"Disappointment with the chief"
A very controversial man, Bill Clinton is praised by some,
criticized by others. DERELICTION OF DUTY criticizes Bill
Clinton. The author, Robert "Buzz" Patterson, is an Air
Force Lieutenant Colonel, now retired. From 1996 to 1998,
Patterson served as a military aide to Bill Clinton.
Patterson carried the "football," a small suitcase
containing a device that initiates a nuclear attack. If
the military convinces the president that missiles have
been launched against us, the president gives Patterson the
nuclear code cards the president carries. Patterson
inserts the cards into the "football" and initiates a
nuclear counterattack. Naturally, Patterson had to be near
Clinton at all times. Patterson's proximity to Clinton made him aware of
situations he felt Clinton carelessly mishandled. One
situation that Patterson cites occurred on September 13,
1996. Clinton was playing golf. A military provocation by
Iraq occurred earlier that required an American response.
The military found a suitable target, sent off planes, and
tried to get approval for the strike. They contacted Sandy
Berger, Clinton's National Security Advisor. He phoned
Clinton on the golf course. Clinton refused to speak to
Berger. The military contacted Berger two more times.
Clinton, still on the golf course, refused those calls
also. Finally, the mission had to be canceled; the planes
returned to their bases. Patterson felt Clinton's refusal
to make a decision resulted in no response to Iraq's
provocation. A military man himself, Patterson felt this
failure to respond to the provocation only served to
embolden Iraq to test American resolve by further
provocations. Patterson observed what he described as a lack of sensible
procedures in the White House. Among other things, he felt
that too much emphasis was placed on public image. White
House event scheduling focused more on fund raisers than
for matters of state. These and similar situations
convinced Patterson that Clinton neglected his duty as
Commander-in-Chief. Patterson feels Clinton's neglect
endangered our national security. Patterson was one of five military aides assigned to Bill
Clinton. They all were unimpressed with President
Clinton. In May 1998, all five considered an "en masse"
resignation in disgust. If you wonder why President
Clinton made some of the decisions he made, you will find
this book interesting.
Reviewed by Maurice A. Williams
Posted October 15, 2003
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