrew, watching paint dry, and dismaying my leftard relatives.

Posted by: Cappy at March 10, 2007 03:22 PM

During my career in the USAF I met a lot of generals..some actually had a pretty good idea of what they were doing..but always keep in mind that general is a political promotion..and all generals have to be politicians..and I have never had much use for politicians

Posted by: GUYK at March 11, 2007 07:41 PM

Yes, whether he said it or not, it's a great quote.

Posted by: jimmyb at March 12, 2007 03:05 PM

Along with the generals, let's send all the congress critters who want to leave on some goofy schedule - let them try to talk the guys and gals into coming home without accomplishing the mission ;-)

Oh, and that's a great quote - real or not!

Posted by: Barb at March 13, 2007 10:39 PM