If I were to be honest, I can't think of a time I have been prouder of President Obama than right now. Obviously, he didn't have my vote in 2008. And I am almost one hundred percent positive (unless the Republicans really screw up the nomination) he won't have my vote in 2012. But, as of 10:30pm last night, he has my respect as Commander in Chief.
From everything I've read, President Obama took carefully calculated and decisive action. He didn't try to negotiate, or involve the UN, or even seek permission from Pakistan. He saw an opportunity to take out a mass-murderer, and did it. He used the intelligence we've received from Guantanamo detainees, coordinated with our amazing Navy SEALS, monitored the coordinated attack in the Situation Room (no, not with Wolf Blitzer!). Within 12 hours of the mission, Osama bin Laden's body was buried in the North Arabian Sea.
Last night, President Obama addressed the nation on this amazing news. Although I felt like celebrating, and was almost hoping for a "Yes, we can!" speech, I finally decided his remarks were appropriate, yet subtly envigorating. He laid the facts out there, recognized our amazing men and women in uniform, and honored those killed by Osama bin Laden's terrorist attacks. Initially, I was furious that bin Laden received a "respectful burial according to the Muslim traditions". But practically, it is probably the safest route to take.
This has been an amazing story to follow as it develops, and I have read so much already. I'm going to post some links to articles that have been great reads.
Inside the Situation Room during attack
Quotes from Leaders about Osama bin Laden's death
And hopefully I'll add the link with the video/picture proof of his death HERE!
And hopefully I'll add the link with the video/picture proof of his death HERE!
4 comments:
I have to agree with you completely. Obama did have quite the shining moment and definitely deserves to be credited for that. This is a very sensitive thing and I do agree that they probably did the best thing they could to temper any retaliation. However, I think that there is going to be some serious rebounding by Al Queda and Osama supporters so we do need to be on our toes. It certainly isn't over just because Osama is dead. But it is a moment to be celebrated by America and I am not going to apologize for that.
Completely agree. There is some concern about what's coming next. But after this, I am MUCH more confident in President Obama as Commander in Chief. I'm not going to politicize this event, or not give credit where it is due.
If this mission had failed (it wasn't Osama, civilian casualties, or US being captured, etc) it would have been an Obama failure. I hate to say it, but if I blame him for the catastrophy that is Obamacare (which was legislation he didn't write) because he signed it, or that the economy is in the crapper, or that gas prices are too high (and he signed the moratorium) THEN, when there is a HUGE U.S. victory and he played a part - of course, he should get credit. Ultimately, his name, reputation, credibility is the one on the line. If this turned into a catastrophe, no one would have blamed the soldiers - they would have blamed him. But of course, credit is due to the actual troops on the ground!!! Hooah!
I absolutely expect my fellow conservatives/republicans to support President Obama's actions and give him praise for this successful mission. And so I am surprised and disappointed that people are still so anti-Obama that he can't do anything right. But what doesn't surprise me, is that the liberal pundits, politicians and media outlets are praising him for his dramatic courage. If Bush made the same actions, even if it was Osama, there would be way more criticizing. Try this scenario:
President Bush authorizes a secret mission, under the cover of darkness, entering a soveirgn "friendly" nation supposedly without approval or even warning. Doesn't get UN approval or congressional authorization. Uses intelligence gathered from "advanced interrogation" methods AND detainees at Guantanamo's aid in pin-pointing his personal currier. Enters a private residence, guns blazing. Shoots a leader of an organization, removes his body along with the other residents and possible intelligence (computers, files, etc). Then dumps his body in an ocean. What would be said of this scenario if it was President Bush? Was Osama mirandized? Did you have a warrant for entering the property? All of those arguments would be raised, and possibly by a young freshman Senator from Illinois. With all that said, I am VERY grateful President Obama seems to be making the absolute right choices regarding national security, especially in this operation.
i really respect you, sarah and i enjoy reading your blog.
i appreciate that you assess situations as they come and respond accordingly.
too many people i deal with (mostly family, unfortunately) don't do this and it makes having a political discussion extremely difficult.
thanks for all the links--good reading, indeed.
Thanks Annie! I really (really!) appreciate it. I love when politicians surprise me, and the more details I read, the more I am very pleasantly surprised. Especially after the Libya situation. Really, it is much easier to have a one dimensional villain to debate or campaign against. But far less interesting.
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