R.I.P. Bob McNamara
Jul 6th, 2009 by Mark Cohen
Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara , who died today at the age of 93, leaves behind him a mixed legacy. Once a “whiz kid” who became the first person outside the Ford family to head the automaker, he opted to forgo $3 million in options and benefits to take on his job in the cabinet of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. In that sense he represents the ideal of public service. On the other hand, he will forever be tied to his controversial role in the escalation of the Vietnam War.
I did have the opportunity to watch the “Fog of War,” the compelling, self-reflective documentary of McNamara’s Vietnam involvement. It’s a fascinating exploration of a complex mind at times rationalizing and at other times acknowledging mistakes. If you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend that you rent it or put it in your Netflix queue.
