Retired Senior Naval Officer Backs President

A retired naval captain countered the growing tide of criticism of the president and the Secretary of Defense. The captain (in the navy, a captain is the equivalent of an army colonel) briefly complemented Secretary Rumsfeld, but had the highest praise for the president.

"We've spent many hours, many days, and particularly many nights together. He rarely makes a decision without consulting me. I can guarantee you that the president and I have spent a tremdous amount of time together in the last few years, and I think it shows."

The captain, whose name was not disclosed, is pictured below: