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Dithering or Deliberating?

By Jamie McIntyre Sunday, October 25th, 2009 10:37 pm
Posted in On War

President Obama’s is getting a lot of flak for actually thinking before dispatching another 40,000 to 50,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

The sharpest rebuke came from former Vice President Dick Cheney who in a speech last week accused Obama of “dithering” and said Obama “seems afraid” to make a decision.

“It’s time for President Obama to make good on his promise. The White House must stop dithering while America’s armed forces are in danger. Make no mistake, signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries. Waffling, while our troops on the ground face an emboldened enemy, endangers them and hurts our cause.” – Dick Cheny, Oct. 21, 2009

I have a lot of respect for Mr. Cheney. I covered him when he was Defense Secretary back in 1992. But I think Cheney’s criticism is colored by his politics, and mostly wrong-headed.

But I do agree President Obama IS afraid… afraid of making the wrong decision. Afraid that a wrong decision will result in the needless loss of American lives without making American any safer. Afraid of following the best military advice of his commanders could lead him straight into failure and disaster. And he’s right to worry about that. History shows the perils of unquestioning following the military consensus.

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President Obama was right to ask his top generals David Petraeus and Stanley McChrystal for their honest assessment of what it will take to prevail in Afghanistan. And the commanders have advocated an all-in strategy, that is based on the assumption that the best way to protect the United States from future attack by terrorists based in the region, is nation-building, to essentially create a stable and self-sustaining democracy in Afghanistan.

But what if you change that assumption. What if ‚to protect the United States you only have to keep al Qaeda on the run? Do you really need to build a whole new Afghanistan from the ground up? What if what’s happening in Pakistan is far more important than Afghanistan.

What if the military’s strategy is right, but the mission is wrong. That’s what President Obama must consider.

There’s a lot comparison to Vietnam going on these days, and there are many lessons from that conflict. One important one is that battlefield commanders, intent on achieving their objective, can lose sight of the big picture.

I think Sean Kay has raised some of the key issues in this Op-Ed in the Cleveland Plain Dealer

Tags: Afghanistan, Cheney, Dithering, Obama

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	primetime October 26th, 2009 at 1:31 pm Yes, Jamie, you are correct about the big picture…and a very large component of that big picture is that Obama is fast becoming seen as a President that is uncomfortable with projection of power…among other things…and this time of ‘thought’ will not be seen as logical, thoughtful, deliberate and savvy. Far rather it will be seen as another example of his weakness in dealing with difficult matters that do not lend themselves to another Presidential apology. While it is fine for American pundits and officials to think about things…there comes a time when National Interest will demand force in international relations. I for one, do not believe that this administration can make that kind of decision. One man’s opinion.
	Jim MA October 26th, 2009 at 3:56 pm Even a grunt knows that indecision is unacceptable and worse than making no decsion.
	desertfox75 October 26th, 2009 at 4:05 pm “Even a grunt knows that indecision is unacceptable and worse than making no decsion. ” You mean, indecision is worse than making “a” decision — good or bad.
	Kayaker October 26th, 2009 at 5:25 pm No-bama is a complete idiot who can’t make a decision to defend America when the pressure is on. He can talk thrash about Fox News and force unwanted Socialized health care reform down our throats but he blows off the troop request from a Combat General serving in the field to boot during a time of war !!! No-bama needs to be IMPEACHED and quick. Get rid of No-bama now.
	deane gilmour October 26th, 2009 at 2:27 pm So the “poor little” BABY, crying because he was left with a job to do. What the hell did He run for office if he was just going to sit there in all his numerous photo ops and late night show appearances and be indecisive. true his decisions so far have been horrendous but at least he did do something. If he is so afraid of the wrong decision then do the opposite of what his dis-educated brain tells him. Probably come closer to the right decision at that point. CIC my royal fecal tube. If he is so none informed it is his own daed fault, not those who left him with a job to do. If he were really a leader, he would lead and make decisions instead of crying to his press whes. Yes I do respect the office of President of these United States, the question is .…Does OBAMA? The office demands and requires respect, the person holding it must EARN THAT RESPECT As for me, he has no respect from this citizen warrior. And, I personally beleive that he is ruining this nation’s future so fast that even our votes next November, or any November to come, will come TOO LATE to save this nation from the ruin he is perpetrating
	Dave October 26th, 2009 at 6:43 pm It’s rather hypocritical of Cheney to suggest Obama is Dithering/Waffling on the issue when Cheney and Bush both ignored a request for more troops in Afghanistan for a good 8 months. A request which Obama fulfilled in March btw…
	willielance October 26th, 2009 at 8:02 pm Basic training camps of the armed forces are not assembly lines where troops are produced at the end of a day. It is a meticulous process. One should also factor for every one who makes it through there is another one who washes out. After those back to back deployments to Iraq, the objective may have been obtained but it created wear and tear on the troops. Don’t forget about the families of those troops consisting of husbands, wives and children. Where are these 40,000 to 50,000 troops going to come from? Germany? Korea? Stateside bases? And how about the National Guard and Reserves? Can they be dispatched and would this nation have enough personnel to cover emergencies in the states? Not to mention those deployments for national and international situations, typhoons, hurricanes, etc. President Obama will have to live with the consequences of his decision along with the wrath of military families impacted by it. Deliberation is good! Even in the 21st century, just like its predecessor.….haste makes waste. Some of the comments being made appear to come from “lifers” who get their “rocks” off on rush jobs.
	Guest October 27th, 2009 at 1:16 am He can’t make a decision on our troops but BOY OH BOY can he make quick decisions on spending our tax dollars.….
	Frank October 27th, 2009 at 1:43 am President Obama’s current indecisivenes will result in absolute ruin for our nation, and in particular, create an aura of very low morale for the service men and women who are left out in the cold this very moment. The only thing that will save them for the next three months is the winter weather. After that all hell will break loose. All this rings the bell of history back when President/General Eisenhower stated that whoever serves as President without a military background will imperil the nation in a time of crisis.
	ErichG2 October 27th, 2009 at 2:57 am Well Joe Biden said it wouldn’t be long before this President would be tested in a Crises. I think he meant to say it wouldn’t be long before this President tests our patience with a series of crises. Clearly this is President Carter version II. I hope the Democrats are happy, it’s the Carter Administration all over again. All we need now is hostages taken in Iran.……oh wait a minute, we already have those too.
	Tamra October 27th, 2009 at 3:00 am as much as you respect Cheney??? that’s where your article lost its journalism credibility. but I’ll be fair: name ONE sacrificing thing Cheney-Dick has done for the benefit of ALL, then I can figure out why you’d have respect for a slimy snake who’s slithering around the White House to cover his OWN greed & mistakes. and dodging the draft FIVE times successfully wasn’t a sacrifice, it was the perfect act for a self-serving “person” like Cheney-Dick. give me a break. we are not AT WAR. every decision made, AND WHEN it WAS made, is not for public fodder so that our enemies can plan their defense WELL. man the dumbing down of society is beyond bad. it’s deadly, and contagious given it’s originating from journalism and media.
	Tamra October 27th, 2009 at 3:02 am correction we are now AT WAR, THUS every decision made and when will not be available for the Cheney fans!
	Patrick October 27th, 2009 at 4:55 am It’s interesting you Bush lovers don’t point out that he ignored any request for more troops. Obama has already had 21’000 more troops. The 40’000 would be a total of doubling what Bush had in Country. Remember war like this takes real planning instead of just jumping in like bush then trying to fix it later.
	Old Aviator October 27th, 2009 at 11:16 am You folks really do not understand how the Interagency process for NSC actions works and the Pentagon’s role in such deliberations, do you? Of course that’s really not the point, rather the consistent attitude of Democrat Administrations towards their military advisers is what is at play here. Young Liberals always act like they know better than old Conservatives. That is why President Obama picked the most experienced Special Warfare General that we have to do a job and now must “solemnly deliberate” over the request for the men, women and materials to get the job done. Well, you get what you voted for, don’t you?
	old Jarhead October 27th, 2009 at 8:07 am I dont understand how the decision could not have already been made shortly after the request was made. Surely Obama keeps informed of the status of the war, and surley he knew the request was coming. That is what you get when you communcate regularly with your commanders, isnt it? So why all the delay? But then i am just part of the great unwashed who is just supposed to be dumb out in the wastelands.
	Believe October 27th, 2009 at 12:49 pm What in the hell is wrong with some of you “Bush lovers” Has it been so long that you and yours have been delude by the once terrible administration (who actually plunged this nation into this whole debacle) that you have forgotten how to embrace change for the better, or even give it a chance. Come on people you can’t change 8 years of crap in less than one. President Obama will make the right decision.
	comradeputinski October 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm It’s hard to believe what’s happening with our leadership: obama, reid, pelosi, followed by our great strategist kerry, the john and many more, who think they know better than our commanders in the field! If we have had prosecuted the WWII like that, by now our official language were either japanese or german! boy obama boy, why don’t u go to a boot camp to learn a liitle bit of what is the military all about, and what we need to do during wars! what planet, you guys, high specialists in the art of war, are coming from?
	SFLTCUSARRET October 27th, 2009 at 1:03 pm IT APPEARS POLLITICS AS USUAL. WAFFLE UNTIL THE SOLUTION EITHER SMACKS YOU IN THE FACE, OR SIT BACK WITH YOUR THUMB UP YOUR FOUTH POINT OF CONTACT, AND LET THE SITUATION GET OUT OF HAND TO THE POINT THAT THE ONLY SOLUTION IS SO OBIVIOUS THA AN IDIOT COULD FIGURE IT OUT. IN THE MEAN WHILE THE TROOPS THAT ARE WAITING FOR ALL THIS ( THOUGHTFUL ) MEANDERING GETS MORE TROOPS KILLED FOR LACK OF A TIMELY DECISION . AN OLD SAYING COMES TO MIND, “HE WHOHESITATES IS LOST. NOT GOOD ON THE BATTLEFIELD.
	Dusted Eagle October 27th, 2009 at 9:05 am When Harry Reid was asked why he would not deport all of the illegals we have living in this country, he said it could not be done, because there were too many of them. This is the attitude of our present administration, we will not defend America or its ideals, because of the enemy…there are too many of them! Anybody remember the Powell Doctrine? Don’t ever go to war unless you have the overwhelming forces to win. We do not have those overwhelming forces, here in the USA, or overseas. Our government will do what LAPD did, during the Rodney King riots. They will turn and run and leave us to defend ourselves!
	Terry Johnson October 27th, 2009 at 1:13 pm As for Mr. Cheney, the saying comes to mind ” Fools Rush In Where Wisemen Fear To Thread” Mr Bush got us into a war we couldn’t win and later gave away all American rights in Iraq, and treated A-stan like the ugly step sister. At least we have a President who knows how to think and does just that.
	croaker October 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm If you are sugguesting that pulling out of Afganistan is a legitimate option for Obama to make, militarily or otherwise, then obviously you haven’t studied much in the way of world history. Why do you think we have had so many problems in Iraq from the Shiites. They were our allies in the first Gulf War and when we pulled out hastily without removing Sadaam and didn’t back them up, what happened? They were slaughtered! You think maybe they held a grudge.…..maybe didn’t trust us a little? History is filled with examples like this. What do you think will happen to the Afgans who have supported us if we pull out before the job is done? The Taliban will slaughter THEM.…..men, women, and children.….and send their society right back to the Dark Ages as well as ensuring that Afganistan will NEVER be an ally of the US. Would you trust a ‘friend’ EVER AGAIN who ditched you in the toughest moment of your life? I don’t think so. What Obama (and you, the writer of this article) had better consider is can he stomach the loss of thousands upon thousands of Afgan lives because that will be the result of his ‘taking time to think.’
	Paul October 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am Deliberating is a wise and good thing to do, but not in the middle of a fire fight or while being shot at, which is right where we are. Take decisive action, secure our presence or departure and then decide what your long term policy or agenda should be. Meanwhile people are dying while you are deliberating, but then some decisions are made by making no decision at all.
	Mike October 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm Cheney approach: Fire! — Ready — Fire! — Aim — Fire! Had they, the Former VP and his crew, focused on and not forgotten about Afghanistan in the first place, would we really be having these conversations? Think not! To solve the problem at hand has more to do with helping to change the way the Afghani’s govern themselves — education, infrastructure and cleaning up the corrupt practices that are currently in place. The need and what I feel is the solution is for the deployment of both troops to secure the country while others that specialize civilian order can do the job. Let’s face it, the military is not trained, nor should they be, to be civilian adminstrators.
	Eagledriver October 27th, 2009 at 3:31 pm “One important one is that battlefield commanders, intent on achieving their objective, can lose sight of the big picture.” Tying the hands of field commanders got men killed in Vietnam. Recall F-4s having to wait for fighters and missiles to be launched before they could engage. War’s fought from the White House are doomed to failure. Rely on your military leader’s advice. They know the environment. They know the conditions. They know what it truly takes to achieve victory. LISTEN TO THEM. The Taliban will not stop. The radical Islamic world will not stop. The only language they understand is violence, and when called upon we speak that language well. So let’s take them to school. For the sake of this country, and others that are on the list next, do not hold back this time.
	Tack October 27th, 2009 at 3:47 pm The Obama administration is taking its time to decide what the best actions/decisions should be for Afghanistan. Too bad he does not take the same caution in respect to many of the other decisions he is trying to force feed the country. This is a sad administration, I only hope we survive!!!!
	shawn October 27th, 2009 at 5:36 pm just remember, if you are too quick to shoot, you may hit a friend (I would have thought we all had learned that lesson from Cheney)
	Tim October 27th, 2009 at 5:53 pm Yes, Dick Cheney with his four Vietnam draft deferments. The man who wanted to send U.S. troops to arrest terror suspects in Pittsburgh.
	Wayne October 27th, 2009 at 1:55 pm He needs to eather give us the troops or pull us out! let us WIN the war, and let us go HOME. he needs to wake up and realize it’s NOT a game! we need an answer and we need it NOW!! So Mr. BozObama if you can pull yourself away from whatever you do (which is nothing) we would like an answer NOW.
	Doug October 27th, 2009 at 6:40 pm How can you expect O’Bama to have enough time to be abreast of things with the military, after all he has commercials to make, Olympics to secure, health plans to dissemble & still try to look intelligent…plus the nasty truth about him keeps popping up on the Fox Network AT LEAST IN IRAG OUR RIGHTS AS YOU SAY WERE GIVEN AWAY, HERE IN THE USA THEY ARE NOW BEING TAKEN FROM US!
	Mel October 27th, 2009 at 6:44 pm You are an idot!
	Mel October 27th, 2009 at 6:47 pm Not uncomfortable, just cautious. He dosen’t blindly rush in with a half assed plan as has been done for ove 8 years! The only ‘problem’ Americans have is the GOP, & Special Interest te the GOP caters to!!!!
	Mel October 27th, 2009 at 6:50 pm I’m a 26 year USMC veteren & know the worst thing you can do is make a hastey, half assed decision. It’s about tkime we had someone who was willing to listen & then weigh the possible outcomes, ‘befor’ putting our military on the line. You should be grateful, & stop lisitining to idots who wouldn’t know a trench from trench mouth!
	Mel October 27th, 2009 at 6:51 pm You are definately a tunnel visioned idiot! Wxactly whats wrong with America!
	anthony October 27th, 2009 at 3:04 pm i agree with doug our rights are being taken away from us.What happen to the us being a free country
	Mike October 27th, 2009 at 9:34 pm Would wish to know which one of our rights has been taken away? Seems that you have be listening to someone shout this now for so long that you are beginning to beleive it!
	Mike October 27th, 2009 at 9:35 pm Please advise as to why having an answer right at this very moment so important?
	Mike October 27th, 2009 at 9:45 pm What do your comments on Fox News, which is free to make any statement it so desires or Health Care Regulations, which are voted on and approved by the Congress, have to do with Afghanistan? With regard to Afghanistan, The President has recetly talked directly to the General, to my knowledge the President has neither confirmed nor denied the request for more troops. But I do know that there are more troops in Afghanistan under the current President then there were under the past.
	Mike October 27th, 2009 at 9:53 pm My fellow citizen Doug, Which right do you no longer have? Very much wish to know because if you have lost it, then I’ve lost mine also!
	robert brenzel October 28th, 2009 at 11:40 pm Dithering or deliberation Obama has been asked by HIS selected General for what it takes to do the mission. Obama had two years to think about the necessary war. Ready for phone call at 3 A.m. day after inauguration? This call came months ago..absolutly dithering, militarily but not politically…stalling for time to pass healthcare with votes of his base…sorry soldiers, I got this serious thing about my signature legislation..you understand moms and dads…volunteers don’t deserve my speediest decision, Nancy and Harry do…ugh General McChrystal..I’ll get back to you on that..
	Curt Kastens November 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 am Americans have lost the right to send their daughters to a school dance with out fear that they will be gang raped and that the other teenagers will not only not step in to stop it they will take pictures of it and not call 911. Sure this may not happen everyday in America. But is there even one American who can step forward and say such a thing could never happen in my community? What I would say is that such a thing not only could happen any where in America in many places the authorities would do a better job of covering up what actually happened. There are societies in the world that have not reached the depraved level that the US has. It is true that in every country where there is ethnic tension such a thing could happen at any time. Of course it is all the fault of LIBERALS that such a state exists in America now isn’t it? We all know that. It is so obvious that it does not need to be explained. Does anything actually need to be explained? Does anyone need to think or can we just all follow the crowd, or our superiors? Could it happen to us if we stick our neck out? In Germany recently to big 17 year old youths were robbing a younger boy in a subway station. A man went to intervene in the situation. The 2 youths turned on him and beat him to death. Other people looked on, I do not remember if anyone called the police, but they had good reason to be frightened. Do you have a good reason to be frightened. I mean right now at this second. If you knew that your reward for trying to stop the rape of a 15 year old girl would be 2 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge and that the authorities would accuse you of actually having been the attempted rapist would you try to stop the rape?
	nate November 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 am You have no respect for our president and will be dissapointed when the economy recovers, Alqueida is driven out of Afganistan (Obama doubled the troops that were there for 7 years.) and gets re-elected in 2012.
	crew5 November 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 am And how do you propose to ‘keep al quaida on the run’ ??? Maybe run ads telling them they are in danger ~ in the New York Times ? A startegist I’m not. BUT ~ neither is No-bama (No BOMB A), liar Biden, Triple liar Kerry OR cowardly liar Murtha. Having been in combat, I DO know you don’t just ‘hunker down’ and win.
	rhino60 November 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 am It pains me to see that military.com is becoming yet another mouth piece for Obama. Granted, the man is our Commander-in-Chief and should be respected as such. But, allowing a CNN “reporter” write a fluff piece on a topic that deeply concerns the military and our families is disturbing and erodes my confidence in military.com. Furthermore, I great deal of us respect Mr. Cheney. I do not think the pages of military.com is the place for this sort of political opportunism.
	D. McDonald November 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 am In my opinion, The President simply needs to say make a decision. And that decision needs to be based on the fact that this country: doesn’t need another Vietnam: any more senseless loss of lives; to be stuck in a “no way to win” war using conventional troops against guerilla forces, and just pull out the ground troops and leave the job to Spec Ops like it was suppose to. TO hell with all the right wing critics! If you want to fight in Afghanistan report for duty or shut the hell up.
	D. McDonald November 3rd, 2009 at 5:10 am You know it’s comical to think anyone can even imagine winning a war in this region that has never been won, not in 2000 years.
	Chucker G. November 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 am It’s interesting to watch the Democrats now that the war is “theirs”. They are suddenly beginning to find parallels between Afghanistan and Vietnam. They are partly correct, “Winter Soldier” Kerry and his cronies are doing exactly the same thing they did there, undercutting our actions and beginning the wind-up to force a withdrawal.
	Jim November 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 am It is one thing to think about something and another to act! This President fails to act, he has had more than enough time to deliberate and obtain input. He is a weak and indecisive leader.
	Jim November 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 am The only decision he can make is photo ops! Oh lets not forget what he said during his campain, we must not fail in Afganistan. He then hand picks a man and tells him what he wants done and says tell me what you need and you will get it. Well he has been told and he still does nothing. This is real leadership yes sir it really is!
	Duff November 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 am Yes, Right or Wrong in conflict/combat make a decision! USMC
	annoyed November 3rd, 2009 at 6:19 am it makes me annoyed n slightly upset to see ppl write things like obama is wavering etc…these are ppls lives we are talking about…one being my husbands! we rnt talking about supplies etc…we r talking about ppls husbands wives sons daughters…we have desperately needed someone to show us military families that our lives n those of our dear loved ones r being thought about n the effects of multiple deployments n possible death or injury is not bein taken lightly! yes my husband signed up..n i hope we will continue to have a president who thinks long n hard about sending men n women into a terrible warzone! we need an effective strategy before sending tens of thousands of more troops.…this is a tiny country w terrible terrain bordering an extremey unstable country.…more soldiers doesnt equal victory (whatever that is to you) we learned that in vietnam.…theres a lot at stake hereg n im glad we finally have a president who does not take this lightly!
	Bequacery November 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am Right! Act without thinking, like the soldier who fired ten rounds at Pat Tilman while he had his arms up, waving them! That’s the way to act in battle. Fact is, our losses in Afghanistan have increased since we have sent in more troops, but the Taliban is stronger. Some decisions are made by making no decisions at all? Don’t think! Act! Reject or ignore intelligence which warns of terror attacks here at home, and casts doubt on your delusions about Iraq. Remove your senior officers who warn you are not committing enough troops to do the job in Iraq. Dismiss the defeated but intact Iraqi Army to poverty and resentment while allowing billions of the taxpayers’ dollars to be stolen. It didn’t take Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld any time at all to commit those blunders.
	JudyM November 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 am The POTUS has less experience than a person who runs the local hot dog stand. He is a socialist. I thought Bush was crazy with spending — who knew he was nothing compared with Obama who has sold out our children and grandchildren. Making no decision is a decision. I hope the country survives the next 3 years.
	crew5 November 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm FYI ~ there is NO war zone that isn’t ‘terrible’. But to have inexperienced half baked ‘congress persons’ make strategy decisions is idiotic. I did NOT want to go, NOR have any of my family members ~ who have been involved in EVERY war America has been in~ since 1828. AND ~ also FYI, WE TOO had & have families. We often were unable to hear of or from them for MONTHS. Grow up !!! My country AMERICA, makes many mistakes but we have done MORE for MORE than any other nation in the world. With the present trend toward socialism, we will become just another fallen nation in the rubble & ruins of history. Obama SAID that THIS is the RIGHT war. If that is the case, LISTEN to the military advisors and the ‘experienced’ civilians, your allies and then MAKE A DECISION, DAMMIT !!!!! Then have the GUTS to stick by it. I also agree with another that military.com HAS trended toward liberal rather than staying neutral.
	dburch November 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm I good friend of mine always said, “The 100% solution isn’t worth a da@#, five minutes after it’s too late”. Time to act!
	Raven33 November 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 pm He cares so much he didn’t even bother to talk to the man he hired until the General went public to try and get him to do something. Thank you General for caring more for the troops than your career!
	kaymad November 3rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm Poor Obama. It’s clear he is finding it hard being the ‘decider’. Perhaps he could pass this hard decision on to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid?
	crew5 November 3rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm Concur with Rhino 60. .com IS acting too many times as a mouthpiece for liberals. AND ‘ to ‘Annoyed’. FYI there is NO friendly combat area or warzone. The CinC SAID this was the RIGHT war. He did that even WITHOUT consulting with knowledgeable persons. AND, the liberal congress persons NOW whining (and you commenters too) VOTED for the actions taken. Going back to the Clinton years, liberals WERE decrying the WMD’s in Iraq, so don’t hand me your bull now. 9–11 did NOT get dreamed up in the first 8 months of the Bush years, but we dealt with it & probably will NEVER root out ALL the persons trying to harm us. BUT, going the socialist way, as the liberals & this administration are taking us, weakens us, undermines us, destroys personal responsibilities and leads to our downfall. The government is NOT a big dayyd to snuggle up to. It SHOULD work FOR the governed.
	Disgusted November 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm Bush did not get stoned like everyone has been doing to President Obama (not just Obama) in his less than a year in the White House instead you elected Bush for a second term and you; lost your jobs, houses, money, benefits, went deeper into debt, got lied to and went to war. Atta country, we don’t want change. Just turn around, bend over and ask for more of what we had for eight years of the Bush adminstration and smile because we like the way it feel. Wake up people! Wake up! At the end of President Obama’s term if you don’t like what’s happen change it by voting in someone new, but be carefully what you wish for.
	Tony November 3rd, 2009 at 2:04 pm When we were attacked the whole world was shocked and on our side. Everyone wanted Ladens head on a stick. We should of done that in Afganistan instead of attacking Iraq. The prior administration made several almost daily bone headed decisions .It is going to take a stable keel to get through this.The whole world is watching and our leaders need to make well thought out decisions to keep our troops safe. When this first started I asked a WWII friend of mine what he thought about it and he said” that they weren’t worth one drop of our blood”
	Vsshooter November 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 am He is dithering like that “Other great American president” I mean carpenter Jimmy (Socialist) Carter. He’ll micro manage this war from the White House and get a lot of good people killed. Just like the Democrats did in Vietnam.
	Jim Wright November 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm Protecting the U.S. is not a priority with Mr. Obama. The prudent use of force and protecting our military is not a priority with Mr. Obama. Mr. Obama is uncomfortable with a U.S. victory. Not upsetting his real allies in the Muslim world, you know the ones he bows to, is his priority. The photo-op he made in Dover makes me sick. Mr. Obama grow a set, support the troops with the manpower and equipment the military commander asks for or pull them out of there. You may not have a clue what is needed by the military in Afghanistan but the military commander does. Stop trying to appease your far lefties.
	ProudVet November 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am Racism is alive and well in America. How else can one explain all the hate and name calling towards the President. Views, opinions are okay but why the hate and name calling. In combat you don’t care about the color of skin nor sexual gender. You just care that the person next to you covers your back. Thus if the comments are not about racism then the real facts should be presented such as: Socalism has been in place in Amercia every since Social Security was created. I hear constantly hear that Socalist Health Care is being forced on us, okay, is anyone complaining about Medicade or Hedicare. My folks aren’t. Isn’t that socialism? I’m happy to see that there are others who feel about Cheney like I do. Yes he pushed George Bush, whom I think is a good man, into turning his back on AGAN and going into Iraq. He also responded that “they all were voluneeters” when asked what he thought about the 4000th service member being killed in Iraq. Good answer from a man that submitted for and received 4 or 5 deferments. What happened to loving my country back then? But he can complain about our current President and he is our President whether you like it or not, not making a decision to send more of our brothers and sisters into combat without thinking it over. I’m very pleased my President is thinking this over before rushing to send in more troops. There is no DOUBT our troops can complete any operation, win any conflict as long as they know the mission. I personally don’t know what the mission was over there. I thought I knew in 2001 and I watched our troops with respect and pride accomplish there mission. Kick out the ones harboring the terrorist that attacked us. Then I watch AGan put on the back burner and our troops sent to IRAQ to take Saddam out of power because of his mass weapons of destruction. They did that, took him out of power. The accomplish their mission. They didn’t accomplish Rumsfeld and Cheney’s mission, secure weapons of mass destruction because they were not there. Rumsfeld and Cheney knew this. Then they were asked to be Policemen and Security Forces. They did that. So DON’T say they didn’t complete their given mission!! They did everything our government asked for and more. In Vietnam we had a 13 month combat mission. These young troopers have had four and five combat missions under the previous administration. So don’t forget that when you are complaining about our President not sending more of them to AGan without thinking it over. It is easy for us to say send them but we are not seeing the families they are leaving behind. If the President chooses to send them they will go and they will do their mission but the President owes them the right to know what their mission is. It is not to go and liberate this country that has been in war since time. Why do you think their leaders are called warlords. It isn’t for show. So all you wanting to see the young troopers in to war right away without thinking then tell me what their mission will be and I’ll shut up.
	George T. Raynes November 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm We have a lot of pansies and elitists in this administration and in Congress who have never served in the armed forces or ever had to make quick, on-the-spot, life and death decisions. I am a recently retired E-7. I’m still physically fit . There are many retired active duty and reserve component personnel like me who are still young enough and healthy enough to serve. Volunteers could be recruited from this large group of veterans. They could backfill for our honorable active duty and reserve men and women who are deployed. THIS is where the extra troops could come from. Obama wants to take all the time in the world to decide if and when the request of a seasoned combat veteran like Gen McChrystal should be acted upon. The President had no problem publicly making a solemn promise to strike down the Defense Department’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy without first consulting with the Joint Chiefs. Obama and his appointees have no clue as to what it takes to form a cohesive fighting force. Obama MUST honor Gen McChrystal’s request and do it now.
	Bill November 3rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm What is funny about all of this is that the Dick Cheneys, Sean Hannitys, Rush Limbaus of the world never served day one in the armed forces. I spent over 30 yeras there and I believe that Obama is right on. Don’t forget his right hand, National Security Advisor Jim Jones is a former Commandant of the Marine Corps and was Commander of SHAPE before his retirement. Obama isn’t doing these things in a vacuum but with common sense and good judgement not only on his own but that of his advosors. I wish idiots would stop trying to second guess the best President I have seen in my lifetime of 67 years.
	Retired father November 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm If you hate Obama then nothing he does will satisfy you. But I’m glad to have a president who takes a little time to consider before sending our troops (our sons and daughters, husbands and wives) into conflict. He isn’t responding to a wartime provocation, this is deciding how far into the Afghanistan quagmire to step. Ask the Russians how easy it was to fight there. This is not a time for Bush/Cheney hubris. This is a time for careful consideration.
	Justin Case November 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm Everyone can complian about either the Republicans and/or the Democats. The bottom-line problem is “politicians in the two parties”. They care only about their own future and not ours. Even if you believe that Bush was better than Obama or vice versus, the system is wha’ts got us screwed up. It’s all about oil. Those people over there have been fighting each other since the creation of time. The USA will never change that. What we as AMERICANS need to do is get rid of our current politicians, set term limits to those positions and take care of ourselves. With the next elections coming up it would be good if all of us consider not the party but the individual’s platform. Get rid of politicians that have devoted their entire life to politics.; They have all lost sight.
	Bill November 3rd, 2009 at 3:22 pm What many seem to miss the point on is that WAR is an extension of POLITICS. Not local or national politics but international politics. What we must look at is our NATIONAL INTERESTS. Some define that as strictly oil. But there are genuine national interests that drive our national strategy. Getting rid of Al Queada is one of them but not necessarily rebuilding Afghanistan. The previous administration wanted to bring freedom and democracy to the mideast, and this was really a dumb move. Bush even called it a “crusade”. We should not be spending our national treasure in blood and dollars foolishly or we are just doing what al quaeda wants us to do. Remember, we had over 500,000 troops a year in Vietnam and Westmorland wanted even more. Bush/Cheney tried to do their war on the cheap with Rumsfeld fighting the military on every front when they gave him a valid estimate of what the war would take. Give Obama the benefit of the doubt. I hate to think what things would be like if McCain/Palin were in power. But that’s another issue.
	Cameron November 3rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm I’m an Army “Grunt” and I completely agree! You’ve got to make a decision, and fast. Right or wrong, you just have to make it and defend your decision later. Drive on and get them before they get you. General George S. Patton once said ” Nobody has ever won a battle on the defence. There is only attack, attack, and attack some more!” Just make the God-damned decision to attack!!!!
	Served Proudly November 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm Nice to know there are people out there who think Bush’s legacy is a bankrupt America, with no jobs and no humility. . No-Bama? Fox News? What a racist. Bush lied to the entire world, and killed more people on his watch than almost anyone since Vietnam (Vietnam Vet here), he cheated us out of our future while Cheney and his cronies made money on American’s serviceman’s and women’s blood. You’re sick. Put a gun in your mouth and spare us the crap. Got a solution Eisenstein? Since you seem to have all the answers, why don’t you just tell how you’d solve it all?
	Served Proudly November 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm Yeah, Old Conservatives. Right, biggest spenders I can remember starting with Reagan. I’m an old fart too, and labels like “liberal” or “conservative” are not even applicable anymore. I’m an AMERICAN and when Bush was (gag) president, the news couldn’t get near him, (except for the Rupert “Buy His Citizenship” Murdock — so he could buy a news station which is unlawful for people not citizens of the us, AKA Fox News, or as as I see it, “All the news that’s shit to print”) but I digress. If you Old Conservatives are so smart, so patriotic, so American, why in 8 years did you all this man and YOUR party to screw the pooch? Get over it, admit you’re party is a part of the problem and move on. I’m loyal to my country first and foremost. I’m conservative on many issues, like spending tons of money in countries we’d never be if there wasn’t oil. And we wouldn’t be spending if we had figured out what most of the rest of the world knows, oil is not infinite, and certainly not worth loosing our good young men and women on. BTW, lot’s of those young liberals you speak of, have died in every war America has been in. So, show some damned respect.
	Samj November 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm Please, I think some of you are dreaming about what it used to be. We cannot keep sending our troops to engage in a no-win affairs. This is what we have now in Iraq and Afghhanistan. Mr President, please take as much time as you need to make the best decision. Semper Fi!
	Tony November 3rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm Dems or Repubs, the followers on the left and those on the right-THEY ARE ALL CROOKS!!! It’s time to vote the lot of them out of office and out of their self elected pensions. We need to elect those who truely have our nations best interest at heart for a change! As military/former military members we all know, (or should know) that any indecision is a death setence in combat!
	guiseppi November 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 pm I’m gonna puke if I hear about Bush and his failed 8 year presidency as being the reason for all the problems the liberal democrats are faced with now. I am no Bush or Cheney admirer, but Cheney may have saved a few casualties for our troops in Afghanistan by highlighting the Obama dithering. I spent 28 years in the military so this is not about idiot Cheney, this is about supporting a top notch General and our troops who are in harms way. A well defined plan issued months ago by the President to Gen McCrystal all of a sudden has become a debating contest on the backs of our troops. Afghaniston had a corrupt government eight tears ago with the bands of tribes whose major export is the poppy drugs. We have to nuetralize the Taliban and defeat ALQeada to eliminate further attacks on our soil. We have to tolerate the corrupt Afghan regime to allow changes to be made in a democracy which could never exist with the Taliban. It is in the best interest of the Afghan people and the USA to eradicate the danger that the terrorists represent to nuclear Pakistan as well as Afghanistan. The petty distractions seem to be more important.
	M Butler November 3rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm I am sorry but respect has to be earned. As a Retired Navy Chief, I know that you have to follow orders, however I DO NOT, have to respect the person who gives them. As a civilian remember thoes who we elect work for us. not the other way around.
	guiseppi November 3rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm The Obama administrations Emmanuel and Gibbs have said on a number of occasions how corrupt the Afghan government is, and was used as logic to decision troop deployments that Gen McCrystal needed. The Afghans went from Taliban rule to Karzai Presidency when we ran the Taliban out. I thought it was the kettle calling the pot black with all the corruption surrounding this administration. IE Vance Jones, the Green Czar selected by Valerie Jarret (WH Chief of Staff) and approved by the President. Jones was investigated and determined to be a communist radical. Timothy Geithner and a few others were tax cheats. Jarret (a well documented slum lord from Chicago) and President Obama have both been involved with ACORN which is the organization under investigation on 14 states by the FBI. Congress recently defunded them. The school Czar (Holgrem) was active in a Gay organization (NAMBI) that promotes relationships between older men and young boys. Mr. Sunstein is the environmental Czar who wants to ban hunting and thinks animals should have lawyers WOW. Talk about the height of hyposcrisy. All administrations have had their share of shady characters but Obama seems to have them all beat.
	BMNT November 3rd, 2009 at 5:24 pm It’s because of dumb ass comments by the likes of kayaker and deane gilmour that our party has lost it’s credibility. These two losers need to accept the fact that the President is the Commander in Chief and any criticism or comments must address a possible resolution. Otherwise, their comment is just rhetoric and an insult to our organization. Dumb ass.
	Kelzrose November 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm Annoyed and all the rest of you that have loved ones that may be in danger of being deployed to Afghanistan and are patting Obama on the back for “taking his time” PLEASE stop for a just a quick second and think about our soldiers that are there on the ground in harms way, without the support needed to survive and their family members. I have been associated with the military all of my 50 years. And in all that time, I have never before heard statements like these from other military families. No one wants to see their loved ones placed in harms way… but I never thought that I would see the day when family members would think that it was okay to LEAVE OUR OWN BEHIND. The delay in decision means a delay in deployment, leaving those on the ground behind.… I am so sure that your loved one would be so proud of your selfishness and inconsideration for our troops on the ground and their family members having to read your self serving statements. I hope and pray that if or when your loved one is on the ground in Afghanistan, that you will not have to encounter statements such as the ones that you have made. An honorable soldier would be the first one to raise their hand to go and support our troops, any family member that honors their Soldier would be the first in line to support them and those that they serve with!
	Samj November 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm This is a no-win situation. Mr. President, please a take as much time as you think you need to make the best decision. There are some who desire that we send 40,000 more troops to a no-win affair. I am against it, but I don’t have to make the decision. Semper fi!
	Samj November 3rd, 2009 at 5:39 pm Amen, retired father. I am with you.
	GunnyMac November 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm Sorry Mel, I’m a 21 yr M.C. grunt vet, but I have to disagree. Politicians “thinking” helped ruin Viet Nam. It will do the same here. His commanders in the field know what their doing and what they need to accomplish the mission. If they need more troops, he should give them more troops. PERIOD The Presidents indecision is allowing the enemy time to enhance its ability to withstand future assaults by U.S. Forces.
	kwag November 3rd, 2009 at 6:19 pm If George Bush senior had listened to his commander in the field in 1991 we would not be having this debate either. General Swartzkof Said we are headed to Baghdad and Bush said no turn around and go back to the border. If this had not happened we would not have had to go back after the world trade center bombing, because it would not have happened.
	Mike November 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm Really not the same thing here. Iraq is a completely different situation then Afghanistan. George H.W. Bush had a situation on his hands that was much more complex than ’ Just head off for Baghdad ‘. The most important being that under the UN mandate which authorized force to remove the Iraqi’s from Kuwait. Once that was completed the other two points of not being able to pursue the Iraqi’s were that there were other forces involved other those from just the USA and the UK and there just were not enough of necessary supplies available to continue the push on to Baghdad. Also, please recall that General’s do not make policy, they are there to carry out the orders of the Commander in Chief.
	Mike November 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm Remember that Afghanistan came first. The reason that Afghanistan was invaded was to get rid of the terrorist nest. Something that was going along reasonably well until the attention of the recent occupant of the White House was diverted to the potential evil of Iraq. This lapse of attention then caused the situation in Afghanistan to just, oh what word would be a good choice here? I got it — dither. Now, like it or not, we have new leader in USA. I believe that he is weighting the choices very carefully. He has a real rat’s nest on his hands and he has to make a determination what is best for the American people, the Afghani’s and the rest of world too. Unfortunately, as before, it is the safety and well being of the American forces that is being jeopardized. I pray for the safe return of them all, when ever that i?
	Ben November 3rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm Politics aside we have men and women in the line of fire who need IMMEDIATE help. From what I see Obama is holding the men and women of the armed forces hostage until he gets his domestic(socialist) agenda passed. IE; He cannot afford to lose support of the anti-war factions that would take place if he approved the troops the general asked for so he is postponing the decision until this legislation is passed. In the meantime our people are dying.
	GONUCLEAR November 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm YOU GOT THE IDEA! WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY UNIQUE IS, WE ARE INDIVIDUALS! WE DO NOT NEED THE GOVERNMENT TO THROW THINGS DOWN OUR THROAT LIKE HEATH CARE. STAY OUT OF MY LIFE GOVERNMENT!!! I HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS… I DO NOT WANT PELOZZI TO BE MY DOCTOR!!!!!!
	"Pierre" November 3rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm interesting comments, however what I do understand is this; rushing to an impratical decision based on popularity, pundits or any political rational will be what this President eventually will have to live with. Make no mistake, this President I can assure you, want to get this Right! unlike Bush, making decisions based on false and misguided inforamtion that ultimately caused many of our service members their lives and the lives that are being lost as we provide comments. Mr. President, take you time get it right according to all the weighted information and then Stick by your decision and not look for anyone else to blame but yourself. I fill comfortable with this; many of us are veterans and understand our roles in the oath we took to protect our Great Nation and was willing to give our life in her defense..so my story will be to Back our President regardless of the decision that has or will be made.
	NevadaBob November 3rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm Many may not see it, but there are so many similiarities with Afghanistan and Viet Nam it’s frightening. When things started going bad in Nam, the drum beaters demanding more and more troops was deafening. Asking the Generals is a poor way of guaging what to do; they always want more troops, more equipment, more of everything. They want to win, but how do we define winning in a part of the world that has known little peace through the millenia. One must take a very critical look at our goals, what do we hope to accomplish. If that is not obtainable, then we need to cut our losses. If it IS obtainable, then jump in with both feet and get the job done. The problem here is the Russians are watching us go down the the same road they did, but they had the guts to leave an unwinnable quagmire even after 10 years. We should do the same.
	Mack November 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 pm If he is the best President that you have seen in your lifetime, then we are in trouble. I think you must be living in a Vacuum
	Joe T November 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm His indecision is costing troops’ lives. If he isn’t going to follow his top general’s advice, then get out. Typical Democrat, won’t fight. But then again, he’s so inexperienced, he can’t do anything except spend us into oblivion.
	A 27 year veteran November 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 pm This is probably one of the most thoughtful articles I have read on this subject. Thank goodness we have a president now who is willing to “not” make the knee jerk mistakes of other presidents, namely Bush, Nixon and LBJ. Judging by the responses below most are not as thoughtful. Luckily for this country, none of them will have to make the decisions. My guess is most are armchair patriots.
	Ren November 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 pm How can you criticise the President for seeking all of the current facts before deciding if he we should send any more american men to fight for WHAT? tHINK ABOUT IT! Sending the cream of american youth into caves to search out and kill tribal people who don’t want us there? How ludicrous can we get?
	Algonac6 November 3rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm Our Commander in Chief is voting “present” while our commanders are asking for back up. Politics as usual.
	Bob November 4th, 2009 at 12:03 am Before the election Obama told us he had a plan, he knew how to win in Afganistan. Now he tells us he is working on a plan. Is someone lying to us? And the theatrics of ignoring the report because he was not ready for it yet is just ludicrous.
	navcdr November 4th, 2009 at 2:33 am This is one of the most thoughtful articles I have read on this subject. Finally, after 8 years, we have a president who is giving great thought on a strategy before sending men into harms way. Rather than a knee jerk reaction to each thing the other guy does as we have seen with the previous administration. And it seems like almost all of the people writing here are: “Armchair Patriots”. People willing to condemn the president for caring about the men in uniform and the country as a whole. Good thing none of these are making the hard decisions. A 27 Year Veteran
	navcdr November 4th, 2009 at 2:46 am As a former enlisted man you should know quite well that Gen McChrystal’s first duty is to the Commander in Chief, not the media. McChrystal should have been fired for leaking the 40,000 troops he wanted to the media. It has put the president in a very awkward position. In case you did not know it, McChrystal is also now being heavily criticized for failing to included in his Silver Star written recommendation for Pat Tillman that there was no enemy fire. Tillman was killed by friendly fire. We have a General here who is in dire need of a discharge.
	Les November 4th, 2009 at 5:25 am My goodness. Are you employed by Fox News? You sound just like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. You were probably saying No to Obama even before he was elected. We are talking about the importance of not making the right decision at a critical time, and not systematically saying NO to whatever “No-Bama” proposes.
	Les November 4th, 2009 at 5:27 am I mean of “making the right decision”
	Les November 4th, 2009 at 5:41 am Okay. Just return your social security checks when you retire and any VA benefits. . And don’t forget to cancel your mom’s or dad’s Medicare benefits. They are just stuff being “thrown down your throat..“ Millions of American can’t afford health care. Just look around you. You will see for yourself that neighbors, friends or relatives or toothless waitresses and cashiers full into that category. Health care reform is impotant for our country. Your anti-Obama, anti-Pelosi brattle is counter-productive.
	Les November 4th, 2009 at 5:46 am Your view is distorted by the political views, not your country’s interests or respect for the presidenet.
	Bill November 4th, 2009 at 1:14 pm “Armchair Patriots”, sounds like those who have a lot to say but have given nothing in return. Spent 34 years in the Army in both enlisted and officer ranks. I know what it is like as a private, as a sergeant, and as a senior officer. Most of what I read here is local politics and hate. Not necessarily racial hate but the kind of hates that exudes from Sarah Palin, Hannity and the like. (and I was a Republican all of my life until the Bush administration twisted reality) This country wasn’t built by “haters” or cowards who like to have others do the dirty work for them, it was built by caring patriots who were willing to die for what they believed in.
	a real soldier November 4th, 2009 at 3:44 pm As a retired soldier the stall and take your time and not make a decision is not only putting your soldiers at risk but also a plan of action behind schedule, so dont make a plan the floundre in your decsioin making skills, we need a leader who can think (YES) but also one who has the balls to do it right and not lager, either way there is gonna be a cost to life, remember 911, or have this country fogottenm about the americans and non– americans ( the illegals ) who lost there lives
	Samj November 4th, 2009 at 4:11 pm I agree with you. I served in Vietnam and was wounded and hospitalized for 15 months in a no-win war. Give this president some credit for thinking and considering the best solution before taking action.
	DG Skosh November 4th, 2009 at 5:25 pm The way this 20 year vet sees it is that every troop killed in Afghanistan now must be laid at Obama’s door. He has shown the worl he is a coward. He has no leadership skills. He is indecisive. He has no stomache for war. He will not listen to the advise of the commanders on the ground. He is a lier who says we should give the troops what they need, then refuses to do it.
	Larry November 4th, 2009 at 6:02 pm Personally, I’d welcome his decision to withdraw all US troops and leave them to stew in their own juices, just attacking Taliban or Al Quaeda from time to time without even asking permission. But that is not the point. His own people are telling him he must make a decision NOW, and he is running off to campaign for Chicago’s Olympics bid or campaign for whatever other silly political garbage he can think of when he should be concentrating on that decision. He’s leaving the troops twisting in the wind, just like we were left in Vietnam, when we should be moving forward or backing out, one or the other. Just what has he been DOING for 9 months if he has to begin deliberating now?
	GONUCLEAR November 4th, 2009 at 7:12 pm I’m not saying throw it away (healthcare etc…) but I can testify that with more than 20 years in the health care field, most of the 20,000 pts. I’ve come across is due to self inflicted stupidity! People do not take care of themselves. So that means you want me to pay for people who have abused their bodys for decades! I see that as absurd. I don’t mind helping ones who need it. Their are lots of people that need it. And their are lots of people who will abuse our Health care system, and that includes the politicians and lawmakers!!! Money will be appropriated for projects that will never see a patient!!! Buildings will be built and new roads will be constructed just to get their, and I gaurantee you, a patient will never set foot in these buildings! Quote me on this Les!!! I do have an extraordinary ability to figure out what will happen in the future. I am not pshycic!!! Nor pshycotic!!! Sorry for the incorrect spelling!!! I’m just saying it is a horrible idea and it will fail !!! I hope I am wrong!! I love this country! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
	Bill November 4th, 2009 at 9:29 pm DG, you sound like a moron. and by the way being combat vet myself I want to ask you, who really does have a stomach for war? Can you define the enemy? Our generals can’t. You can’t be much of a vet if you want to insult our president.
	Ben November 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm Seven months ago, Obama told us that he had a “Comprehensive Plan” for Afghanistan. His words, not mine. Either he was lying then, or he has been dithering since. One or the other. Personally, I’ll go with Lying, after all, he’s a politician, but who knows.
	Ben November 5th, 2009 at 5:38 pm Ahhh… Terry? Yeah, about that war we couldn’t win? We won. Saddam is gone, the Marsh Arabs are no longer being exterminated, the Euphrates ecosystem is recovering from Saddam’s abuses, Iraq has a weak startup democracy. Yeah, it’s clunky, but after Israel it happens to be the most Democratic government in the middle east. Yeah, terrorists still attack it, but they will not beat it. Iraq was won. Not too shabby, huh? Credit the US Armed forces for accomplishing the impossible. Again.
	Bill November 5th, 2009 at 10:00 pm Ben, Obviously you haven’t stayed on top of things. Since seven months ago he sent over 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, Pakistan joined the fight, and the government of Afghanistan has had an election and been in termoil. Also during that time he dispatched Gen McChrystal for his assessment. My point, Ben, is that the situation is constantly changing and our president has been adjusting our strategy. The only liers that I have seen through all of this is the former administration. Now they like to use the word liar to describe our current president hoping that citizens will forget the real truth. Obama is definitely on top of things and his plan is obviously “comprehensive”.
	Captain Ed November 6th, 2009 at 3:57 am Who is the moron that wrote this article? My high schooler noticed some of the poor grammer just glancing at it. Are there no editors? One example: “Afraid that a wrong decision will result in the needless loss of American lives without making American [America or Americans] any safer. “ Another example: “History shows the perils of unquestioning following the military consensus.” I don’t think I can fix that sentance. If what you are trying to say is that we have civilian control of our military for a reason, yes, it’s in the Constitution to protect from the military taking over the government. If you need an example of the government not listening to the military leaders then look at Vietnam and how LBJ botched that up and cost thousands of lives and prolonged the war. In addition to the poor grammer, this author, who covered Cheney in ’92, didn’t mention anything about when he was VP? Sounds like this guy has an political agenda that seems to be “wrong-headed”. Sounds like he is covering for Obama instead of covering Obama.
	Captain Ed November 6th, 2009 at 3:58 am His grades (and the grades of this publication) Grammer = C– Unbiased reporting = F Memorization of the Liberal talking points/agenda = A+ Disgusted and Retired Vet
	Gary November 13th, 2009 at 6:45 pm when it comes to big decisions; this President votes “Present”