Wednesday, August 25, 2004
I'd love to have been there to film this campaign commercial...
Of course, I'm sure you've seen the movie version...and maybe even heard about the "slapping" incidents in question. All of the above was taken from actual reports at the time in 1943 when General George S. Patton was removed of command of the Seventh Army by SAC General Eisenhower. He was told to apologize (and didn't) and the issue was dismissed quietly.(FADE FROM BLACK - Text over black and white photographs of soldiers in uniform, from file footage in succession)
1 - "...a report which is shocking in it's allegations against your personal conduct..."
2 - "...the detailed circumstances communicated to me lead to the belief that some ground for the charges must exist..."
Announcer: His commanders at the time said he was tough, but maybe Americans should ask whether or not he was too tough...too tough to command. Unfit for command. And according to the official investigation...
3 - "..brutality, abuse of the sick..."
4 - "...uncontrollable temper in front of subordinates..."
Announcer: An Associated Press story by Drew Pearson suggested a cover up...and calls for his dismissal of his command. He abused two soldiers while in a hospital...
(PHOTOS - black and white photos of soldiers with voice over each)
Announcer: According to official military records...he personally abused Private Charles H. Kuhl...L Company, 26th Infantry, 1st Division...and Private Paul G. Bennet, C Battery, 17th Field Artillery.
(FADE TO FILM FOOTAGE -Candidate in question raising hand in salute)
Announcer: George S. Patton...unfit for command. America needs a more sensitive warrior.
Why?
Because his superiors determined he was essential to the war effort. It was 3-months before the story made the papers when Drew Pearson (actual reporter) broadcast the "scoop" because he was upset over the forced resignation of his close friend, Sumner Welles - Undersecretary of State for President Roosevelt. He was pro-communist and a self described, "friend of Russia" and advocated a second front in Europe to assist our Russian "friends".
In retribution, Pearson vociferously attacked Secretary of State Cordell Hull stating that Hull had only one idea in mind; that being to not have a second front, nor a "good neighbor" policy, but that he wanted to "bleed Russia white". The Secretary upon responding said, "Pearson's allegations are pure falsehood; monstrous and diabolical lies." Roosevelt, always the politician, then chimed in with Hull. Using one of his favorite labels, he blasted Pearson as a "chronic liar". Knowing Pearson's affection for the Russians, Roosevelt then added insult to injury by claiming that the Russians might be offended by Pearson's untrue remarks.
Pearson then called an emergency meeting with his lawyer, Ernest Cuneo. Cuneo suggested that Pearson might use a "distraction" to focus the public eye away from his lost battle. His idea was to create a sensational, new diversion. Cuneo suggested that Pearson use the story of the "slapping incidents". There were a number of Washington correspondents, along with the North African correspondents, who had already heard the story, but they had avoided using it. Pearson had no scruples about any story at any time. Pearson was one of the masters of "yellow journalism".
He never failed to use this mastery for his own benefit and to his advantage. On November 21, 1943, Pearson broke his three month old "scoop". He had predicted, too, in his broadcast that Patton would never again hold a responsible war assignment. He was wrong, as he often was.
Anyone read the news lately? I've said it before, and I'll repeat those famous words again - Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
Here's a pretty good write-up of the above...from the Patton website.
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