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Rumsfeld Background and Biography
Donald Rumsfeld was born in 1932 and grew up in a middle class background in Chicago. Patriotism ran in his family; at 38 years of age his father joined the navy to fight in WWII . Rumsfeld developed his strong work ethic young, becoming an eagle scout and attending Princeton University on an academic and ROTC scholarships. At Princeton he was captain of the Wrestling team. After graduating he served for three years as a pilot and flight instructor - and won the All Navy Wrestling Championship. For the next 20 years he remained in the Reserves as a drilling reservist, but eventually transferring to Standby Reserve for another 14 years before finally retiring.
In 1962, after a stint as a congressional aide and some work in investment banking, he was elected, at the tender age of 30, as a Republican member of the House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 1964, 1966, and 1968. In 1969 he resigned from Congress to join President's Nixon's cabinet. From 1969 to 1970, he served as Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity and Assistant to the President (welfare and social assistance). From 1971 to 1972, he was Counselor to the President and Director of the Economic Stabilization Program. From 1973-1974, to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium. This may have been a stroke of luck as he was untainted by the Watergate scandal.
In August 1974 he was called back to Washington DC to serve as Chairman of the transition for Presidency of Gerald R. Ford. After a brief stint as Chief of Staff of the White House, he served from 1975-1977 as the 13th U.S. Secretary of Defense, the youngest in the country's history (and now the oldest).
When Jimmy Carter was elected Rumfeld returned to the private sector and served as CEO of pharmaceutical companies, electronic companies, and other private industry. He won awards for his work in turning several of these companies around.
During his business career, Mr. Rumsfeld continued his public service in a variety of Federal posts, including:
While in the private sector, Mr. Rumsfeld's civic activities included service as a member of the National Academy of Public Administration and a member of the boards of trustees of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, and the National Park Foundation, and as Chairman of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Inc.
In 1977, Mr. Rumsfeld was awarded the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 1988 he made a brief and unsuccessful run at the Presidency.
Other interesting facts: Rumseld is known for his habit of standing at his desk all day. He co-owns a New Mexico ranch with (liberal) CBS news anchor Dan Rather. He has a habit of talking with his hands and skillfully and bluntly handling the press.
The reason I am listing his background is because this context puts these quotes in the proper light. Especially when one compares his experience to that of the reporters asking him questions. Rumsfeld has the most impressive Resume of any individual in government. His experience and expertise is unmatched. He has influenced many of the most prominent Conservatives in government today - especially Dick Cheney, the influential Vice President.
VICE PRES. CHENEY: He was probably the toughest boss I ever had, but he probably taught me more than anybody I ever worked for. He was very demanding. He didn’t have a lot of time to say thank you or good job. The reward for doing a job well was you got more work.
I have found that the most articulate expressions of policy and common sense have come Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. Which is why I enjoy quoting him so much :).