Walking the dog this evening, I was thinking. And I thought about the phrase "cut and run". Seems to have a perjorative effect on people, as if it implies weakness, and, worse, cowardice. To "cut and run" is the worst thing that can be done. And then I thought about the difference between "cut and run" when it's just yourself, and when one has proxies.

I thought of numerous occasions where I have "cut and run", both professionally and personally. Frankly, in those situations I couldn't "cut and run" fast enough. Was damned glad to be able to "cut and run". I can think of a couple of occasions I couldn't "cut and run", and suffered for it. (I used to have an even bigger mouth on occasion, and could talk my way into trouble I couldn't talk my way out of.) Did anyone think the less of me for it? Doubt it.

Hitler didn't allow his troops to "cut and run". And lost 'em by the millions, forcing them into their deaths or horrible suffering as captives. Hitler, at least, was a genuine decorated war hero, who knew what it was like to be in the front lines. (All of that paragraph is pure fact, indisputable.)

I don't think it's any shame to "cut and run", recognizing when a situation beyond one's control or likelihood of prevailing. Seems "prudent".

And I think it's a shame to NOT "cut and run" if one is using proxies simply to show how tough, mean, brave they are. If one is hollering "bring 'em on", and it's "bring 'em on" to someone else. That sort of false bravado, where one is daring an enemy to kill SOMEONE ELSE is beyond contempt. It's murder.

Especially if one dodged the opportunity to "take it to 'em" themselves. If one was afraid to fulfill their obligations, but bravely says to the enemy, "Shoot at him, I'm tough, resolute, and brave!"

"Cut and run" cowardly? It's only smart sometimes.

"Bring 'em on", uttered by a stupid CinC is weakness. And cowardly in the extreme, if that CinC is using proxies.

Arf