BBC随身英语:Loving the General 美国人对将军的爱戴

The Vietnam War was so unpopular that none of its generals found later political success, but since the 1970s, Americans have managed to separate the individual soldier - and his presumed heroism - from the cause.

Few Americans look back on the Gulf War as a heroic national cause, but General Colin Powell was mentioned in the 1990s as a presidential candidate and later served as secretary of state. And General Norman Schwarzkopf became a figure of international renown.

Americans consider the military their most respected public institution: 78% say they have "a great deal" or "a lot" of confidence in the military, according to the 2011 Gallup poll.

But some commentators believe that it may change. Andrew Bacevich, research fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame and a retired Army colonel, says that with General Petraeus' downfall, the American public can begin to wonder why after 11 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan "we haven't won anything".

Quiz 测验 1. What cost former General David Petraeus his job?

An extramarital affair.

2. Look at the article. What generals are admired in spite of having led the military in unpopular wars?

Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf.

3. Is the following statement true, false or not given? After Petraeus lost popularity Americans might question why their troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan.

True.

4. Look at the article. What words are used to refer to what people think of something no matter if it is real or not?

Perceived and presumed.

5. What are the three expressions used for 'loss of status'?

Fall from grace, to step down, downfall.

Glossary 词汇表 to fall from grace失去恩宠，倒下了 most prominent最优秀的 to hold in high esteem非常受人尊敬 an extramarital affair婚外恋 to step down下台 a knighthood骑士（爵士）身份 high office高层 a cult一种关注、崇拜 to work (their) way up向上升 a modest background一个普通背景 perceived被人认为 unblemished没有任何污点的 backroom deal-making幕后私密交易 unpopular不受欢迎的 presumed所谓的，假定的 international renown国际知名的 respected受尊敬的 downfall垮台