President Grant, a highly successful general, bluntly criticized Custer's actions in the battle of the Little Bighorn.

He has at times bluntly criticized them and passionately defended them.

Secretary Powell's call for a review of the policy regarding the captives came after European leaders bluntly criticized the American decision.

But instead of pleading for certification, Mr. Zedillo bluntly criticized the annual process by which Washington passes judgment on the anti-drug programs of scores of nations.

On a separate front, Mr. Greenspan bluntly criticized both President Bush and Congress for not reducing a federal budget deficit that could exceed $500 billion next year.

He becomes even more astonished when she bluntly criticizes the questions Ong asks her during the interview.

On Sunday, he reverted to the rhetoric he used far more often last season, when he bluntly criticized his players for being soft.

Over the weekend Mr. Malval bluntly criticized Father Aristide, saying the President has "a serious ego problem."

Rarely, unless pressed, do the generals bluntly criticize the conduct of the war, a detailed review of their recent remarks discloses.

They were resounding and chilling to many, including N.B.A. Commissioner David Stern, who bluntly criticized Ward yesterday but did not fine him.