The war in Afghanistan started in October 2001 as a response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington that killed nearly 3,000 Americans, toppled the World Trade Center and badly damaged the Pentagon. Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist organization had been using Afghanistan as a base of operations with the consent of the Taliban-controlled Afghan government. American troops were sent in to disrupt the terror network and topple the Taliban and, in the beginning, they seemed to be having success. After eight years fighting in the South Asian country, it is time we realize that our mission there has been a failure. The concern now should be with what comes next, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a continued commitment to this war will do little more than further inflame an already inflamed region and sap our budget. — CentralJersey.com editorial
Lacking details of a new stabilization plan by Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander of allied forces in Afghanistan, the debate in Washington over the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan strikes us as grossly premature. One thing is undeniable: Without a strong U.S. commitment, Afghanistan will certainly return to the crazed lawlessness that predated the U.S. invasion of 2001. Those who suggest turning our backs on Afghanistan while the Taliban spreads its tentacles are conveniently forgetting: This is the same group that provided a safe haven for al-Qaida’s leadership to plan the 9/11 attacks. Remember: Afghanistan is not Iraq. It’s not another Vietnam. It is the birthplace of 9/11. — Dallas Morning News editorial
123 Comments
As I’ve posted many times: Bring the troops home.
It’s not that we cannot win, it’s that we do not have the will to win.
There is no point in allowing more American troops, UN troops, Afghan soldiers, and the innocent men and women our precision guided munitions are killing to continue to be slaughtered.
If the President of the United States, the most powerful office in the world – cannot make up his freaking mind, if he is INDECISIVE, if he is waiting for a poll –
BRING OUR TROOPS HOME.
Stop the now senseless killing.
BTW, what are we to believe? During the election Obama talked big and strong that the war to win was the WAR IN AFGHANISTAN. Then after later after ordering 17,000 more troops to battle – Obama was talking about negotiating with an organization, a way of life, connected at the hip to Al-Queda and Bin Laden.
The territory in Afghan is not the same as Iraq. The idea of working with the “moderates” is like comparing honey bees to killer bees. There is more at play in Afghanistan than just working with Shi’a and Sunni muslims.
Although it was nice though to have Obama admit the Bush surge worked – it only worked because Bush believed in the cause (not that it was right or wrong – but he believed in pursuing it).
Nine months into his presidency – no one knows what Obama believes.
I’ve posted before my belief the whole thing turns on Pakistan.
The Paks have an election coming up and however it turns out will result in the future of that operation George WMD Bush declared — in May, 2003 — “Mission Accomplished.”
For all the neo-con paranoid rants about what might happen if Iran gets a nuke, no one seems to remember Pakistan already is a nuclear Muslim state.
If the Paks elect a reasonable government that treats al Qaueda and the Taliban as what should essentially be a regional/border internal problem, we should get the troops out of Asia and send ‘em whatever military aid they need, excluding people.
It gets dicier if al Qaeda and the Taliban make inroads into Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
It is a sad laughter but a laughter none the less, I am reading comments that seem almost copy and paste of the comments about Iraq several years ago. Except the names and the political leanings are changed.
I do agree, the Afghans are not the Sunnis who turned on Al-Qaeda. Once the Sunnis saw Al-Qaeda was more the enemy then the Americans. There is no such thing as a moderate Taliban, there are some who would rather not being fighting the Americans. But will not be a lesser Devil to sell our soul to.
Yep, time to leave – It’s a worthless country with 20 percent of the population withered away from opium and the rest tied to criminal warlord enterprises.
This whole thing really takes the cake. First the cons went ballistic when Obama proposed a date for ending the war in Iraq. You know, the war Bush got us into to “fix the bastids that threatened his daddy.” Now, they’re blaming Afghanistan on Obama, after Bush ignored the country that supported the people who actually attacked this country.
If anything can support the assertion, One conservative who’s heard enough crazy talk, it’s that. And you claim Obama can’t make up his mind. It’s becoming fairly evident the cons on this blog have little in the form of a mind to make up.
JM I have two nephews in Afganistan now so feel I have a right to comment.
If Obama is determined to stay in Afgan then fine. Fight it like a real battle. Commit the troops necessary to fight and win and also to defend the boots we have on the ground right now.
If not bring them all home. It is not a con or lib question. It is a matter of life or death for the men and women currently fighting there.
I won’t pretend to know the right answer to staying or leaving but someone with good intel on this needs to make a firm decision and act on it.
okobserver
Posted September 19, 2009 at 10:40 am | Permalink
JM I have two nephews in Afganistan now so feel I have a right to comment.
_______________________
Sorry, but no. You don’t gain honor or insight simply by association, but it figures you’d try.
At this point, most of us have friends or family fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.
XXX
Posted September 19, 2009 at 10:49 am | Permalink
okobserver
Posted September 19, 2009 at 10:40 am | Permalink
JM I have two nephews in Afganistan now so feel I have a right to comment.
_______________________
Sorry, but no. You don’t gain honor or insight simply by association, but it figures you’d try.
At this point, most of us have friends or family fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.
—————————–
Actually, it does.
One of the provisions of the Constitution is to provide for civilian oversight of the military.
This is done through our representational type of government, by civilian evaluation is very important in considering general policy and decision making when it comes to national defense and commitment to war zones.
Writerdog – I posted similiarly on the Iraq War.
“And you claim Obama can’t make up his mind”
JMWalker: I don’t claim it. I know it. Please do, tell us the Obama strategy, objectives, or mission in Afghanistan.
XXX,
Perhaps OKObserver could have chosen different words, than using the word “right”…
Sorry, but no. You don’t gain honor or insight simply by association, but it figures you’d try.
————–
XXX I actually have the ‘right’ to comment on anything the gov does by virtue of my ‘freedom of speech’. That said I wasn’t telling anyone what to do just saying either s@@t or get off the pot.
If you have a problem with that then that is your problem and not mine.
Sorry the libs are so onery this morning that they think they have the exclusive right to question this prez. I seem to remember the libs doing a lot of questioning of Bush and his decisions.
JMWalker
Posted September 19, 2009 at 10:27 am
” And you claim Obama can’t make up his mind. ”
I don’t claim it: Obama himself does!
AP National Security Writer – Tue Sep 15, 3:52 pm ET
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is holding off major decisions that could put its military forces on a firmer war footing in Afghanistan even as doubts grow about whether the United States can win there.
Many military and diplomatic leaders have urged President Barack Obama to send thousands more Marines, soldiers and pilots to try to reverse Afghanistan’s crumbling security situation.
But White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has said no decision about adding troops is expected for “weeks and weeks,” following what he described as intensive evaluation.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
During a press conference Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Obama said that he refused to be rushed on whether to send more troops, despite declining political and public support, mounting U.S. casualties, evidence that U.S.-backed Afghan Pres. Hamid Karzai rigged his re-election last month, pervasive official corruption, a resurgent Taliban and halfhearted assistance from neighboring Pakistan.
”Obama said Wednesday that he wants “absolute clarity about what the strategy is going to be.”
Let me rephrase Walkers post more acurately now that I’ve provided him proof:
Now, they’re blaming Afghanistan on Obama, after Obama ignored the country that supported the people who actually attacked this country.
#
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 11:03 am | Permalink
“And you claim Obama can’t make up his mind”
JMWalker: I don’t claim it. I know it. Please do, tell us the Obama strategy, objectives, or mission in Afghanistan.
XXX,
Perhaps OKObserver could have chosen different words, than using the word “right”…
=================================================
You’re favorite president, bush, left both wars and the economy in as sorry a state as this great country has ever been left in, and you claim you want Obama to fix it with a snap of his finger. I use the word claim, because your party is doing everything it its power to make sure Obama fails. Some of your own party members have stated that.
The very fact Afghanistan will revert to a Taliban controlled country, should we bail without installing a democratic government, if that’s even possible, should preclude us leaving. After all, it was the Taliban government that allowed OBL to plan and execute the attack on this country, and allowing them to regain control puts this country in danger. Or have you forgotten that.
That a plan for Afghanistan does need to be carried out is paramount, but to blame Obama for any of this is just plain bs.
And while ok has every right to blog whatever the heII she wants, using her two nephews as an excuse for doing so is inexcusable. Seems there was a Democrat mother doing the same with her dead son, and you all slammed her.
Absolute clarity is different from acting on gut instincts. Personally, I prefer the intensive evaluation and basing the strategy on what the situation is. As Monkeyhawk pointed out, the elections in Pakistan could make a great difference in what the strategy needs to be. I also prefer the constant evaluation and changing tactics if necessary to fit the needs, over staying the failed course.
#
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 11:26 am | Permalink
Let me rephrase Walkers post more acurately now that I’ve provided him proof:
Now, they’re blaming Afghanistan on Obama, after Obama ignored the country that supported the people who actually attacked this country.
============================================
What did your boy, bush, do for over four years? What did he do about the country that attacked this nation? What plan did he use in “forgetting” the man responsible for the 9/11 attack?
Afghanistan was left in such a mess by your moronic leader, it’s going to take serious planning just to figure out what to do next. Blame your former president, bush, for what’s going on today.
Amway, you really need to change that name to unamway. You apparently have little respect for this country anymore. But you do have this blog to continue spreading your hatred. Have fun. I’m outta here. Reading this con crap is nauseating.
JMWalker answer for any discussion on Americans future: Bush
JMWalker: Stuck in reverse.
“You apparently have little respect for this country anymore.”
JMWalker: Lies. He cannot support the above post.
“But you do have this blog to continue spreading your hatred.”
JMWalker: More lies. He has nothing to support that post.
JMWalker = brainless postings with no basis.
The words straight from the sheep tape recordin:
XXXXXX (where XXXXXX = anything and everthing on earth) was left in such a mess by your moronic leader, it’s going to take serious planning just to figure out what to do next.
Blame (everything on) your former president, bush, for what’s going on today.
Test, one, two, three. Test.
Did you get the tape?
ATTENTION ALL LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BLOGGERS:
The 44th President of the United States of America
is Barack Hussein Obama. Obama has been president since his official swearing in on 22 January, 2009.
Thank-you
Carry On
This has been a public blog announcement brought to on behalf of the truth, justice, and the American_Way of life.
JMWalker slithers off. He cannot stand the heat on all his unsubstantiated posts.
#
okobserver
Posted September 19, 2009 at 11:13 am | Permalink
XXX I actually have the ‘right’ to comment on anything the gov does by virtue of my ‘freedom of speech’. That said I wasn’t telling anyone what to do just saying either s@@t or get off the pot.
If you have a problem with that then that is your problem and not mine.
Sorry the libs are so onery this morning that they think they have the exclusive right to question this prez. I seem to remember the libs doing a lot of questioning of Bush and his decisions.
_____________________________
“a conservative party whose instincts are dictated by loudmouths, reactionaries and crackpots, and overseen by cynics”
Okobserver is proof of the point.
____________________________________
“a conservative party whose instincts are dictated by loudmouths, reactionaries and crackpots, and overseen by cynics”
Okobserver is proof of the point.
———————
Actually, we conservatives that pull you Liberal wussies’s fat from the fire.
In WWII it was Eisenhower and McArthur.
In Vietnam, it was too late, Democratic Liberal policy of micro-managing the war – FUBAR.
In recent times, it was Petraeus. Of course, now that O’BAMA is in charge, he is more concerned about his latest Poll than achieving something other than disasterous in Afghanistan.
KU SCORES!!!
Here is why Obama can’t make a Decision on Afghanistan, and why he will continue with a Half-A Strategy in Afghanistan:
Thirty-one percent (31%) of Democrats favor a complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan right away, compared to 13% of Republicans and 14% of voters not affiliated with either party. Thirty percent (30%) of the president’s party think a firm timetable should be established for withdrawal within a year, a view shared by just six percent (6%) of GOP voters and 14% of unaffiliateds.
Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans and 60% of unaffiliated voters see no need for a withdrawal or a timetable, but just 27% of Democrats agree.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/afghanistan/20_say_pull_all_troops_out_of_afghanistan_immediately
Obama’s Democrat base wants the US quickly out of Afghanistan. Republicans and INDEPENDENTS do not.
Obama KNOWS he needs the Independent vote, and Obama KNOWS his Sheep Democrats will vote the party line no matter what he does. So, Obama is struggling to keep the Independent voters, which is a tough sell for a Radical Leftist.
Regular
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:16 pm | Permalink
“a conservative party whose instincts are dictated by loudmouths, reactionaries and crackpots, and overseen by cynics”
___________________-
Yet more proof.
JimJohnson
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Permalink
_________________________
Copy and paste boy is here.
“Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans and 60% of unaffiliated voters see no need for a withdrawal or a timetable, but just 27% of Democrats agree.” [Johnson]
Holy Siht… Johnson disagrees with the Reublicans AND the unaffiliated!!! Stop the presses, this could be historic!!! LOL
Evidence of Obama’s Confusion in Afghanistan
Obama, a MILITARY STRATEGY Does NOT Equal Measurement Metrics For Success!
Obama – the complete incompetent BUFFOON! Go Back To Community Organizing!
http://www.truthout.org/091709B
White House Issues Yardsticks for Success in Afghanistan
Wednesday 16 September 2009
by: Nancy A. Youssef | McClatchy Newspapers
Obama said Wednesday that he wants “absolute clarity about what the strategy is going to be.”
It’s not clear, however, that the metrics presented Wednesday will provide that clarity. Some metrics could be measured using statistics such as polls or economic variables, but about half of them are subjective, and each metric has between four and 14 sub-metrics. Two that are classified weren’t released.
One metric, for example, calls for the U.S. and its allies to defeat extremist insurgencies, “secure the Afghan populace, and develop increasingly self-reliant Afghan security forces that can lead the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism fight with reduced U.S. assistance.”
The 14 sub-metrics for that goal include: measure the level of corruption within the Afghan security forces; public perceptions of the security forces; the capability and size of the Afghan police and army; and percent of the population living under insurgent-controlled or government-controlled communities.
Others yardsticks include economic and political development in Afghanistan and Pakistan and improved security forces in both nations.
Other goals, especially those directed at Pakistan, might be difficult for the United States to reach, since it has few troops and little leverage in that country, where anti-Americanism has been rising.
For example, one metric calls for the development of “Pakistan’s counterinsurgency capabilities,” adding the United States should “continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to defeat terrorist and insurgent groups.”
The senior administration official stressed that the United States isn’t engaged in nation building in Afghanistan, even though one of the sub-metrics calls for measuring “public perception of Afghanistan’s justice sector and commitment to providing the rule of law at the national, provincial, and local levels.”
If the Afghans and Pakistanis achieve the goals with U.S. support, the United States will meet its goal of “disrupting, dismantling and defeating” al Qaida, the official said.
“The metrics are the strategy,” he said.
XXX
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Permalink
Regular
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:16 pm | Permalink
“a conservative party whose instincts are dictated by loudmouths, reactionaries and crackpots, and overseen by cynics”
___________________-
Yet more proof.
——————–
Yeah, you’re an example of all talk no action constantly performed by the Libs.
Call names and point fingers – yeah, that will show them.
I’m sure our enemies are terrified with the liberal method of “nanner nanner” and finger pointing.
Metrics = Strategy? No, Metrics Are “Yardsticks To Measure Success
The Community Organizer is Confused
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/75562.html
White House issues yardsticks for success in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — The White House Wednesday presented Congress with eight general yardsticks to measure success in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but didn’t say how they’d help the administration determine how well U.S. policy in the region is working.
Indeed, White House officials said they weren’t sure if they’d use the metrics to help President Barack Obama decide whether to send more American troops to Afghanistan, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters Wednesday.
Instead, the administration official, who spoke with reporters on the condition of anonymity, said the White House devised the metrics to hold itself accountable. A senior defense official, however, said the metrics also are designed to help guide the White House as it begins what could be weeks of deliberations about the way ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan, six months after it first laid out its goals there.
I have said for many years that if we get rid of the HEROIN profits for Afghanistan, we can stop their funding being used by Taliban and alQuaida armaments…
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/sep/03/afghanistan-rises32as-heroin-source/
Obama’s presentation to Congress of his “Metrics” for Success in Afghanistan are just as vague as his promise to Save or Creat 4 million jobs.
By presenting UNMEASUREABLE Metrics for Success, Obama can always try to claim Success – regardless of what happens.
OBAMA IS A DOUBLESPEAK GENIUS!
(and the Sheep fall in line and say: “baaaaaahhh”)
Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??
Johnson, why havent you posted the Afghanistan war casualty posted in today’s Eagle obituaries?? Hmmmm???
“Personally, I prefer the intensive evaluation and basing the strategy on what the situation is.”
Linda’s words of wisdom for the day. It would seem she agrees with the conservatives on this one.
Now when will Obama take the action necessary to end this war and also to protect our men on the ground in Afganistan?
Chas
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:48 pm | Permalink
Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??
——————-
I complained.
Bush started out well, chased the Taliban out and got distracted by Iraq.
The problem with Afghanistan are all the War Lords who will trade allegiance to the highest bidder – Taliban or Drug trader – take your pick.
Senator John Kerry led expressions of doubt on Capitol Hill after administration officials briefed lawmakers in closed sessions yesterday on an assessment by the top U.S. military officer in Afghanistan, Army General Stanley McChrystal. The reviews also covered gauges the administration has developed to track progress on the political and security fronts.
“At the very moment when our troops and our allies’ troops are sacrificing more and more, our path and our progress seem to be growing less and less clear,” Kerry said at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat and Vietnam veteran who heads the panel, said he is concerned about the utility of adding more forces to the war.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOsI6×5z.3b0
‘Metrics’ Scrutinized (by Democrats!)
Skelton said he isn’t fully satisfied with the information the Obama administration is providing, especially on “metrics,” or ways to measure advances toward the goal that Obama outlined in his March speech on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Obama repeated the aim yesterday, which is to eliminate the threat of al-Qaeda and extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan who harbor the group.
“The American people as well as Congress need to see measurable progress,” Skelton said.
The benchmarks the administration plans to use would evaluate progress on governance, security and international support for Afghanistan and Pakistan, an administration official told reporters yesterday. Quarterly reporting on governance, for instance, would judge advances toward the goal of a legitimate Afghan government and credible election results on a scale ranging from unsatisfactory to satisfactory.
“No amount of money, no rise in troop levels, and no clever metrics will matter if the mission is ill-conceived,” Kerry said yesterday.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOsI6×5z.3b0
Obama’s Metrics are Wishes, not a Strategy to Accomplish a Mission.
Obama is simply waiving a Magic Fairy Wand to Grant Wishes!
(That approach might work, if you are a Community Organizer.)
Chas, if you ask a relevent question, I’ll be happy to answer.
TOUCH DOWN KU!!!
#4
ROCK CHALK JAY HAWKS!
“Copy and paste boy is here.”
JimJohnson, don’t worry about XXX, he has a problem dealing with facts and numbers higher than 10.
Perhaps Obama is taking his time on Afghanistan (while more Americans die) so that he can calculate his words better….
The President of the United States is the NATIONAL Community Organizer… See LBJ, War on Poverty; See Nixon, wage and price freezes; See JFK, physical fitness programs, done in ALL the schools for years!!! Reagan… Just say NO…(a community organizing program); See G. W. Bush, NCLB program, in ALL the schools…(community organizing)…
Johnson, you are full of SIHT on the community organizing Vitriol you spit up here daily… READ some history…. YOU might have forgotten… But wouldnt that just make you spayshul!!!
Cut and run RepubliCONs.
If it were up to the CON panty-waists, our wives and daughters would all be wearing a burkha.
Johnson, why havent you posted the Afghanistan war casualty posted in today’s Eagle obituaries?? Hmmmm???
Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??
“(That approach might work, if you are a Community Organizer.)”
JJ you might want to be careful posting that tie about about Obama. I believe the media has been advised that since the fall of ACORN, Obama wants to shed that image…..
“Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??”
No Chas there wasn’t any space left on the blogs because libs were b*tching about it.
CapnAmerica
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:07 pm | Permalink
Cut and run RepubliCONs.
If it were up to the CON panty-waists, our wives and daughters would all be wearing a burkha.
————————
No, just the Male Libs would wear burkhas – the women can wear pants, they have all the balls on the Lib side.
“I really have great misgivings about adding additional troops without some sort of timeline and an understanding that the rest of the world, particularly our NATO allies and others, are going to play a significant and robust role,” said Senator Byron L. Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat.
Senator Jim Webb, a Virginia Democrat, added: “It’s really important that they have a clearly articulated, understandable policy that has an endpoint in military terms that everyone can understand. I don’t think they’re there yet.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/world/asia/17policy.html
Libs were b*tching about Iraq and Afghanistan when Bush was president.
Seems to be a forgotten fact now.
So along comes JimJohnson and reminds us that Americans are STILL dying in Afghanistan, Obama has had NINE FREAKING MONTHS and his campaign time to decide what to do about Afghanistan.
Obama talked BIG MAN during the campaign.
But now, he just can’t make up his mind.
Meanwhile America bleeds. And our “world image” suffers.
WPE
“No, just the Male Libs would wear burkhas – the women can wear pants, they have all the balls on the Lib side.”
REGULAR 100 points
Someone must acknowledge quick wit when they see it.
Let it be me.
Obama’s POLITICAL Decision in Afghanistan:
The senior official said that the administration, in conducting its quarterly assessment of how well the standards were being met, would look at polling data to indicate “whether the election was viewed as legitimate by the Afghan people.”
Mr. Obama seems acutely aware that he is confronting two clocks on the American engagement in Afghanistan that are ticking at different speeds: a political clock here at home, and a combat clock in the region. The White House is concerned about dividing Democrats on an increase in forces in Afghanistan at a time when the president is trying to hold the party together on his health care overhaul.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/world/asia/17policy.html
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:13 pm | Permalink
“Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??”
No Chas there wasn’t any space left on the blogs because libs were b*tching about it.
===============================================
Interesting… AmWay answers a question directed specifically at Johnson…. Hmmmmm…
TOUCH DOWN KU!!!!
#5
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!!!
Psssst JJ!!
Chas has asked you that question numerous times.
He is fishing. (too lazy to bone dig)
Just saying.
“Interesting… AmWay answers a question directed specifically at Johnson…. Hmmmmm…”
Don’t pee your panties over it. On the Open Thread I asked CapnAmerica a direct question and Cosmos answered for him.
And please don’t pretend you libs don’t answer for each other……
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:05 pm | Permalink
“Copy and paste boy is here.”
JimJohnson, don’t worry about XXX, he has a problem dealing with facts and numbers higher than 10.
—————————
I’ve noticed. And he has become a partisan hack making him less relevent, when he used to have more objectivity.
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:07 pm | Permalink
Perhaps Obama is taking his time on Afghanistan (while more Americans die) so that he can calculate his words better….
———————-
It’s apparent he cares more about American polls then anything else.
Chas
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:07 pm | Permalink
The President of the United States is the NATIONAL Community Organizer… See LBJ, War on Poverty; See Nixon, wage and price freezes; See JFK, physical fitness programs, done in ALL the schools for years!!! Reagan… Just say NO…(a community organizing program); See G. W. Bush, NCLB program, in ALL the schools…(community organizing)…
Johnson, you are full of SIHT on the community organizing Vitriol you spit up here daily… READ some history…. YOU might have forgotten… But wouldnt that just make you spayshul!!!
—————————–
Relevence? Meaningful conversation?
Nope.
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:12 pm | Permalink
“(That approach might work, if you are a Community Organizer.)”
JJ you might want to be careful posting that tie about about Obama. I believe the media has been advised that since the fall of ACORN, Obama wants to shed that image…..
—————————–
Right, I see Obama has applied white-out to that section of his resume.
“It’s apparent he cares more about American polls then anything else.”
Obama is afraid to make the “wrong” decision. He is admittedly under some pressure on this. Most of his own party are left overs from the sixties peace movement (flowers in their hair) anti-war activists. He doesn’t want to appear aligned with the republican war hawks on this. He also is closely watching the polls which show wide disagreement with the war from all parties.
That makes it real tough to take a stand.
It is probably a first for him. He probably has never let his true beliefs influence anything other than his personal toilet duties.
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:15 pm | Permalink
Libs were b*tching about Iraq and Afghanistan when Bush was president.
Seems to be a forgotten fact now.
So along comes JimJohnson and reminds us that Americans are STILL dying in Afghanistan, Obama has had NINE FREAKING MONTHS and his campaign time to decide what to do about Afghanistan.
Obama talked BIG MAN during the campaign.
But now, he just can’t make up his mind.
Meanwhile America bleeds. And our “world image” suffers.
WPE
——————————–
Obama may now have realized that TALKING about Multi-Tasking as President and ACTUALLY MULTI-TASKING as President are two different things.
“Relevence? Meaningful conversation?”
Reverend? Preacher? Minister?
Nope.
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:20 pm | Permalink
Psssst JJ!!
Chas has asked you that question numerous times.
He is fishing. (too lazy to bone dig)
Just saying.
—————————–
Sounds like a giant mosquito buzzing around cyberspace….
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:07 pm | Permalink
Perhaps Obama is taking his time on Afghanistan (while more Americans die) so that he can calculate his words better….
———————
He originally used that “calculation” expression when he said the police were stupid?
American_Way
Posted September 19, 2009 at 1:28 pm | Permalink
“It’s apparent he cares more about American polls then anything else.”
Obama is afraid to make the “wrong” decision. He is admittedly under some pressure on this. Most of his own party are left overs from the sixties peace movement (flowers in their hair) anti-war activists. He doesn’t want to appear aligned with the republican war hawks on this. He also is closely watching the polls which show wide disagreement with the war from all parties.
That makes it real tough to take a stand.
It is probably a first for him. He probably has never let his true beliefs influence anything other than his personal toilet duties.
—————————-
He has that Political Clock and that Combat Clock to deal with, and that is very difficult when you have ZERO experience making decisions, other then deciding whether the TP rolls out from the top or the bottom.
Hidden justice: do Obama’s detention reforms in Afghanistan go far enough?
http://afpak.foreignpolicy.com/category/topic/afghanistan
Holding prisoners at Bagram instead of Gitmo has made what difference, exactly?
Not much.
“He originally used that “calculation” expression when he said the police were stupid?”
Yes – when he said the Cambridge Police acted stupidly (to arrest a black man).
Obama said that he could have calculated his words “differently”.
He could have kept his fat mouth shut.
That was just a typical off-the-cuff remark that a Community Organizer would make.
Obama forgot that, as President, he has a wider audience now that extends beyond just Acorn members.
IS it any wonder Obama cannot decide what is right or wrong in Afghanistan?
Not one of the liberal democrats posting here today – have posted their own opinion on the Afghanistan War.
How very very sad that is. All of them are too afraid to post THEIR OWN BELIEFS.
Instead they Wait for the sheep tape recording
How very sad to be a democrat. No balls. No personal opinion. No freedom or ability to post your own opinion.
In fact, I think I’m the ONLY poster here today who was bold enough to post my own belief – not afraid of the reaction of others.
Libs just cannot do that.
Here is the list of libs who danced on this thread today. Libs who b*tched on this thread today. Libs who are too ashamed, embarrassed or cowardly to post what they really feel about the war in Afghanistan.
Again, no wonder Obama cannot decide. And are all these following sheep waiting patiently to be TOLD what is right?
Monkeyhawk
Writerdog
JMWalker
XXX
Lindastinks55
Chas
cowards.
forgot
CapnAmerica
coward list.
Chas
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:29 pm | Permalink
“Seventy-three percent (73%) of Republicans and 60% of unaffiliated voters see no need for a withdrawal or a timetable, but just 27% of Democrats agree.” [Johnson]
Holy Siht… Johnson disagrees with the Reublicans AND the unaffiliated!!! Stop the presses, this could be historic!!! LOL
————————–
I’m not a partisan HACK like you Chas.
I don’t see either Republicans or Democrats as representing conservatives.
Good point AmWay.
The Libs here complain about a lot of things, but failed to offer their opinion on Afghanistan.
But then their opinion doesn’t really matter to Obama. Obama knows he has his sheep voting for him no matter what he does.
Obama’s more worried about the Independents right now, and so far, he’s ignoring the very loud voice of conservatives, many who were marching in his own backyard.
Chas posts statistics – but does not have the mental ability to post his very own opinion on the War in Afghanstan. He can be critical of those who have opinions, yet too cowardly to dare express his own.
How very sad.
76 comments – and only my own with a clear opinion on the War in Afghanistan.
pussies.
Today. Saturday. There are incoming rounds in Afghanistan.
Your neighbors kids, friends, and family members are being shot at and driving down roads with bombs ready to go off.
Dying because you chicken sheats cannot take a stand.
I’m against the Afghanistan war as it stands now with:
1. No clearly defined Mission.
2. No clearly defined Strategy to Accomplish the Mission.
3. No clearly defined Goals.
4. No exit strategy to get us out of there.
5. Obama is confused, calling Metrics his Strategy.
6. Even the Metrics Obama announced were criticized by Democrats as not being clear enough to gauge success. His Metrics are Wish Lists.
7. Democrats are not supporting Obama’s plans to put still more troops in Afghanistan.
8. Americans are dying at an increasing rate in Afghanistan. It’s a Blood Bath over there!
9. Obama promised to stop the Killing, and he has FAILED to do so.
Obama When Will You Stop The Killing And Bring Our Troops Home?
Johnson — did you b*tch this much about Bush’s Afghanistan policy??
It is a sad laughter but a laughter none the less, I am reading comments that seem almost copy and paste of the comments about Iraq several years ago. Except the names and the political leanings are changed.
To the extent there are people that simple-minded, bad on them. I see a more complex picture.
Even before the election, I wondered why the hell Obama kept conflating Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, as if they were part of the same group. They may be allies, at present, but we were their allies at one time.
I do not believe for a minute that we can somehow work magic, and any solution must be undertaken at the negotiation table. The elections present both an opportunity and further peril because, while it looks like Karzai (our hand-picked oil executive puppet) is going to prevail, there are already accusation of fraud.
Nor do I think any ultimate solution will rely on force of arms. If there are any disgruntled Taliban to deal with, we’d better get them to the table pronto.
Contrary to the simple-minded view so expressed by conservatives, progressive who are not also committed pacifists do not always advocate immediately withdrawing from conflicts in a knee-jerk fashion. It was not until well into 2005–in fact, on this very forum–that I concluded that the Iraq War (which I opposed from the beginning) would never be anything than a horrific civil war, and our participation was nothing more than corporate-sponsored theft-fest, which led me to advocate getting the hell out, and right away.
Even with Obama at the helm, the same is possible of Afghanistan.
I became convinced that no good would come from our continued presence in Iraq and, indeed, for all the talk of the “surge”’s success (making Iraq less of an exploding horror), that had more to do with buying off the Sunni opponents that using US troops for security.
There’s an important lesson in that, but Afganistan is not Iraq. And it seems some are intent of belitting the Pakistan connection, even though many of the Taliban enjoy safe havens with its borders. Such concerns are not trivial, or some made-up bogeyman like the Domino Theory.
But, as CF2K has previously posted, it’s quite possible that nothing good will come of this.
I’m sorry if my words are brass. Sorry if I’m being a smart but. Sorry if I’m posting mean things here.
But your lack of commitment is going to get more American troops killed. And that is something this veteran just cannot stand for. We haven’t learned anything since Vietnam?
I say bring the boys home. If you agree – please let people know. Do not be ashamed.
It’s like the healthcare issue – if you take a stand you can influence the outcome.
And maybe save someone’s son or daughter.
Even if you disagree – let someone know.
If the “surge” is the answer, then let it get going.
And maybe save someone’s son or daughter.
Just stop beotching at those of us who DO post an opinion.
AmWay whines:
“Libs who are too ashamed, embarrassed or cowardly to post what they really feel about the war in Afghanistan.” [AmWay, 2 p.m.]
BUT….
Chas
Posted September 19, 2009 at 12:42 pm | Permalink
I have said for many years that if we get rid of the HEROIN profits for Afghanistan, we can stop their funding being used by Taliban and alQuaida armaments…
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/sep/03/afghanistan-rises32as-heroin-source/
AmWay is the “poster boy” for posting statistics… And CLAIMS I have posted statistics here today…. BS… I havent posted ANY stats here today… LIAR!!
poof — gone — for now!!!
Chas – your post confirms my own.
Are you for or against continuing the War in Afghanistan?
Yes or no?
I don’t know if anyone, left or right, objected to Shrub sending troops to Afghanistan.
We sorta had our doubts that the “Mission” was “Accomplished” in May, 2003. (And what was that deal with Shrub in a jumpsuit with a cod piece?)
We “libruhls” did have our doubts about Iraq. Well-founded doubts, as it turned out. (How’s that “Iraqi oil will pay for the war” thing worked out?)
I really think what’s happening in Pakistan is key to America’s military commitment in that region. And there are no easy answers.
I have been against Iraq and Afghanistan from the beginning… ALSO, I have posted since the beginning, my beliefs that if you stop the FUNDING from Heroin, Afghanistan falls apart…
“Chas – your post confirms my own.” [AmWay]
NO it doesnt… simpleton… geez…
I don’t know if anyone, left or right, objected to Shrub sending troops to Afghanistan.
Well-put, though I did object to the superfluous overthrowing of the government–but not going after Al-Qaeda. I also thought that Shrub, like his father in 1991, did everything he could to damn sure that war was inevitable.
When Liberals posted: “Save our Troops, bring them Home!” regarding Iraq, the CONS all called us quitters, and Anti-American, and cowards…
Monkey is right… MOST liberals were all in favor of Afghanistan — in the beginning — But, Bush pulled out of Afghanistan, and instead invaded Iraq… We were AGAINST that!!
And I, for one, still am…
Why doesnt Johnson post the obituary notice about the local boy who was killed in this war…. the way he has all of those others in the past weeks… And why wont Johnson anwer such a simple question???
NOW, he is for getting out of Afghanitan… THEN, he was in favor of staying in Iraq, and calling those against it Anti-American… What a moron, and bufoon!!!
P.S. Actually, we could have bought bin Laden from the Taliban. . . and, now that I think of it, I can’t really I even supported a limited invasion, except as a last resort.
I hung my flag upside-down.
P.P.S. So now you know two of us, Monkeyhawk.
There is a lot of body bags that have been sent home to places other than America and if the US decides to cut, the sacrifice of other nations to support a LEGITIMATE 9/11 response may be the last time they do so. We’ve lost 740, the balance of Nato 550, with the relative totals for some much much higher than the US as a % of population. Brits with 65 million lost 200, the
Canadians with 33 million lost 133. I’d be rather annoyed if some foreign leader unilaterally decided to pullout after that much blood had been spilt.
Chas
Posted September 19, 2009 at 2:46 pm | Permalink
When Liberals posted: “Save our Troops, bring them Home!” regarding Iraq, the CONS all called us quitters, and Anti-American, and cowards…
—————————
Chas, the surge in Iraq worked. Your call for withdrawal from Iraq was wrong. Whether security can be maintained there now or not, is in Obama’s hands.
As for Afghanistan, Chas-boy, that’s a different situation, different country. My reasons for objecting to Afghanistan are very clearly stated at 2:20.
The rest of yor post Chas, is from some foul-mouthed phony preacher, and not worthy of a response.
Long before 9/11 I was aware of the evils of Taliban rule in Afghanistan. I know a lot of feminists, worked on a documentary about female circumcision, helped edit a lot of gruesome footage of women being stoned to death.
Afghanistan at that time was sorta Somalia or Haiti or a lot of places on the planet that are simply horrific… and somebody oughta do something about it… …but what do you do? At what price? And what, exactly, is won if we win?
Look:
Nobody ever made it to the upper echelons of the Pentagon by presenting scenarios where the United States military couldn’t prevail. It’s a military strategist’s job to figure out how to win a battle; it’s not a military strategist’s job to determine if the battle is worth it.
I think of George C.
PattonScott’s performance in the 3rd Act of “Dr. Strangelove.”“Damn! If only WE could get one of those ‘Doomsday Machines!’”
The key to this situation is what’s happened in Pakistan over the past eight or nine years.
Let’s just rename this Blog the Regular Anti American Johnson Okie/KS Way Jim Minute Blog and be done with it.
The above noted Cons make 90% of the posts and seem to be unable to resist the temptation to condemn their fellow Americans.
The hatred for anyone that doesn’t share their POV is obvious. Let it go, let them have this emiserable blog.b
There was a time when we were all Americans – long ago. That time has long since past, and you must be a reactionary Con/Republican to be a “Real American.”
There are two Americas now, Left and Right.
Let’s let the reactionaries have the Red States, those of us that look to the future will take the Blue States.
And never shall the twain meet.
Thank God!
So, why no body counts from Johnson today?? Was he told to back off?? Did he get scared?? Or, is he just chicken…???
Here’s your lollipop for showing up to the blog today Clark.
Now run along and play…
“Here’s your lollipop for showing up to the blog today Clark.”
And you are the worst of the worst, JM, Eier, Republican, Regular, etc.
Are you going to call me a Heebie, now?
From the observations of the witnesses of the Foreign relations committee. This is the options and the predicted outcomes.
Pullout:
During the occupation of the Russians of Afghanistan the United States engaged with both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Once the Russians left we stopped engaging with both countries.
With the Russians and the U.S. washing their hands, it left the Communist pick government still in power in Afghanistan.
Pakistan was not crazy about having the Communists next door, but the list of those willing to try to gain control was very short. The Taliban stepped up and Pakistan saw a chance to kill two birds with one stone.
The Taliban was being a thorn in Pakistan’s side. So they helped them to gain power in Afghanistan.
Now the Taliban had their own country to run and lost their focus on Pakistan.
But then came along 9-11 and the U.S. focus on Al-Qaeda. The Taliban got in the way not because they supported Al-Qaeda that much. They were just duty bound since the terrorist group was a “guest “ to not turn them over to their enemy. And since they were guest it was also a duty of the Taliban to try to protect them while in their house.
We took action, Air support of the push by the Northern alliance and we put a hundred boots on the ground.
The failing came when the chase got to Tora-bora and both was leaving Afghanistan and entering Pakistan.
The Northern alliance tribesmen refuse to continue, their enemy had been driven out of the country.
And Al-Qaeda was not their enemy they were ours, we did not have the man power to go it on our own.
With only a hundred boots on the ground.
Then along came Iraq, we left it to NATO which had the same results as if you asked your friend to come over and help paint the house. Then once they were there you turned and said, “Since you are here I am going to the movies“.
Not only driving Al-Qaeda out but the Taliban too both fled to Pakistan.
Once again Pakistan had a problem with the Taliban in their country.
We pull out now, the end result will be that the Taliban will have a safe base to operate from in Afghanistan.
Once again we will abandon both countries and now Pakistan with their Nuclear weapons will be at risk.
The Taliban is not the only militant group in Pakistan, at one end they have those who want to fight India.
In the middle part is a group that wishes to overthrow the Government.
The other end is the tribal forces that are the Taliban.
BTW AW that was not so addressed to you.
To Stay:
There is no military solution, the longer our troops are there the closer they become to being seen as a occupation force by the Afghans. That is something that ends with the entire country turning against us.
The Afghans are concerned about that but also fear once again we will just abandon them.
They would rather see a increase for now then a pull out.
We stay it is in our best interest to help them improve the education system. As it stand education in Afghanistan is gear to only educating the people to 11 years old. NOT the 11th grade, 11 years of age.
Now the problem is that even if we get a entire population to have B.S.s there is still the problem of employment. Afghanistan is not well known for natural resources, and its roads are geared more to Donkey carts and foot traffic then cars and big trucks.
Unless there is someone who would do for Afghanistan what Sam Walton did for China.
Come in and foot the bill for building manufacturing plants and training the workers to be employed for that plant. Then turn around and force any competitor to also move their manufacturing to Afghanistan too.
There is not much hope for getting the people to stop depending on the Poppies trade.
“The hatred for anyone that doesn’t share their POV is obvious. ”
WSClark, I meant to post no hatred toward you or any other poster. Whether you share my point of view or not, I do not hate anyone.
I am crazy frustrated that no one will take an independent stand on these issues, but they are very quick to judge me on MY opinion – or try to tell me I didn’t feel that way about Bush or why didn’t I post that during Bush. Well I DID post during Bush.
Kids are dying in Afghanstan while I’m sitting in my nice home in my nice town eating the best food. My neighbors son is an E4 in the army a little over two years and he has more ribbons on his chest than I had after twenty. The kid has a tour in Iraq and one in Afghanistan – and getting ready to deploy again. We are asking more from todays military than at any time in US history. WWII was only four years. Vietnam you were drafted and did a tour and came home. These kids (I call them kids but they are adults) are bigger heros and any Americans ever – as far as I’m concerned.
I don’t want that to continue.
(and there I GO lumping all of you in the same boat as you have lumped me. Which is wrong)
“We stay it is in our best interest to help them improve the education system”
Writerdog you are talking about nation building. I applaud the idea – but I don’t think it’s realistic.
In Pakistand and Afghanistan they have laws about women which will prevent them from being educated. Heck, they tell them what they can wear, talk to, when they can go outside, and with whom.
They blowup or burndown the schools we build – for women.
We cannot force our Civil Rights movement on a society which is 1,000 years behind us and stuck in their own religious right movement. Obama cannot order Afghanistan to give women equal rights.
It’s not our country. Democracry is a nice thing for us. But we have no right to thrust it on people who see no logic in it.
We are spitting into the wind.
Our righteousness and ideals are all good – but they are not applicable to the muslims of Afghanistan. They don’t want them.
And who are are we to enforce what they do not want?
Good point dog – The soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of today are asked to serve tours longer and more repeated tours than at anytime in U.S. history.
Yet they keep volunteering to re-up. This is a special breed of men and women serving.
They deserve our thanks and gratitude in a long lasting way.
I’m reminded of the crusades in Europe and the middle east.
I’m reminded of the missionaries coming to America to bring Christianity to the native American Indians.
Onward, christian soldiers.
Oops I attributed that to writerdog, it was American Way.
Sorry bro and again, you are absolutely correct about today’s troops.
Missionaries….shock troops of cultural genocide.
Regular, my neighor is a retired SFC in the army as I am a retired GySgt. Over the years, we have become the best of friends.
His sone was home on leave. Late at night, he joined us in the “man cave” as we had drinks and shot the breeze.
Having known this young man from his junior high school years – both his dad and I were equally proud of this lad.
But when we talked about him going back again, you could see in his eyes that he is worried – but didn’t want us to worry. Maybe some brag about going on their third combat tour (I wouldn’t know). But it was obvious, our own personal hero was not too excited about returning. And I go home to blog in the safety of my home with every convenience known to mankind.
“Missionaries….shock troops of cultural genocide.”
Literally carried VD to the masses.
AW a few days ago I describe Afghanistan as a pothole on the most remote road that no one travels on. Even if you fill it, there is no getting around that its still the most remote road that no one travels on.
Its the armpit of the world, even if you spray deodorant and weave ribbons in the armpit hairs its still a arm pit.
Nation building is the only thing we could do if we want to stay engaged. For us the argument that by leaving will give Al-Qaeda a place to regroup and plan is kind of meaning less since they are already doing just that in Pakistan.
In many ways Pakistan is like a drug addict, all your efforts to help them ends with them just hating you.
Until they themselves actually decide to help themselves. Pakistan has three internal enemies they have to face. Four if you count themselves since they either are not finding their butt with both hands or are so corrupt that they would sale their own mother into prostitution.
The issue of women’s right is something we can not force on them. Its part religious practice and part cultural. We had to overcome it on our own so will they.
Yeah Amway, my nephew was on his third tour in Iraq when the injuries from hell came upon him.
He’s doing okay with brain injury and other related injuries. But still carrying a lot of IED fragments in him.
No problem Reg and I agree too with what AW said. On both accounts, my own hero (son is re-upping).
Tired of Iraq and wanting to be back with the wife and twin daughters but not ready to call the whole thing off. The Army is telling him that he will not be re-deployed for a year and a half.
The old man reminded him he is in the military, they can walk up and pull him and his wife apart and shove him onto a plane to fly off to Afghanistan the same day if need be.
LOL recently he got a taste of Military life, was called into his superior officer’s office. Meshed off and on for a couple of hours. And it took three days before he found out why! He was called names and told all kind of things just not what he was in trouble for. I thought that only happens in the USN?
“The Army is telling him that he will not be re-deployed for a year and a half. ”
You are correct. Any faith in promises should have been lost when his recruiters lies came to pass.
Although getting orders to a billet stateside which is nondeployable (e.g.instructor,recruiter,schools)provides some level of security for awhile, there truly are no guarantees – and most leaders would be honest on that. Now that your son is experienced, deep down he knows the truth too.
We post here rapidly with no thought on world politics on places like Iran, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, and Afghanistan. Just as quickly, politicians can send American’s finest to any of these places.
The truth is – nobody promised you a rose garden. It’s true. Your son knows this already in his career.
Sad, when I was due to get out, after serving two hitches (reenlisted once already), Carter was president, unemployment was almost as high as the inflation rate (over 10%) and there were no jobs. And I had a new baby girl and wife.
Suggest you tell your son you respect and support whatever decision he makes on a military career – but highly encourage him to start going to night school and get college going NOW! So next time he is due to reenlist – he has choices in what we hope will be a better economy.
Lot’s of doors open for an enlisted guy who starts going to college nights. It not only shows his leaders he is working on self-improvement, but also opens doors for a commission/WO ranks, and even promotion within the enlisted ranks.
Meanwhile, he is working on a degree to help him transition to a civilian profession. When I was in, they paid 75% in Tuition Assistance (this is beyond the GI Bill)….
Bush would say, “Two words, Cut andrun!”
American Legion’s Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball
January 27, 2009
Corrected: January 30, 2009
Updated: January 27, 2009
Q: Did Obama snub Medal of Honor recipients at the Inaugural Balls?
A: Obama is the first president since Eisenhower to miss the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes ball. A Legion spokesman says it “does not feel offended or ’snubbed,’” and Medal of Honor recipients were invited to the Commander in Chief’s ball, which Obama did attend.
FULL QUESTION
Is this one true?
Obama blows off Medal of Honor recipients
Color me unsurprised. Of all the balls Obama attended for his HISTORIC inauguration, he didn’t feel it necessary to attend the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball, a ball started by President Eisenhower, attended by Presidents for 14 straight inaugurations. 56 years later, Obama broke that tradition because apparently mingling with all the celebrities was more important than greeting, say, the 48 Medal of Honor recipients at the Salute to Heroes ball. Yep, 48. Every other President since the ball was started was able to find time on Inauguration Day to go, but not Obama.
? Click to expand/collapse the full text ?
Yeah, this guy loves the troops all right. Real respect for our military there. But hey, he did run on a platform of change, after all, and that sure is a change. For the first time in American history, we have a Commander-in-Chief who can’t even fake respect for our heroes who have fought, sacrificed, and died for their country.
Oh, and remember — don’t you ever, ever question his patriotism or his respect for the troops. Not ever.
That Dips hit Democrat needs to learn some respect for his betters….
…Someone should show him this pic and explain what it is and it’s significance. They may need to use words of one syllable.
So where was our new President instead of honoring Medal of Honor recipients who by some miracle are still alive? According to Huffington Post, this was his schedule for Inaugural celebrations;
Later that day, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host 10 official inaugural balls:
– Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Obama Home States ( Illinois and Hawaii ) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Biden Home States ( Pennsylvania and Delaware ) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Commander in Chief’s Ball at the National Building Museum .
– Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.
– Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.
– Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton.
Unofficial balls include:
– Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball at the Capitol Hilton.
– Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts.
– Recording Industry Association of America’s ball for Feeding America.
– BET’s Inaugural Ball at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
– Africa on the Potomac inaugural celebration at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington , Va.
– American Music Inaugural Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
– Inaugural Purple Ball at the Fairmont Hotel.
– Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Ball at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.
– Inaugural Peace Ball at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
– Impact Film Fund ball.
FULL ANSWER
It is true that Obama did not attend the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball, and that his absence broke a 14-inauguration streak.
Vice President Joe Biden did attend the ball, showing up around 11:30. American Legion spokesperson Craig Roberts told FactCheck.org that the president, vice president and first lady have all traditionally attended.
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/01/american-legions-salute-to-heroes-inaugural-ball/
American Legion’s Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball
Q: Did Obama snub Medal of Honor recipients at the Inaugural Balls?
A: Obama is the first president since Eisenhower to miss the American Legion’s Salute to Heroes ball.
FULL ANSWER
It is true that Obama did not attend the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball, and that his absence broke a 14-inauguration streak.
So where was our new President instead of honoring Medal of Honor recipients who by some miracle are still alive? According to Huffington Post, this was his schedule for Inaugural celebrations:
Later that day, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host 10 official inaugural balls:
– Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Obama Home States ( Illinois and Hawaii ) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Biden Home States ( Pennsylvania and Delaware ) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center .
– Commander in Chief’s Ball at the National Building Museum .
– Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.
– Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.
– Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton.
Unofficial balls include:
– Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball at the Capitol Hilton.
– Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts.
– Recording Industry Association of America’s ball for Feeding America.
– BET’s Inaugural Ball at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
– Africa on the Potomac inaugural celebration at Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington , Va.
– American Music Inaugural Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
– Inaugural Purple Ball at the Fairmont Hotel.
– Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Ball at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.
– Inaugural Peace Ball at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
– Impact Film Fund ball.
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/01/american-legions-salute-to-heroes-inaugural-ball/
Here we are the NEXT day on this thread.
Not one liberal clearly posted
PRO or
CON
on continuing the Afghanistan War.
Either waiting for the tape recording TELLING them what to believe – or too scared to post their own viewpoints.
Bawk-bawk-bawk-BAAAWK!!!
Chicken man! (He’s everywhere he’s everywhere)
American_Way
Posted September 20, 2009 at 12:13 pm | Permalink
Here we are the NEXT day on this thread.
Not one liberal clearly posted
PRO or
CON
on continuing the Afghanistan War.
————————–
Not surprising. They are waiting for Obama to take a stand first. Then they can follow Obama in lock-step.
Right now, they are very confused, because Obama isn’t standing anywhere, and so the Libs are milling around with a finger up their nose and their thumb up their A $ $.
Obama’s had at least 9 months now to make this decision, and surely he thought about Afghanistan even before he was President, or maybe a Community Organizer doesn’t spend much time thinking about war and foreign policy.
Obama sings:
Give war a chance,
just give war a chance
All we are sayyyyyyy ing,
is give war a chance
“The metrics are the strategy,” Obama said.
That’s like saying the unemployment rate is the strategy to fix the economy.
We’ll leave when Obama says it’s time to leave, after all he’s in a position to know things the rest of us don’t, as least that’s what you all used to say when bush was prez.