More on Image

We looked a bit at how images do not always equal reality. Putting up false fronts can be harmless. Consider the man with a bad comb-over or toupee. False front. Attempt to enhance one's image. Of course, a strong wind or a noogie from a friend can topple the false front and embarrass the folliclely-challenged man. But history offers examples of those who were not harmless.

David McCullough quotes President Harry Truman on Douglas MacArthur: "The president was trying to...fathom MacArthur, whom he had never met (at this point), but didn't like from what he had read and heard - "Mr. Prima Donna, Brass Hat, Five-Star MacArthur," Truman referred to him in the privacy of his diary. "Don't see how a country can produce such men as Robert E. Lee, John J. Pershing, Eisenhower, and Bradley and at the same time produce Custers, Pattons, and MacArthurs." (Truman; David McCullough; Simon and Shuster; 1992).
These comments preceded their actual meeting. His opinion did not improve. Consider these further remarks, prior to their exchange on Wake Island, where Truman had to fly to meet his general. "He had connected well with generals like Eisenhower and Bradley, but not MacArthur. What he mostly sensed about the commander was his grandiosity. Two days before the meeting, while on the way to Wake, he wrote a note to his cousin Nellie Noland, saying, 'Have to talk to God's right hand man tomorrow.'" (Coldest Winter; David Halberstam; Hyperion; 2007)

Consider further these entries under "MacArthur" in the index of Coldest Winter: "as addicted to fame;" "failure to salute President;" "following his own agenda;" "lack of friends:" "need for control;" "never to be wrong;" "paranoia of;" "self-absorbtion of;"... You get the idea. These things, while not good, may not prove harmful to others. But the principle is, pride goes before destruction. The entries continue.
Consider these and the awful implications for those under his command in Korea: "disrespect for Asian enemy;" intelligence reports ignored or manipulated by;" "putting men at risk."
Generals put men at risk. But there are unnecessary and foolish risks. Risks taken because of the deep rooted pride demonstrated by the entries in the index. Frightening stuff - what is in my index? LIGHTER NOTE: Your opinion - worst comb-over you've seen?