Obama to troops: “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way”
posted at 9:24 pm on October 26, 2009 by Allahpundit
A noble and altogether proper sentiment, made somewhat less so by (a) reports of how much golf he’s been playing and (b) the inconvenient truth that there are troops in the field being endangered by the lack of reinforcements. I can only assume he’s defining “rush” here as “any speed faster than the speed I feel like going.” If not, then the obvious question — asked a thousand times but still unanswered as far as I know — is why this strategic reassessment wasn’t undertaken when he decided to replace McKiernan with McChrystal earlier this year. Especially since Bush’s own assessment last year provided “helpful” information, per Gibbs’s own admission.
According to ABC, it sounds like the new yardstick for “rush” is anytime before mid-November:
Sources tell ABC News that as of now President Obama will likely announce his decision about a new strategy in Afghanistan at some point between the Afghan run-off election, November 7, and the president’s departure for Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, November 11.
There is a chance the announcement may be delayed until the president’s return from the Asia trip on Friday, November 20, but as of now the plan is to have the announcement in that window.
Sources emphasize that no decision has yet been made, but as of now it looks as though the president is leaning towards sending more troops to Afghanistan, though not as many as Gen. Stanley McChrystal requested, 40,000.
Be sure to read this Danger Room piece on today’s helicopter nightmare in Afghanistan after you watch the clip. Boots on the ground aren’t the only thing we need more of.
Blowback
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Obama hates America, the military, freedom, independence, original thought, et. al. He is a narcissist intent on remaking our country in his image.
What’s worse is the SRM share his sentiments. Otherwise, they’d call out his hypocrisy and outright lies. So instead of focusing on the real enemy–those that want TO KILL us, they wage war on Fox News, the Constitution, and Conservatives.
I really can’t stand this guy.
conservative pilgrim on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Remember this photo op?I didn’t see one of our bravest and best smiling today. I’m not smiling either. All Hail the Ditherer-in-Chief!
txhsmom on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Wow! That’s just plain immoral. Indefensible. Unforgivably cynical. Bastard.
ronsfi on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
canopfor on October 26, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I can’t imagine anyone in the Service thinking this POS in the White House gives a flying sh*t about them.
Obama hates people better than him, and those people include the most raw recruit on his/her first day in boot camp.
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Liam: Truth be known, Obama is an Anti-War Activist
who is also the President,at the same time!!:)
canopfor on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I wish Obama took the restrained approach to spending that he does to fighting terrorists.
JohnJ on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Behold one of Gen. McChrystal’s Afghans, one of the little people US forces “must protect from everything that can hurt them” in the Grand Bush-Obama Scheme to
WinBuy Hearts and Minds.What has ruffled our little man’s feathers today, along with those of thousands of his countrymen? A rumor that a Koran burned during a US operation against Taliban forces. But hey: Let’s say it was true. Let’s just say a Koran was incinerated during some US operation. BIG WHOOP.
But that’s just Occidental Me.
For Islamic Him, it’s protest-time, and didn’t he get that nice banner ready quickly?
Gen.McChrystal should ask this upstanding citizen of tomorrowland, just as he asks every other Afghan, What do you need? This time, the answer is very easy — Islam. And whaddya know, he already has it!
Can we stop nation-building and go home now?
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Waiting..for his solemn Cronkite moment.
Speakup on October 26, 2009 at 10:11 PM
News flash champ… they are already there and could use some more help.
Overwhelming force, ring any bells?
Hog Wild on October 26, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Very much so.
Will made a total fool of himself. His analogy was moronic. And, in answer to his folishness about WMDs, the IRaqw invasion turned up more WMDs than anyone ever imagined, and more important WMDs than anyone thought possible. It was only because of the Iraq invasion that Qadaffi was scared sh!tless and puked up his whole nuke program, which included the full look into the AQ Khan network – real WMDs, including the major market pushing technicals, materials, and knowhow. WIthout Iraq, this would not have happened, so Iraq turned over more important WMDs than anyone had even thought possible, only that they didn’t come from Iraq. Big deal. A Q Khan’s network was more important than Iraqi WMD and we got two for the price of one on that.
George Will needs to stick to writing about blue jeans. That’s about the level of his competence.
progressoverpeace on October 26, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I disagree … McCrystal’s dedication to WINNING in Afghanistan is not “forsaking” his first responsibility.
We lost over 3,000 good people on 911 due to the idiots in Afghanistan. They must be defeated. I have a daughter … a nine year old daughter that I don’t want to die in a terrorist attack here.
So McCrystal is keeping my daughter safe – as safe as he can. He’s not just protecting Afghanies – what a shallow and two dimensional view people have for even thinking that. Look at the big picture – this war is about defending US.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 10:13 PM
We had a dining-in this weekend for drill and part of the routine is toasting the CinC. It was done, but half-heartedly and many pretended to be “busy” while that toast was taking place.
XWing5 on October 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
clearly TOTUS wants to pick up his Peace Prize in Oslo (Nov 3rd is it?) and give his grand green vision speech there (he is skipping Copenhagen unless Boxer and Kerry can ram a cap n trade bill thru Cmte)before he ups the troop levels
I cringe when I even see Kerry and he is at CFR saying McChrystal is going too far? he is so frakkin weak it is scary. Soo sad I gave the DNC money in 2004! ugh, only 50- but still ugh ugh ugh!
ginaswo on October 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
What we have here is the General involved in a great social experiment, with the plains of Afghanistan as his personal laboratory and our Marines and Soldiers as the rats. History is not on your side General and you are losing time and the support of the only segment of the population of this country who would normally support your efforts.
Admiral Mullen said in a letter to Senators Collins and Snowe (meant for me) that the ROE had not in fact changed with the ISAF Commander back in June 2009; The Rules of Engagement had only been ‘clarified’. Ganjgal is but one example of how that ‘clarification’ is being brought into question. The current investigation, if not buried by the Army, ISAF, SecDef or higher, is going to yield what we already know; that the rules are intentionally vague to offer maximum cover for those who have implemented them while exposing the decision makers on the ground and all at the expense of those prosecuting the war, O-5 and below. It is already painfully obvious to all, especially those on the ground, that before June we were blowing crap up and providing Air and Arty when needed and now; American lives are inferior to Afghan by our own rules and the UN has prosecutors in Kabul, gleaning after-action-reports looking for evidence they can use to prosecute Marines and Soldiers.
What General McChrystal, Sec Def Gates and President Obama need to remember is that they are sworn by oath to defend this country and our people – not protect the civilian population of another country or rebuild their country with our tax dollars and the blood of our children!
Semper Fidelis;
John Bernard
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Obama’s playing political games with absolutely no regard to the lives of our troops.
This just fills me with disgust.
VanPalin on October 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
YOU LIE!!!
RedNewEnglander on October 26, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Yet he refuses to go and visit the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. His calendar is full of parties, photo sessions, concerts, and golf; it’s hard to squeeze those trips into the daily planner. Priorities!
conservative pilgrim on October 26, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Orwell perfectly predicted this guy.
AUINSC on October 26, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Give em a break! Rahm lost the damn magic 8 ball and Amazon can’t ship the new one til Nov 9th. We will just have to wait.
faol on October 26, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I find his presence with, and speech before our brave young warriors, highly offensive.
He must make them cringe, or puke. One or the other.
(Note to LGF: Here’s another one of my posts you can copy and paste on your girlie website.)
fogw on October 26, 2009 at 10:15 PM
A good post as usual Honda. Now I have not served but from my experience in knowing many soldiers, deployed and non-deployed, their first reaction in hearing that speech would have been, “we already have troops over there, send us in to help!” Maybe the Marines I know are more gung-ho than some, but most soldiers seem to have this mindset. If I’m wrong, by all means correct me.
Daemonocracy on October 26, 2009 at 10:16 PM
That vid was awesome! Thanks!
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:17 PM
…but I will sure as heck leave you there without any backup.
mizflame98 on October 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM
He’s anti-war only till getting us into a war that suits his or other Dem wants (ref: Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, etc.)
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM
…but I will rush the solemn decision to keep your in harm’s way.
29Victor on October 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM
How dare you! He can play as much golf as Bush did in 3 years, in just 9 months and still get the job done…
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/21/obamas-appearances-fundraisers-outpaces-predecessors/
See, he can manage to destroy the country be deliberately wrecking the economy AND attend fundraisers AND play golf. The One can do everything.
RightWinged on October 26, 2009 at 10:21 PM
What about our troops already there Barry? What about them? Who is looking out for them? America knows who is not looking out for our troops in Afghanistan. SHAME ON YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. America needs to pray for our troops.
bloggless on October 26, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Hey precedent a**wipe… they are already in harms way… let them do their job
phreshone on October 26, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Every Marine I know would charge the Gates of Hell with a water pistol to help his buddies shedding their blood in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I was a Sailor … but I knew many Marines. Now I also know that the Navy isn’t as “hard core” as that – mostly because when we deployed – most of us were away from the action. I note here that Obama made his speech in front of Navy folks – most of whom will never set foot in Afghanistan. I think they were also Aviation types – which are even farther from the action (except for the pilots).
Did he talk to the Army too? Or just the Navy?
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 10:22 PM
What is with the way they’re standing behind him? That position made them look like a bunch of backup singers hogging 1 microphone. Is his ego that big that he demands the troops face in towards him when he talks?!
mizflame98 on October 26, 2009 at 10:23 PM
There are almost no AlQ left in “Bridge on the River Kwai”/ “Hearts and Minds”/”Unicorns and Flowers” Afghanistan. Most are in Pakistan. There are probably more in Britain than in Afghanistan. There may be more in the U.S. than in Afghanistan. 9/11 was plotted mainly from Hamburg and the U.S. Remember those picked up/under surveillance from a very few weeks ago? There were operating in the U.S, not in Afghanistan. Bush gave the Taliban at least two chances to turn over OBL and only invaded when they did not. We apparently did not get OBL in Afghanistan and if he is still alive he almost certainly is not there and yet eight years later we are still there and our Soldiers and Marines are under basically pro Islamic, not pro American, ROE.
Then what are we doing in Afghanistan? Is she in Afghanistan?
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:24 PM
This has nothing to do with “nuance,” and such cutesy labeling is beneath you, AP.
The is criminal arrogance on the part of an individual who is patently unqualified for the responsibilities the presidency forces on him. Osama Obama is so self-absorbed that deaths caused by his stupidity half a world away mean nothing to him.
Is there a better definition of treason? I think not.
MrScribbler on October 26, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Thank you for your service my precious fellow American. I am blessed to be in charge of 45 high school students currently raising donations so we can send treats to our US Troops…on land & at sea. I don’t know what skeevy means…but I think I feel skeevy whenever The Dithering Won speaks his lying lies. Mr. RWB and I swear we heard those folks booing during his speech. If not, they should be.
redwhiteblue on October 26, 2009 at 10:24 PM
The rules murdering our troops:
When enemy action kills our troops, it’s unfortunate. When our own moral fecklessness murders those in uniform, it’s unforgivable.
In Afghanistan, our leaders are complicit in the death of each soldier, Marine or Navy corpsman who falls because politically correct rules of engagement shield our enemies.
Mission-focused, but morally oblivious, Gen. Stan McChrystal conformed to the Obama Way of War by imposing rules of engagement that could have been concocted by Code Pink:
* Unless our troops in combat are absolutely certain that no civilians are present, they’re denied artillery or air support.
* If any civilians appear where we meet the Taliban, our troops are to “break contact” — to retreat.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:26 PM
This would be a funny shark jump moment if it weren’t for..you know…men and women dying in lieu of this Jerkstore in Chief not losing sleep over Fox News.
Thank you, morons, for voting this idiot in.
HAnthonyWayne on October 26, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Reading about the helicopter crash first thing this morning was a punch in the gut. I hope I don’t know anyone that died. Even if I don’t, many family members are receiving CACO visits today. This is preventable. We have the world’s greatest military and their hands are tied.
What burns me is the hypocrisy of the media. If it was Bush, they’d have their running tally of the KIAs. Obama? Crickets. The media is as complicit as this present-voting, incompetent, anti-war, anti-victory, inept CINC.
conservative pilgrim on October 26, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Mr. Pwesident,
Who rushed the troops into what war?
Really Right on October 26, 2009 at 10:27 PM
A Marine Corps Sergeant Major Speaks
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:28 PM
I’m former Air Force, paunchy now at 51 and out of shape. But gimme a rifle show me where the enemy are, and I’ll got get them, to back every American soldier and Marine around me.
Rahm, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and all the other Dems wouldn’t do that. Instead, they’d be like those Hollywood celebs during the Rodney King riots: they’d wait for someone else to risk his/her life to save them.
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:29 PM
God bless you and give you peace. I am so sorry for your loss and grateful for your and his service.
SouperConservative on October 26, 2009 at 10:29 PM
WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE FOR EIGHT YEARS YOU
F#%KIN’ JACKASS!!
King of the Britons on October 26, 2009 at 10:30 PM
It is even more disgusting that this fool made this statement in front of the US navy!
As the father of the US Navy said….“I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.”…
Yet obambi diddles himself….
Fighton03 on October 26, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Obviously you’re incapable of seeing the big picture. Prior to 911 the Taliban controlled all of Afghanistan and AQ used it as a training haven.
They trained thousands of terrorists and shot them all over the world to do their evil work. A gang of them changed the course of history on 911 and killed thousands of innocent Americans on our own soil.
If we leave Afghanistan – the Taliban will take it back. They will allow AQ to use it for their evil purposes again and we will back in the same situation that put us into 911. I have a daughter, living here in the states sir – not in Afghanistan. I would rather our soldiers kill AQ THERE – and deny AQ the use of that country for their evil purposes – than to have my daughter have to fight them HERE.
That’s the big picture and … sorry if you can’t see it.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Um, could it be coincidental that this man won’t announce a decision until after the November 3rd elections? What kind of a monster would play politics with the lives of American Troops?
redwhiteblue on October 26, 2009 at 10:32 PM
That should have been titled “awwwwwwwww.” (did I spell awwwwwwww right??)
Yeah,, if only we could get him to stop rushing every other decision. He’s pretty quick at declaring war on everyone else.
Doesn’t hesitate at all on sending the ACORN brigades and the Truth Squads into action!
Oh wait, but the targets of those troops are the American people, not Islamo-terrorists.. I should have realized that.
JellyToast on October 26, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Meanwhile:
If all goes as planned, the 27 member states of the European Union will soon have a common hate crime legislation, which will turn disapproval for Islamic practices or homosexual lifestyles into crimes. Europe’s Christian churches are trying to stop the plan of the European political establishment, but it is not clear if they will be successful.
.
.
.
Nevertheless, the almost complete silence of the European media and of public opinion on the important issues which are at stake, is worrying. Europe risks losing important fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of speech and the freedom of opinion, but does not seem prepared to fight and preserve these freedoms. Perhaps the lack of interest of the inhabitants of Europe for legislation concocted at a supranational level explains the lack of interest in this matter.
The same phenomenon, a lack of interest on the part of European and also American public opinion, is apparent with regard to the semi-legal initiatives taken at the level of the United Nations. On October 2nd, the UN Human Rights Council approved a free speech resolution, co-sponsored by the US and Egypt, which criticizes “negative racial and religious stereotyping.” American diplomats said the decision to co-sponsor the resolution was part of America’s effort to “reach out to Muslim countries.” The resolution passed unanimously, with the support of all Western nations. Though the resolution has no immediate effect in law, it provides Muslim extremists with moral ammunition the next time they feel that central tenets of Islam are being treated disrespectfully through the creation of what they perceive to be an ‘offensive environment.’
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Sorry … Sergeant Majors move troops – they don’t plan wars.
Generals do that.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Present Obama has the studied appearance of an actor looking thoughtful and deliberative.
One imagines Present Obama in the Illinois State House thinking of Lincoln while striking the same deliberative and thoughtful pose before voting “present” on the state highway budget.
R Square on October 26, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Please accept my condolences for your loss. America, too, lost one of our own. For what it might be worth, we are with you always.
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:34 PM
canopfor on October 26, 2009 at 10:09 PM
He’s anti-war only till getting us into a war that suits his or other Dem wants (ref: Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, etc.)
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Liam: That a Bingo!:)
canopfor on October 26, 2009 at 10:35 PM
By your reasoning, because there are a thousand anti-war protesters in this country, we ought to not protect them with our armed forces because they are antagonistic to those forces.
The lack of thought in that sort of thinking is breathtaking.
unclesmrgol on October 26, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Hey Dipshit — here’s a newsflash: Our troops are already in harm’s way.
D2Boston on October 26, 2009 at 10:40 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. This was only two months ago? Please accept my sincerest condolences.
conservative pilgrim on October 26, 2009 at 10:41 PM
A Sergeant now outranks the General in command of his theater. Got it.
unclesmrgol on October 26, 2009 at 10:41 PM
A question & answer between myself and a friend who is a Jersey Cop but he’s now in A-Stan:
B-Ho, you offend me. And you offend our military men & women. You disgust me, sir.
MsUnderestimated on October 26, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Keeping AQ out of Afghanistan is like keeping mosquitoes out of your back yard and thinking that you are controlling the overall mosquito population. AQ is in many more places in the world now and keeping them out of Afghanistan does us no good. Hell – they are currently in the FATA of Pakistan right across the damn border and we can do nothing to them, not to mention in the areas of the former Yugoslavia, the Caucasus’, the horn of Africa, and Indonesia. Bottom line is that keeping them out of Afghanistan isn’t doing us any good unless we are prepared to keep them out of every other place they would go (which is impossible).
King of the Britons on October 26, 2009 at 10:42 PM
PREDICTION: Barry is going to bug out! He’s more concerned with the political implications from his base than protecting this country. Push comes to shove next fall, Barry will be waving a white flag.
GarandFan on October 26, 2009 at 10:43 PM
It really is – and he keeps posting these quotes from people who aren’t really qualified to advocate a different strategy in Afghanistan. Most Marine Corps Sergeant Majors I know are supportive of winning in Afghanistan. They’ve lost good Marines there – I’ve lost friends there – and none of us wants that sacrifice to go to waste when we can easily – and I mean, easily win this war with a bit of determination and guts.
In any case – McCrystal is an honorable soldier. There is no doubt that Petraeus is and Gates … I have faith in also – he’s a good man. These are not men who would sacrifice one good Marine or Soldier for their own political aspirations.
Unfortunately – Obama is.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 10:43 PM
The good thing about “president” Barry 0bamao’s frequent golf outings is that the Democrats can never, ever, again ridicule a Republican president for taking some time off for a game of golf, unless of course they break his all-time record of 24 golf outings in just nine months in office. Great job Barry. Look on the bright side Democrats: your guy finally did something historic besides getting elected.
WarEagle01 on October 26, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Great point and thank you for your service.
It is more than obvious that Obama is searching for a way out of Afghanistan with the least possible political damage.
He is not concerned about installing a winning strategy that will eradicate the jihadist threat that he “talks” about so strongly in front of the cameras but puts Golf and talk shows ahead of in reality.
Obama has the biggest media machine any President could ever have hoped for . He has CBS,NBC,MSNBC,CNN,NYTimes,WaPo,LAtimes,Chicago Tribune,and hollywood at his disposal to address the American public about how important it is to win.
Where are the 1 hour prime time spots to sell his Afghanistan plan?
Where are his hollywood friends getting on talk shows and doing videos,commercials,movies,and TV shows to highlight the importance of defeating the Jihadist threat?
Where????
The only thing we have gotten is a defense from his MSM allies to cover for the total lack of leadership and direction in a war that he has already assigned his own General,put forth his own strategy (in March),but failed to provide the resources to implement his strategy.
At this rate,Vietnam will look like a roaring success compared to the disaster this weak and naive community organizer is orchestrating in Afghanistan while he whines about FOX news and Bush.
“smart power” is a joke on the world stage with Russia,France,and Iran either turning their backs on the liberal Messiah or making him look like a fool.
Now the leadership in Afghanistan is questioning Obama’s leadership and resolve publicly:
It Has Begun… Afghan President Questions If US Is Reliable Partner
Sunday, October 25, 2009, 9:31 PM
Jim Hoft
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2009/10/it-has-begun-afghan-president-questions-if-us-is-reliable-partner/
Earth to Obama…..one of the first steps to getting a stable government is securing and protecting the population.
It is what our military is trying to do but can’t because Obama will not provide the leadership and resources that our military needs from it’s commander and chief..
America and our men and women in uniform deserve a lot better then to be put on the back burner because of Obama’s political games.
Baxter Greene on October 26, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Nixon bombed Cambodia to support our troops, and the Left went haywire, firebombing college buildings and throwing glass bottles at police.
When Reagan sent our troops into action, the Dems freaked. He did so with purpose and conviction every time (like Grenada).
When Bush Sr. hit Panama and later in the Gulf War, Dems freaked. “He’s imperialist!” the libs screeched. “He’s provocative!”
And now, this DEM ratf**k lets our troops die for nothing; victory isn’t part of Obamagod’s plan. Reid, Pelosi, Frank, Dodd, and all the other Dems are letting our people be murdered.
I hate Dems more now than I ever did before.
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:46 PM
MB4: I’m tearing up. If I’m not mistaken, your son is Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard. You’ve had so much on your shoulders with your loss and the events surrounding his death. I wish there was some way to help carry the burden.
Your son is in my prayers and in the collective prayers of many, many more. God bless you, your son and your family.
R Square on October 26, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I am sorry to hear that MB4. My condolences.
Be proud, stay strong.
fogw on October 26, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I won’t put it into words, but you can feel what I’m sending you right now with all my heart.
Loxodonta on October 26, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Knew you had served but did not know you had suffered a loss such as this.
My family and the country owe you and the others that have served a great debt for our Freedoms.
I am sorry for your loss.
Baxter Greene on October 26, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Odd, in a sense, that you would say that as that is just how I view the Afghanistan-centric.
1) All roads start in Afghanistan.
2) All roads end in Afghanistan.
3) The Sun revolves around Afghanistan.
4) The moon revolves around Afghanistan.
5) The stars revolve around Afghanistan.
6) If the United States does not keep more and more troop mass in Afghanistan, the orbital stability of the Earth will become unbalanced and all Muslim terrorists will slide into America.
McChrystal’s future career plans for Afghanistan after his and Obama’s mission has been accomplished, which of course is just around the corner now.
1) McChrystal wants to open up a number of Ruth Chris Steakhouse franchises in Afghanistan.
2) McChrystal wants to sell “You are a Great Afghan” buttons to Afghans.
3) McChrystal wants to start a ministry in Afghanistan and preach the Islamic gospel.
4) McChrystal wants to join hands with Muslims and Code Pink and sing “We are the World” in Afghanistan.
The big picture is not just, nor even primarily, Afghanistan. And then there is the “small item” of McChrystal’s ROE.
We don’t win by destroying the Taliban. We don’t win by body count. We don’t win by the number of successful military raids or attacks, we win when the [Afghan] people decide we win.
- General McChrystal (in London a couple of weeks ago)
PRE-OCCUPIED WITH PROTECTION OF OUR OWN FORCES, we have operated in a manner that distances us — physically and psychologically — from the people [that would be the Afghan people, not the American people] we seek to protect.
- General McChrystal (from his COMISAF assessment of the war in Afghanistan)
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:49 PM
We win, if Obamagod and the Dems let us, when the last Taliban is dead.
No one ever won a war by dying for his country. The way to win is to make the other SOB die for his.
Liam on October 26, 2009 at 10:54 PM
No, no, no, that is not me. That is John Bernard.
That’s why I but his name at the end of the quote/link.
He has a blog at letthemfight.blogspot.com
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Asked and answered.
Obama = Lying Piece of Shiite.
Jaibones on October 26, 2009 at 11:01 PM
John Bernard lost his son in Afghanistan but was warning of the “Code Pink” ROE even before that. Baldilocks said that his son was the one who’s body the MSM (CNN?) had shown a few weeks ago against his parent’s wishes. I have been linking to and quoting him for weeks now.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Two Words: Operation Valkyrie
DTogo on October 26, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Obama to troops: “I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way”
“No I will let you die instead by denying reinforcements.”
MaiDee on October 26, 2009 at 11:06 PM
When he “unclenched his fist” did we realize it was so he could pick his nose?
kurtzz3 on October 26, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Really no point to arguing with a guy who throws up strawmen. I never said that Afghanistan is the center of the universe – you did. I don’t think that Afghanistan is the center of the universe – or the war on terror.
Afghanistan IS (right now) … THE major battlefield.
Abandoning it would not only embolden radical Islamofascim – but it would guarantee that Afghanistan would return to Taliban rule and would become … once again … a safe haven for AQ training. That you can’t see that – is not my problem.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Obama vs. McChrystal?
Reading Gen. McChrystal’s Afghanistan assessment is easier than reading tea leaves, but judging by the murkiness of the debate about Afghanistan, few in the media or politics have read it. I say this having watched public discussion turn disagreement over troops levels into The Question of Consequence regarding overall strategy. Conservatives, listening to “the commander in the field,” play McChrystal as The Hawk who wants to crush America’s enemies into rubble (or, at least, more rubble than they are already in) as opposed to Obama The Wimp, whose hesitation and apparently dwindling support for a “surge” in Afghanistan threaten to turn McChrystal’s winning strategy into a politically correct and ineffective recipe for defeat.
But what really separates Obama and McChrystal? Judging by publicly available statements and writings, nothing much. Which is why — prediction time — McChrystal probably won’t quit when Obama gives him fewer forces than McChrystal is asking for.
Why? If you read McChrystal’s report, the general makes it very clear that his change in strategy, not his change in troop levels, is his top priority. But this change in strategy is almost always left out of debate — and certainly out of the conservative end of the debate, which focuses on giving the general the forces he wants to win. What McChrystal actually wants to win — the support of the Afghan people, which is the basis of his new strategy — is never mentioned.
This strategy change to “population protection” at the expense of “force protection” (or, better, this strategy change intensification because certainly key aspects of such a policy have long been in place) is in fact a politically correct and ineffective recipe for defeat, and, therefore, something right up the boss’s alley.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:09 PM
He’s also Commander-in-Chief, and all those soldiers behind him are obligated to obey his lawful orders. And if those orders are to stay here and do nothing, that’s what they’ll do.
MB4 is whining about nation building, not realizing that a failure to nation build gives our enemy a haven. We’ve nation built after every war, with the Marshall Plan as the template.
unclesmrgol on October 26, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Some cases cause for deliberation, other threats are more immediate and demand a more immediate decision. That’s what leadership is about.
Vowing to never rush to put US troops in harms way means the wrong response at least some of the time and quite possibly greater military and civilian casualties because of a slow and inadequate response.
Had Britain and France attacked Germany in 1936, it might have prevented millions of deaths.
rokemronnie on October 26, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Do you have any original thoughts on your own? We get the point brah … you like this Sergeant Major.
But then again – as I’ve pointed out – Sergeat Majors move troops – they don’t plan wars.
I’ll trust McCrystal thank you. And Petraeus.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:11 PM
That was a parody, and a very legitimate one, not a strawman.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:13 PM
I also remember the blithering idiocy of his campaign promise:
“I will not weaponize space.”
The megalomaniac speaketh.
It’s all a political power calculation with this shameless weasel.
Nothing matters but his coalition of hacks keeping control.
Everything else gets a big “Screw you!”
The military, the pensioner, the unemployed, the taxpayer.
Screw you.
It’s all about O-power.
profitsbeard on October 26, 2009 at 11:13 PM
That’s a very mature opinion. The fact is – we are in a war against Islamo-fascism. We either kill them all (which isn’t practical) … or find a way to coexist.
The latter requires a bit of nation building (unfortunately).
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:13 PM
That was a parody, and a very legitimate one, not a strawman.
Oh, and I might add a very obvious parody.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:15 PM
It was a strawman. I’ve never said that the “be all / end all” of the war on terror is Afghanistan. The GWOT is a multifaceted war that requires hitting Islamofascism everywhere it has a haven. Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, the Phillipeans, etc. It requires work with our allies and …
It requires work in Afghanistan.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:16 PM
I guess it all depends on what the definition of sex is, and what the definition of is, is, and what the definition of “a bit” is. And also on what the definition of “unfortunately” is. It has already been 8 years. Michael Yon, who somehow is still apparently for the war, says it may take 100 years. The American people will not put up with that kind of madness for anything like that long.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:19 PM
It’s not so much denying reinforcements, as it is being ambivalent. There are other alternatives (from changing ROE to altering areas of action) that could save soldiers/marines/airmen. Obie is voting present instead of providing direction. It’s not that our people are getting killed (it may sound callous, but I think if you ask ANY soldier/marine if they get killed in performance of their duty for a cause they can accept that) it’s that they feel NO ONE CARES TO MAKE A BASIC DECISION.
I don’t know how to explain it. Maybe someone on the pointy (sh!tty) end can say it better. How about this….your dad died liberating ‘auschwitz’ or your dad died when someone denied his Observation Post artillery support because someone might get offended.
Fighton03 on October 26, 2009 at 11:20 PM
McChrystal’s plan is to clear and hold; it doesn’t get much simpler than that. To do clear and hold, you need a big force — much bigger than the one we’ve got there now.
Given that McChrystal has Petraeus’ second on the approach, I’d say that he clearly outranks your Cindy Sheehan sergeant in both wisdom and foresight, and stands head and shoulders above Ibama.
You remind me vaguely of Carole Herman, for some reason, but her volumes were her own writing, not incessant quotes from yet another clueless person
unclesmrgol on October 26, 2009 at 11:20 PM
+1000.
Thought this vital post bore repeating.
(And only one minor FIFY.)
profitsbeard on October 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Translation: I will never rush to send you where you can more easily kill my newfound pals, the Taliban, now attacking Pock-Ee-Stan…..
dmh0667 on October 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM
and one son (KIA Dahaneh 08/14/09))
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 10:06 PM
MB4: I cannot imagine your loss,and you must be proud MB,
I’m sorry to hear this,and your son won’t be forgotten
————:)
canopfor on October 26, 2009 at 11:23 PM
You don’t seem to have the intelligence to really understand what Michael was saying.
Let me ask you this … how long have we been in South Korea and do you think the American people will revolt if we don’t leave tomorrow?
The fact is … there is a level of combat that lasts for a period of time. The more decisive and fierce that combat is – the less time it lasts. Then there is a period of stabilization – that could take years but it’s not the same level of conflict we’re experiencing now.
What is YOUR military background? Do you have any?
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Yeah Obama decided to nationalise the banks and bail out GM and all that stuff VERY quickly,
here’s the /s part: But he was never that into it. I mean, heh, it’s not like he ENJOYED putting all those companies under…his…direct…control…oh wait…
LBJ sent hundreds of thousands of troops into Vietnam without seeing a way for them to win. In ’64 he didn’t see a way to win, but he kept sending ‘em. IMO, he should have been impeached just for doing that.
Obama doesn’t know WTF to do in Afganistan. You guys really think he would let the generals do whatever they want with NO oversight and approval from the head Narcissist??
What he should do is just let them do what they want since a) he doesn’t give a rats a$$ and b) they know what they’re talking about and he has no clue.
But again, we’re talking about the it’s all about me president.
He approves …..eventually…sending maybe 10-15k troops more over there. The strategy will be DOA, tho. Since when has this admin had a good strategy for dealing with anyone or anything.
For God’s sake, we should get out of there.
Eagleburger said on Greta that he would recommend sending the 40k and if that didn’t “work” whatever THAT means over there *rolling my eyes* then we should bug out.
I think that’s what we should do too.
B Man on October 26, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Ah, the ad hominem. At least you didn’t call me a racist or a Nazi. Yes, as original as most anyway, which I have posted, but you don’t like those either.
Maybe they should. Be better than Obama and McChrystal anyway. I doubt that they would have anti-American troop ROE.
Well then you and Obama are probably pretty much on the same page as McChrystal is Obama’s hand picked general after he fired his predecessor.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Maybe Sergeant Majors should RUN the war?
ha…
Okay – I’m going to bed – you’re a loon.
HondaV65 on October 26, 2009 at 11:32 PM
HE’S A DISGRACE TO HIS BLACKBERRY BOSSES….AND THIS NATION.
He will never rush to defend America or her values, because he’s auditioning for the head job of the new Global governance.
For him to stand up there and pontificate when his dithering Jimmy Carter (helicopters in the Iranian desert) style is costing American lives is just an IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE as far as I’m concerned.
“To preserve, protect and defend THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES“. Is he fulfilling his oath of office?
As far as victory……..he has said it before he’s uncomfortable with even the word. He’s a Woodrow Wilson Progressive and Wilson tried to do the same thing…..and he also jacked around while millions were killed in the Great War. He didn’t even declare war after continued attacks on American vessels in the North Atlantic.
Folks we’re about to see Wilson/Carter redux all over again militarily for this country.
GOD HELP US SURVIVE THE NEXT THREE AND A HALF YEARS!!!
PappyD61 on October 26, 2009 at 11:35 PM
UNLESS IT IS HEALTHCARE, WE NEED IT PASSED YESTERDAY SO IT WILL BE ENACTED IN 4 MORE YEARS?
dthorny on October 26, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Honor the fallen.
publiuspen on October 26, 2009 at 11:42 PM
You are getting really desperate. Name calling like … …
That’s what you resort to when you’re losing the debate – name-calling and ad hominem attacks.
- Michelle Malkin
South Korea and Afghanistan are about as comparable as fish and bicycles.
Why do I have to keep posting this?
We don’t win by destroying the Taliban. We don’t win by body count. We don’t win by the number of successful military raids or attacks, we win when the [Afghan] people decide we win.
- General McChrystal
I know, I know, success is just around the corner.
You seem to think that only generals should have any say. I was never a general. Were you? Oh, since you think so much of generals maybe you could seek Wesley Clark’s views and go with them.
MB4 on October 26, 2009 at 11:43 PM
AzzClown In Chief.
Griz on October 26, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Our failure to Nation Build Afghanistan after the Soviets pulled out due to our funding the resistance allowed the nation to descend into Chaos and into the cold clutches of the Taliban. Abandoning them now would be making the mistake all over again, how stupid would we be to allow that.
Daemonocracy on October 26, 2009 at 11:44 PM
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