General Alexander Haig 1924-2010

This correspondent has been remiss in his duties by not posting. Scout camping, meetings and such have consumed time. Hopefully this week, your humble correspondent will get back to the grindstone and do some work.

"Constitutionally, gentlemen, you have the President, the Vice President and the Secretary of State in that order, and should the President decide he wants to transfer the helm to the Vice President, he will do so. He has not done that. As of now, I am in control here, in the White House, pending return of the Vice President and in close touch with him. If something came up, I would check with him, of course."

Hand it to Alexander Haig, he was a true "take charge" kind of guy. He put himself out there, took the heat and got things done. Alexander Haig died over the weekend, he was 85.

Funny thing about Al, he was like Howard Cosell, you either loved him or hated him. There wasn't too much middle ground. He served three Presidents, Nixon, Ford and Reagan. As Nixon's Chief of Staff, he was reportedly the one who called the three wise men, Hugh Scott, Barry Goldwater and Howard Baker, to come and give Nixon the news that he would not survive an impeachment trial. He was also the one who told Kissinger that he was afraid that Nixon was unstable and ready to crack.

Al Haig advised Ford as well, all be it for a short time before returning the military, serving as the Supreme Allied Commander. He fought in Korea and Vietnam, served as an aid to General Douglas MacArthur, was with the NSA, Joint Chiefs, NATO and at the White House. He was a highly decorated solider who was awarded among other medals, the Distinguished Service Cross, two silver stars, a bronze star and a Purple Heart. General Haig was a true patriot who served his country in very difficult times. He retired from the military as a four star General.

General Haig served Ronald Reagan by being Reagan's Secretary of State and when Reagan was shot, it was Al Haig who went before the cameras asserting that he was fully in control and the government continued to function, even if he constitutionally didn't have the power.

In 1988 he ran for President, losing the primaries and the nomination to George H.W. Bush. He later became a writer and served on several board of directors.

This correspondent could probably write another thousand words and still wouldn't capture the life of General Haig and wouldn't do him justice. General Alexander Haig played a huge and highly significant role in this country's history and will be remembered as a man who was faithful to his country, to his family and to his God.

General Haig is survived by his wife of 60 years and his three children. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

We salute General Haig and wish him God's speed as he starts his service with the Ultimate Commander in Chief.