All Discussion
DISCUSSION
 
WmP:879Chronicler ( 84.45 points)July 27, 2022 06:29am
In 1932, FDR said that MacArthur was the only man in America more dangerous than Huey Long. He thought that MacArthur could become an American version of Mussolini.

 
Joker:9757BrentinCO ( 9685.29 points)July 27, 2022 10:33am
Helluva soldier.

But never respected the President as Commander-in-Chief even before Truman removed him.

I can't imagine having a General like this today. It certainly would make our current political divisions even worse.

 
D:1RP ( 5639.51 points)July 27, 2022 11:13am
BrentinCO: I can't imagine having a General like this today.

Flynn?

 
WmP:879Chronicler ( 84.45 points)July 27, 2022 11:27am
It was the bonus army situation that FDR complained about. After Congress appropriated money to cover the return fares for the soldiers, a few remained. Many of them were staying in tents that Hoover had purchased with his own money so they wouldn't be sleeping out in the open when it rained. Hoover directed MacArthur to escort the last group of people away without violence, but MacArthur used violence anyway. Then the tents that Hoover had purchased were set afire, though it has never been clear who lit the fires (maybe Billy Joel).

Once the remnants of the bonus marchers were gone, MacArthur spoke with reporters. A press photograph showed him with a smirk on his face while discussing his success. A lot of people were disturbed by the photograph that appeared in many newspapers, and it was the photo that prompted FDR's comment about MacArthur. Hoover also called MacArthur to the White House and reprimanded him for not following his orders.

 
Joker:9757BrentinCO ( 9685.29 points)July 27, 2022 12:27pm
RP: Flynn?

Flynn isn't as nearly respected or as accomplished militarily as MacArthur. What added to MacArthur's prestige was that he was a war time General who had accomplished things and was seen as a strategic mind.

The only General who I'm aware of in modern times that has come close to getting similar broad public respect is Schwarzkopf during the Gulf War. Russell Honore maybe to a much lesser extent for his involvement in the Katrina hurricane.