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A better choice

Army Lt. Gen. Herbert Raymond “H.R.” McMaster, named by President Donald Trump to be his new national security adviser, has been described as “a prominent military strategist known as a creative thinker.” That sounds like what the nation needs.

Furthermore, our area’s former congressman Chris Gibson, a retired Army colonel who served under McMaster in the Iraq war, told the Albany Times Union he was “an awesome commander” and “a courageous guy — very focused, soldiers loved him, very mission-oriented.” Gibson, to us, is a credible source of praise: a moderate Republican, cautious of war, who earned broad respect for his intelligence and integrity. He passed up a chance to run for governor to teach college.

McMaster replaces Gen. Mike Flynn, who lost his job because he was not candid with Vice President Mike Pence regarding a discussion with a Russian diplomat. There is no reason to believe McMaster will make the same mistake.

One indication Trump made the right choice was the reaction on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers of both parties expressed pleasure with the decision.

McMaster appears to be able to offer balanced, informed, calm guidance on threats to U.S. security. Perhaps even more important, his forward-looking intellect would be helpful to the defense establishment. The Pentagon often is accused of preparing “to fight the last war” at a time when threats, weapons, tactics and strategies are changing. McMaster should be able to advise Trump about the next war — hopefully to avoid it.

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