"Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, stung by criticism that he's insensitive to the needs of the troops and their families, offered his most impassioned defense Wednesday.
The normally stoic Rumsfeld said when he meets wounded soldiers or relatives of those killed in battle, "their grief is something I feel to my core."
'I am truly saddened by the thought that anyone could have the impression that I, or others here, are doing anything other than working urgently to see that the lives of the fighting men and women are protected and are cared for in every way humanly possible,' he said.
'And I hope and pray that every family member of those who have died so bravely knows how deeply I feel their loss ......
The defense secretary was criticized again last weekend when it was reported that he did not personally sign letters of condolence to the families of dead soldiers, but instead relied on a mechanical device to affix his signature. He immediately abandoned the practice.
On Wednesday, Rumsfeld said, 'I, and I know others, stay awake at night for concern for those at risk, with hope for their lives, for their success...' "
Mr. Rumsfeld, with all due respect....this is not about your feelings or your sleep habits. This is not about making you feel or sleep better. This is not about soothing or saddening you.
This is about your actions and your words, and their effects on the lives of others. This is about making others feel and sleep better. Or living to see their families again.
This is about walking in someone else's shoes.....about caring for someone other than yourself. Or even comprehending, let alone caring.
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