It is terrible injustice when mistruths become popular beliefs concerning people of good intentions and meritorious service. For example, Charlie Wilson is misquoted as saying, “What is good for General Motors is good for the USA, and vice versa.” What he actually said was “What is good for the USA is good for General Motors, and vice versa.”
General Alexander Haig, who died last week, was ridiculed for having said “I am in charge” to the press corp immediately after the attempted assassination and serious wounding of newly elected President Ronald Reagan. At the time, Haig was Secretary of State. (Previously he had headed NATO and served as Chief of Staff to Richard Nixon. Some say he virtually ran the government during the final month of that administration.)
According to NewsMax.com, this is what Haig actually said:
“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. As for now, I’m in control here, in the White House, pending the return of the vice president and in close touch with him. If something came up, I would check with him, of course.”
The message was meant as much to the Soviet Union as to the Americans. There was the serious danger that an attempt on the president might be the first step in the Soviet launching a missile attack.
The description of what actually took place, based upon transcripts later made available, is a fascinating read for those interested in history.
