So despite general outside sentiment, the Chiefs are not rebuilding.
Despite general inflation, catering prices over the last eight years have been fairly stable.
But despite general applause, Stillman has been slow to add to his pristine record.
Despite general warnings against using metal, metal containers and aluminum foil aren't dangerous.
And despite general economic growth, real hourly wages for average workers have barely budged.
All this despite general belt tightening and the Costa Concordia disaster a year ago.
Yet many Iraqis have told reporters they still do not feel secure, despite General Petraeus's charts showing drops in violence.
So, the effort to soften the state's harsh Rockefeller drug laws is on hold, despite general agreement to change them.
Despite general hostility to the idea of MP's expenses, it has to be said that staffing allowances are woefully low.
For example, despite General Schwarzkopf's praise of President Bush's victorious leadership in the gulf war, American warplanes still bomb Iraq and President Saddam Hussein remains entrenched.
Despite General Fahim's challenge, Mr. Brahimi said he did not discuss the size of the international force, which nations would contribute, its geographic scope or its projected missions.
