Stormin’ Norman praises president

Daniela Mohor

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001 | 8:33 a.m.

Retired Army Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf on Monday praised President Bush for his leadership in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The general's remarks came during the annual Electronic Retailing Association conference.

Bush, he said, showed his ability to lead the country by quickly taking action against terrorism.

"This is the man that we placed in command," Schwarzkopf told the audience, "and regardless of your political affiliation, you have to recognize that he took charge."

Schwarzkopf, who served in numerous command and staff assignments throughout the United States, Europe and the Pacific, gained national attention during the Gulf War as the no-nonsense general who briefed the nation on the troops' progress.

During his years of service, Schwarzkopf said he learned that good leadership depends on a variety of factors. It requires character, sense of duty and morality, he said.

But more than anything, good leaders have to follow two critical rules he learned in the Army, Schwarzkopf said.

Just as Bush did, leaders have to take charge when put in command. They also have to do what's right, rather than what would benefit them or their superiors, he said.

The president, however, is not the only one to have distinguished himself since the attacks, Schwarzkopf said, referring to American troops.

"Why do the troops go? Why do their families let them go?" Schwarzkopf asked. "They do it because your country asks them to and because they believe it's right."

The conference was also an opportunity for Schwarzkopf to reassure the public.

Responding to concern expressed in the audience about the challenges U.S troops would face fighting during winter, Schwarzkopf said that the Army was well trained. U.S. soldiers, he said, could drive Taliban fighters to the mountains, where they would be more vulnerable.

"The Army is prepared to fight in the mountains," he said. "Cold weather is always tough, but we are tough, too."

The nation, Schwarzkopf added, would be able to overcome any challenge as long as Americans stood united.

"We're at war right now," he said. "But I'm convinced that with our people standing solidly behind our government, we can do anything ... We can't fail, and we will prevail."