Tuesday, October 20, 2009

President Obama, Please Pick Winnable Fights


Without a doubt, the recent war, declared by Barack Obama against the Fox News Channel, has lessened not only the office of the President... but has reduced Obama's stature to that of a local mayor or alderman. That's what local politicians do... whine and complain about who-said-what-about-them.

How could the leader of the free world allow himself to get into a shouting match with a news network? He should have stayed above that! Heck, if you combine the clout of O'Reilly, Hannity, Beck, Cavuto, Wallace, et. al, it should never equal or match the bully pulpit of the president. So, for Obama to cede the power he possesed via the largest megaphone in the world to some quasi journalists/television news personalities, has marginalized him and the prestige of presidency.

Quite frankly, it is an embarrassment to see Fox newsman, Brit Hume, chastise and ridicule President Obama, and his White House, for picking this petty fight with their network because of how Fox chooses to report stories on the president and his policies. But Obama elevated Hume and company to his level... so they can ridicule him now, and for the duration of his presidency, as if they are his equal.

Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics, has adequately put this contentious battle in terms that continues to resonate in coffee houses across the nation:

"It's actually quite brazen when you think about it. The two most senior members of the Obama White House - men who control all the information and access to the Executive Branch, the lifeblood of most news organizations - went on national television and suggested that ABC, CNN and other networks follow the White House's lead and join in its war to marginalize a competitor because it takes a "perspective" that displeases the President.

Such tactics may not be frowned upon by brass-knuckle operatives working for the political machine in a one party town. But it's different when you're the President of the United States. Most Americans of all political stripes don't want to see the President using the majesty and power of his office for heavy handed attacks on any organization simply because it has been critical of the President"
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C'mon Obama... call off your attack dogs and put an end to this unwinnable fight. Look like the president that you are!

You can start by having your office call that red phone that Mr. Glenn Beck has visibly displayed on his television program––which is allegedly linked directly to the White House. Assign someone from your staff to call Beck's phone and refute those scurrilous charges and accusations being leveled at your administration and your policies. Everyday that phone doesn't ring, increases viewers to that network, as folks are beginning to believe what is being said and passing the information along to their friends and neighbors.

Mr. President, this is a battle you cannot win! So, instead of attacking Fox News, and those on that network with the cheap shots from Dunn, Axelrod and Emmanuel... schedule an interview with one of their journalists––sooner rather than later. This will demonstrate you are the man, and not afraid of their news or their views!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Obama Wise To Take His Time On Afghanistan


According to a recent report on the Fox News' website:

"President Obama is inclined to send only as many more U.S. troops to Afghanistan as are needed to keep Al Qaeda at bay, a senior administration official said".


If this proves to be true... good for President Obama! The decision to send someone's son, daughter, husband, wife off to war is a very serious one. And it should not be made quickly or without much prayer and thought. With that said, I applaud President Obama for taking his time to carefully think through how he will proceed in the war in Afghanistan.

A war-weary nation wants this eight year war to come to an end––sooner rather than later. People who were all gung-ho immediately following the attacks of 9/11 are now asking these questions in coffee shops and workout places: What is the purpose of this war? What is the 'win' for us... or our troops?

Even the soldiers are losing morale according to a noted European online news service:

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,” said Captain Jeff Masengale, of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2-87 Infantry Battalion.

“They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern,” said Captain Sam Rico, of the Division’s 4-25 Field Artillery Battalion. “They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.” The chaplains said that they were speaking out because the men could not. www.timesonline.co.uk



Sure, there are those who will call Obama weak or indecisive for not moving ahead with the battle plan as laid out by General McChrystal. But... as Commander-In-Chief, does Obama really want the kind of blood on his hands from the young lives that will be lost in what will be a long sustained occupation? Can he sleep at night remembering the faces of the many troops who will never celebrate another Christmas... see another loved one graduate from school... miss out on raising their young children?

Say what you will... but I am pleased with the president taking the next two or three weeks to ponder this weighty decision. Pray that God gives him direction!