One can only speculate why Obama chose West Point to as his podium for his Afghanistan speech. Perhaps he thought it would give him that “Commander in Chief” look. The cadets didn’t seem to see him all that chiefly. Then again why would they. The military have laid everything on the line; a line which seems to move with the whims of Washington. Barak has blamed, delayed, and all but talked the war issue to death. What he did not do in the past months nor again last evening was instill confidence that he can be “Chief”.
A brief look at Obama’s history shows that he is willing to allow the CIA, FBI, and Secret Service take responsibility for Administration actions. He seems unwilling to prosecute any real criminals and will all too easily make Americans the criminals. Last night he telegraphed his punches to the Taliban and told them what to expect and for how long. When you look at the rules of engagement that he has saddled out troops with they are fighting uphill in every direction.
Our soldiers in Afghanistan can’t engage the enemy if civilians are present. They may not conduct searches unannounced nor at night. If they see the enemy, they are not to fire until the enemy engages them. Who in the hell does Obama think he is and what gives him the right to neuter our troops like that.
Chris Matthews said that Obama’s speech was given in the “enemy camp” and went on to comment how lackluster the cadet’s response was to the “O” speech. Duh! Many of these cadets will soon be deployed to fight within these confining rules for a president whom appears is not all that committed to winning.
Everyone knew when Obama was elected that he was short on experience and long on talk. Forty minutes into his speech last night only proved that he can talk long and loud. Perhaps he thought his facial expression and tone of voice would show his resolve. For a community organizer they may just get it done: speak a bunch of hype and hope the crowd gets involved and does the heavy lifting for you. None of the great leaders have ever been talkers. They have been doers. “Commander in Chief” is not a title; it is a responsibility.
Matt
I believe that future generations should have the same opportunities that myself, and those that came before me, had. My parents taught me that I could do anything I wanted to do. I don’t want to have to tell my daughter, “You can do whatever the government tells you to do.” We are at a crossroads in this country; are we going to be free, or are we going to be slaves to the nanny state. I choose freedom.
“”"
Our soldiers in Afghanistan can’t engage the enemy if civilians are present. They may not conduct searches unannounced nor at night. If they see the enemy, they are not to fire until the enemy engages them. Who in the hell does Obama think he is and what gives him the right to neuter our troops like that.
“”"
Which President put those policies into effect?
It was McCrystal who gave the order. He is Obama’s general.
“If you are in a situation where you are under fire from the enemy… if there is any chance of creating civilian casualties or if you don’t know whether you will create civilian casualties, if you can withdraw from that situation without firing, then you must do so,” McCrystal told the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8118013.stm
Obama’s heart is not in this war and without the unwavering support of the commander-in-chief the effort in Afghanistan is doomed to failure. The only recourse with Obama in the White House is to get out now and save American lives. This half-hearted move by Obama is done for political cover only so in defeat he can say he tried. This man is a fraud and a lair.
Obama is in over his head and it’s showing more every day.
That speech last night was a meandering load of drivel and anyone with an ounce of common sense, i.e. the Cadets who were forced to sit through the nonsense, can see it.
I just think this guy is in over his head. No insults, no sarcasm. There are times that I think he simply does not know what he is doing. This is one of them.
How did this happen? I was under the impression that McChrystal was a SOCOM General. Apparently not, apparently he has decided to just suck up whatever the POtuS tells him to do. Rank? Does he want more rank? It certainly has a true stench, that’s for sure.
I think it is worth pointing out that we are doing in Afghanistan exactly what the Russians did. The thought occurred to me when I read the transcript of his speech and it was reinforced tonight on Hannity by Mark Furman of all people.
The Russians were there for a decade, saying at the 8 1/2 year mark that they would be pulling out in 18 months, while training the then communist regime how to fight the insurgents.
We are doing the same thing.
So much for American pride. What really burns my butt is that we could WIN this war easily. With the proper number of troops and without POTUS trying to micromanage it, the mission is achievable. But political correctness is crippling not only our society, but our military as well.
Great article, Ken. But then I have come to expect good insight and thoughtful commentary from you.
I just wish they would take politics out of the war effort all together. If you would allow the generals and military to do so, they could go in a take care of the problems and they would do it fast and efficient. But politicians tie their hands. It is Vietnam all over again.
Jackie, I couldn’t agree more. War is an ugly business best left to experts. I think everyone’s comments are essentially saying that. I guess I was being snarky; no, I am sure I was.
There is little that Obama does that pleases me and it is all about trust and respect. I don’t trust him and he doesn’t respect my point of view.
Snarky is OK too.
I’m really just thinking that they should come home. This is just going to get more people killed. You fight a war to win it, not equivocate with lives.
Ken mentioned in the second paragraph that Obama is willing to let the CIA, FBI, etc. take responsibility for the actions of his administration. That tendency was also shown in his decision to let Attorney General Eric Holder “make the decision” on how to deal with the terrorist suspects from Guantanamo Bay. If the trials in New York go south, as many of us believe they will, you can bet it will be Holder’s neck on the line, not President Obama’s.