Obama issues Afghanistan orders

Obama plans awesome photo opp at West Point, and plans to talk about Afghanistan and stuff.

Yes like those photo ops we grew to love, from the administration we can no longer name, where they wrapped themselves in flags and sold us a bill of goods for pay back in Iraq. Something like a trillion and counting photo op that we failed to show how we would pay for.

Chris,
You're right, no one did photo ops better than the Bushco Repukelicans.
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/articlePictures/mission_accomplished.jpg
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Maybe we should just have the teleprompter speak.

More $ for politically connected military contractors. $500,000.00 per solider. If I didnt know any better I'd think Cheney was still calling all the shots. How sad our representative gov't has been lost to corporate interests. How sad people thought Obama actually represented change.

Speaking of dithering.... It's now sealed in the amber of history: a Senate Foreign Relations Committee report confirms that when George W. Bush had the chance to take out Osama bin Laden a few months after the attacks of 9/11, he froze:

"When criticized...for not zeroing in on bin Laden, administration officials, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, responded that the al Qaeda leader's location was uncertain. "But the review of existing literature, unclassified government records and interviews with central participants underlying this report removes any lingering doubts and makes it clear that Osama bin Laden was within our grasp at Tora Bora," the report said. ...The report called bin Laden's escape "a lost opportunity that forever altered the course of the conflict in Afghanistan and the future of international terrorism, leaving the American people more vulnerable to terrorism, laying the foundation for today's protracted Afghan insurgency and inflaming the internal strife now endangering Pakistan."
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http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/29/bin.laden.2001/index.html

This simply confirms what we've known for years, and once again illuminates the extent to which Republican leaders can get away with virtually anything, just as long as they've got a big enough codpiece stuffed down their Flight Suit during a photo op with our military.

Just one more mess Bush started but didn't finish. The story of his administration.

The decisions Obama makes regarding Afghanistan will determine whether Afghanistan is labeled as Obama's war. Lyndon Johnson owned Vietnam, George Bush owned Iraq - who will own Afghanistan? Bin Laden?. .............

http://thefiresidepost.com/2009/03/28/obamas-war-afghanistan/

"If you call the embassy of France, they won't know the number either," adding, "nenenenene."
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Disclosing the actual plans will last longer than the actual dithering leading up to it.

Still the juvenile comparisons to Bush??

This IS Obama's war, didn't you sheeple listen closely to his campaign speeches? Was talk of War coming from the Obama teleprompter too much to comprehend? While he was telling you that HE would take Afghanistan seriously and that HE would come to a clear and immediate decision on his war just as soon as you voted him onto office, were you somehow looking at his lips move and think that Bush was talking to you?

This is what you sheeple voted for, right? Obama's War on Afghanistan and his ability to do it right? No matter the cost in human lives and US Dollars?

Or were you just voting for Obama as a jab at the guy who wasn't running? In any case, that guy (as little bill puts it) and his administration are kaput, finished, long gone.

Heck anymore comparisons to "those guys" is just like saying "these new guys" are no different at all.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Christi Parsons hit the nail on the head, maybe inadvertently maybe not:

"Even as he announces a troop build-up, Obama plans to pair that with a message about the ultimate goal of turning the responsibility for a secure Afghanistan over to the Afghan people."

'Turning' the responsibility over? Ultimately? The responsibility is theirs first, foremost, primarily, and always. If someone drops their responsibility, such as tribal elders, nobody can pick it up for them and hand it back to them. Or more likely and to the point, tribal elders across what we arbitrarily call Afghanistan don't see nationhood and securing it as their responsibility to begin with, and will have little to do with such but a lot to do against the infidel-backed such.

Just like over here, the Afghans have and will have the government and quality of life they ultimately deserve, consistent with their belief systems.

Given the situation on the ground that's a pretty harsh thing to say. But maybe in 2012 we can do better than Bush or Obama.

Might this be a bit more important than Charlie Weis' firing? I know you're looking for eyeballs on the page, but major war decisions are still more important to Americans than firing football coaches. Running this article as second fiddle to Weis' firing is very disrespectful to our servicemembers and their families. Is there no one making editorial decisions that has served in foregn conflict or has a family member currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan?

Dairy Cows
No pillar of governance has ever stood, without the foundation from which it is built upon.
Here's a thought, before we send any troops and helicopters to Afghanistan, send Dairy Cows.
Is anyone else aware of this fact, due to the lack of demand for the milk, and the milk products produce on dairy farms, that this year alone, dairy farmers have put to slaughter, more than 250,000 Dairy Cows.
America once was envisioned, as would be a national society, comprised, and reflected, solely of farmers.
Perhaps, it is upon this foundation, which allows for the growth of nations.
Consider - 250,000 x 4 hoofs = 1 million total hoofs on the ground, maybe this could take a dent out of IED problem.
Consider - Somebody is going to have to milk these Dairy Cows
Consider - Somebody is going to have to feed these Dairy Cows.
Consider - Somebody is going to have to grow the feed to feed these Dairy Cows.
Consider - To grow the feed, somebody will need to gather the crap, which can blended with organic poppy, thus, producing fertilizer.
Just a thought.

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Still the juvenile comparisons to Bush??
Posted by: springfield | November 30, 2009 3:36 PM
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Springfield the Repug Clown,

I realize how embarrassed you Repug rubes are of Bush and how much you want his name to just disappear, I mean you voted for him....twice.

But out here in the real world we understand that the eight years of Bushco Republican disasters (war mongering, tax cuts for billionaires, war crimes etc) are not going to just magically disapear in only ten months.

We're still going to be cleaning up the messes from the Bushco Republican regime for the next 30-40 years, so you better put on your rubber suit and go hide in your padded cell for awhile, Biff.

The adults are in charge now...

Chris,

I bet you've served in the military. It's clear that you know how it feels when the Commander in Chief "dithers" and wastes valuable time when deciding to spend billions and put servicemembers in harm's way then makes the Cadets sit through his photo- op just because he knows they can't speak their minds or better yet, leave. It's also nice to see that you understand that we all hate it when a President, Vice-President or member of congress comes to explain a policy to us that will directly impact our lives for years to come. Understanding what we fight for is bad for morale and the last thing we need is for our young, impressionable Cadets to have to listen to a speech from their boss about why they should continue to lead their soldiers into battle and why their sacrafices are valued. I remember the good ole' days, when "W" was the "Decider". Back then we didn't have to understand why we were going to war and we certainly didn't waste time thinking about how much it was going to cost or who was going to get killed. He was just like, "Dude, Dead or Alive," and we were just like, "Let God sort 'em out." Anyways, Chris, it make me proud that I make sacrafices for people like you and I hope you re-enlist soon.

Springfield: No the sheep didn't listen to his campaign.
They just went and voted not knowing what they were getting.

How appropriate to tell FOREIGN leaders before he tells the American people...you know the ones that are paying in lives and treasure! Remember us!??!? or are you too busy bowing to foreign leaders?

News flash: Bush has been out of office nearly a year...soon Obama will be 25% of the way through his term with a majority congress. Time to stop blaming Bush. Exactly when does Obama Time start?

Well, it's about time!!! The Generals Obama put in charge asked for this months ago. Obama scares me to death - that man hasn't done anything he promised - definitely NO change OR transparency.

"his new strategy"?!?!? HE had a strategy before? HE has one now? He can't even decide what kind of dog to get for the kids. This is what we get for those idiots who elected a JUNIOR Senator with three months of experience (when the campaign started) - the worst President and "Commander in Chief" this nation has ever seen.

@ Paul,
NEWSFLASH - you right wing lunatic fringe cretins have been trying to pass off the Bush Republican screwups to Obama since Jan 20, 2009.

The American people (not including the Faux News viewing dittoheads) are not dumb. To think that Bush's name is going to all of a sudden disappear from the scene after he made a case for being the Worst President in US History during his eight years of military screwups and sellouts to Wall Street, is both laughable and pathetic.

How quickly Americans forget. This is now Obama's war and quite honestly, I am relieved. I would much rather have someone take their time and weigh all the options, listen to all of his advisor's opinions, get an idea of what direction the Afgan givernment is heading and how they as well as other ally nations can support the US; rather than someone who acts off of emotion and starts Wars under false pretenses. This is a no brainer for me, and I consider myself a Conservative. We cannot afford to act on impulse. Our strategy must be thought out and executed to perfection. I have the confidence, after seeing the process the current administration is using, that Obama can get the job done. Pray for our troops!

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Well, it's about time!!! The Generals Obama put in charge asked for this months ago. Obama scares me to death
Posted by: NANCY | November 30, 2009 4:40 PM
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Soooo, you think we should start letting unelected military generals make war decisions for us?.....You mean like they do in tin pot third world countries? Yeah, that'll work.....not.

Try again, Teresa...

If the dumber than a doorstop dithering warmongers (Bush and The Dick Cheney) hadn't decided to blow off Afghanistan and invade Iraq for no reason in 2003 we'd probably already be fininshed in Afghanistan.

But NOOOO. we can't blame anything on Bushco because they left office a WHOLE 10 months ago and their record has been wiped clean by the Wingnut drones who refuse to take responsibilty for their own (Republican) actions.

terry:

More $ for politically connected military contractors. $500,000.00 per solider. If I didnt know any better I'd think Cheney was still calling all the shots. How sad our representative gov't has been lost to corporate interests. How sad people thought Obama actually represented change.

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what you said.

Given the situation on the ground that's a pretty harsh thing to say. But maybe in 2012 we can do better than Bush or Obama.

Posted by: dom youngross | November 30, 2009 3:56 PM

meet the new boss..same as the old boss..

This is now Obama's war. Bush won Iraq with the surge. Obama's dithering on adding troops to Afghanistan may have lost it for us. He is sending less troops than the General's requested. By trying to please everyone, Obama is looking bad instead. Someone please send Barrack a backbone.

President Barck Hussein Obama , once again proves that he is the most econmically reckless, and insensitive USA President in American history. The war has not been won in Iraq, and we have thousands of poor white and poor black and Latino soldiers being killed and physically handicapped from bombs and bullets given to them Iraq. So why would President Barack Hussein Obama want to sacrifice the lives of 50,000 more American troops in Afghanistan? President Obama appears to be an "American Hitler," and the American people must state that he doesn't represent their interest, when 50% of Americans can't find jobs, food, or shelter!

Will someone just stop the madness??!! Believing we can make some sort of difference on the ground, with respect to the long debunked myth of "Nation Building" is completely insane. I've been there and seen it. Very few, if any want us there. If they do, it is to fulfill some agenda they have. The corruption, mindset, loyalties and even their law, jagged and irregular, wedged between Sharia and the practicality of the bribe will and does offend American, if not European sensibilities. I'd love to see any statistic that indicates more than kidnapped (Muslim) women go back. Did I mention the persecution of Christians?? Ooops that doesn't get out much.... the complete intolerance for any other thought.... you thought the South was bad?? Yes, that's right; I did make that comparison.... Ask the women in our Armed Forces who were originally asked to wear a veil way back in 89-90..... MR. PRESIDENT, Please leave these hell holes and let us nurse our wounds. The billions in Veterans' health care cost will be staggering, as the emotional and financial toll of these worthy sons and daughters of America will continue to mount. Our country needs to come first. NOW.

And people talk about photo opps.......... Gee, that doesn't seem to be differentiated by party..... Guess what, neither does politics..... there is only one dividing line.....and the "bloggers" of the world are on the wrong side of it.......Money... you snipe about photo opps? Most posters / bloggers are a politician's wet dream. Why? you get hung up in the BS rhetoric of government and believe that your politicians are looking out for you. I would love to believe so; Our social fabric, network and safety net are in bad need of repair..... But such a task cannot be left for or consigned to our politicians.

Still haven't figured out that the donkeys and elephants.... and any other jackass in Congress have way more in common with each other than you or me?? As Republicans may buy shoes, many a Democrat is ensconced in the various and sundry "Skull and Bones" across the privileged world. Why do you believe they speak for you (us)?
SFC(R) J.C. Cox

Both America and it's troops need the infusion of troops that reinstating the draft would bring. It'd get a lot of punks off the street and teach them what it's like fighting against a real enemy instead of unarmed senior citizens, educators and children. And for those politicians that worry about how to pay for it, they can dig into their own campaign funds, undeserved benefits, (their health care for one,) their foreign junkets, pork projects, slush funds and other huge cash stashes. Let them learn what the rest of our country is struggling through with the economy the way it is.

Obama.... The constant lying.
The childish whining. The disgraceful bowing. The staggering arrogance. The poisonous radicalism. The dangerous narcissism. The astounding incompetence. And to think.....we could have elected my mailman.....or the hot dog vendor down the street.....or anyone -- ANYONE -- but Obama.

Well, that only took 12 weeks.

The Afghans have been fighting for more than 200 years. They are warlords whose business is war. They defeated the Soviet Union as they will defeat anyone who intrudes on their terrority and get richer doing it. This half man Americas socialists and losers elected wants to turn this nation into a third world swamp. Afghaniston is his weapon of choice.

OK both sides and throw in Clinton to boot who by the way ALSO failed to take out the bad guys.. What we have and had is 3 leaders who NEVER served a day in their lives as Commander in Chief.. and we WONDER why they keep screwing up.. Think next time we can either elect someone with a military background or at least good at stratego.. (and not McCain).. so we can feel safe while we lose our homes, jobs and country

Small Consolations

There’s some small consolation in the hackneyed truism that some things never change. A very small consolation.

On the eve of the president’s highly touted address to the nation on what he called during the campaign the “necessary” war, the Reid-ites are again crawling out of the Democratic woodwork.

By hearing the struggle in Afghanistan was “necessary,” the electorate may have foolishly assumed Obama must have meant it was an absolute requisite that we win it.

After months of conferencing and soul-searching (and weighing the political repercussions?), after months of diddling and dithering while our undermanned troops needlessly died, we should find out tomorrow whether Obama said what he meant and meant what he said.

Pre-empting the West Point speech with what has become typical Democrat sentiment, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Rep. David Obey has already pulled a Harry Reid by announcing the anticipated troop surge is ”a fool’s errand.”

You may remember Harry, the soon-to-be-deposed Democrat Nevada senator who infamously and incorrectly denounced GWB’s Iraq surge as a failure before it began. That troop increase in 2007 proved to be the turning point in the Iraq War.

Now Obey has taken up the defeatist Dem line, but with a twist.

Feigning interest in winning in Afghanistan, the Wisconsin pol told CNN, “The problem is you can have the best policy in the world but if you don’t have the tools to implement it it isn’t worth a bean bag:” http://bit.ly/80Q3XA

Obey would purchase those tools . . .

(Read the rest at http://www.genelalor.com/blog1/?p=1351)