Bob Novak:

Apart from Rumsfeld's failures in personal relations, he never has been anything short of loyal in executing the president's wishes. But loyalty appears to be a one-way street for Bush. His shrouded decision to sack Rumsfeld after declaring that he would serve out the second term fits the pattern of a president who is secretive and impersonal.

Count me as one of those who was "appalled" at the way that Rumsfeld was treated. I agree that he needed to go, but the way it was done was unbecoming of George W. Bush.