View Full Version : Obama surprise trip to Afghanistan
Obama Thanks U.S. Troops for Sacrifice as Force in Afghanistan Grows
FOXNews.com
President Obama told U.S. troops in Afghanistan Sunday that America did not ask to be at war there, but he has ratched up the fight to make sure the Taliban and Al Qaeda can not experience a resurgence that would threaten U.S. national security.
In a surprise visit to the country, Obama included a visit to Bagram Airfield to thank the troops for their commitment in a terror fight that has now lasted eight and a half years and is witnessing an escalation of nearly 30,000 more U.S. troops to the country to face down increasingly engaged Taliban fighters.
More here:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/28/obama-makes-surprise-visit-afghanistan/
As CIC, this must have been one hell of a photo op....:mad: Sorry for any offense, but Our Bravest deserve a harder, stronger, more honest CIC than this sack of shells...and I can only hope that they know there are real Americans who love and support them, for real!!!!!
JMVHO.
Holly
Concur 100%, Holly. For the life of me, I wish I could like this louse. I can't. I've tried from all sides. I took this oath every 4-years for 24 years and like any oath, you can't take it back: "I will protect and defend the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, and will obey the orders of those appointed over me...(etc, etc)", but this guy sure as hell tests my resolve. IMHO he's not worthy of the company of any of the troops he addressed. Be glad when he's back here campaigning for his lame-assed Socialist ideals.
(Sorry, y'all. I know it doesn't matter. Rant off.)
:mad:
ApacheIP
03-28-2010, 17:20
In my career I served under some folks I did not like. I did not like their politics, their style, their leadership....their whatever. President Obama is no exception.
But the troops need to see the CinC and he needs to be with and see the troops. After all, the military is still a cross section of our society.
Imagine what we would say if he never went to see our troops.
Buffalobob
03-28-2010, 18:27
but Our Bravest deserve a harder, stronger, more honest CIC than this sack of shells.
I am currently back home in Alabama burying my uncle and I will stop by and see my Dad where he is buried. He was a life long liberal just like me and he served in the Korean War and was decorated for bravery there.
Is it your assumption that people who do not vote like you are unpatriotic and cowardly and do not serve in the military?
Eagle5US
03-28-2010, 18:55
Is it your assumption that people who do not vote like you are unpatriotic and cowardly and do not serve in the military?
Hey Bob-looks like you are the only one making an assumption regarding political affiliation.
With the track record of the current administration, Holly's personal opinion regarding this latest "happening" does not appear out of sorts.
Eagle
BMT (RIP)
03-29-2010, 05:00
They tried to run a Cover and Deception operation for Air Force-1 departure from
Andrews AFB.
Less than five minute's another group I'm associated with had it figured out!! :D
BMT
The Pres is the Pres, Republican or Democrat.
The Pres flies halfway around the world, lands at my place, ends up standing next to me and sticks his hand out? I'd smile and shake it. Just don't ask what I'm thinking.
I'd wager it was more than a "meet n' greet" photo op - some messages have to be delivered personally when you operate at that level.
And Pete's correct.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
I am currently back home in Alabama burying my uncle and I will stop by and see my Dad where he is buried. He was a life long liberal just like me and he served in the Korean War and was decorated for bravery there.
Is it your assumption that people who do not vote like you are unpatriotic and cowardly and do not serve in the military?
No Sir.
I am not talking political affiliation here, am talking about this President using Our Brave men and women in uniform, for personal political gain...when he does not seem to be genuine to any American concerned about his decision to treat The Constitution like a simple Word Document, that can be edited and changed, and then "saved" for his own personal agenda.
My sincerest appologies, if I caused any offense to you, Sir.
Holly
P.S. Sir, My Uncle, whom I loved more than my little life itself, was a hard-core Democrat. He bravely fought in WWII in the United States Army, and was more precious to me than anyone...He recently passed away, but His memory and life will always be remembered by me, as one of honor, courage, and quiet respect. Can only hope that I live that legacy, and pass it on.
I'd wager it was more than a "meet n' greet" photo op - some messages have to be delivered personally when you operate at that level.
Do think the message was delivered to Karzai or to the U.S. commanders or to both? If you're wagering, what do you think the content was?
Can only hope that I live that legacy, and pass it on.
You already are, Holly. May your uncle rest in peace with thanks from a grateful nation.
Do think the message was delivered to Karzai or to the U.S. commanders or to both? If you're wagering, what do you think the content was?
POTUS insisted that Karzai cabinet also attend the meeting.
No Deal (http://johnbatchelorshow.com/jb/2010/03/scramble-potus/)
POTUS dashes to Kabul for a few hours to press the reluctant kleptocrat Hamid Karzai for obedience to the grand bargain. The deal is that Kabul fall into the condo run jointly by the ISI (Islamabad) and the IRGC (Tehran). In exchange, Karzai gets money and a longer term for his brothers and partners to control the opium trade. I am told that POTUS wants an exit from AfPak asap, and that handing Kabul off to its adversaries is an agreeable conclusion. What POTUS needs is a semi-credible government in Kabul on order to declare a success for the surge. The rush is on for a summer 2011 exit. Pakistan is designated as local cop. What has gone wrong with the deal, why POTUS flew to Kabul for five restless hours on the ground, is that Karzai will not take the deal.
What Obama should be telling Karzai (http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/28/what_obama_should_be_telling_karzai)
"My dear Hamid, how are you? Sorry to drop in on you so suddenly, but as you know the security situation in your capital city is still pretty dicey. We made a good show over there in Marjah, didn't we? Thanks for letting us bring some of your troops along for the ride. Here's hoping they'll actually be useful when we go into Kandahar later this year.
Thanks for the apricots, but I have to be honest, Hamid: You're a major disappointment, which is why we didn't try too hard to make sure you got re-elected last year. It's also why I don't bother having regular video conference calls with you the way Bush did. I'm a busy man, and the American people didn't elect me to be your therapist. All you seem to do is sit here in your presidential palace most days, fiddling while your country burns.
The Pakistanis were in town last week, and they all but told us that your government is a joke; your army's a mess; and your police forces are too busy abusing and shaking down ordinary Afghans to do their jobs. They urged us to stop trying to build up a central government in Kabul and try to work through regional power brokers instead, because that's the only way Afghanistan's ever been effectively ruled. They didn't say it, but I can tell they're already laying the groundwork for when the Americans leave. I tried to get them to commit to going after the Haqqani network, which has been giving us hell in southeastern Afghanistan and almost killed you several times. But each time I brought it up, they found some way to change the subject. I think they're hedging their bets.
Meanwhile, I'm stuck with you. Last year, I sent 30,000 more young American men and women into harm's way to keep your country from turning back into a haven for al Qaeda and to prevent a proxy war between India and Pakistan. I've got my very best military commanders over there to fix the situation, even though my own ambassador told me you were unreliable and your government deeply corrupt. Back in Washington, I've got red ink as far as the eye can see and a left wing that's going to freak out when the thousandth U.S. soldier dies here in a few weeks. I tried to buy us both some more time by coming up with this confusing July 2011 "timeframe" to begin drawing down troops, but you and I both know that's a hope, not a plan.
Some of my advisors, and some in the U.S. military, are telling me we need to start negotiating with the Taliban. Which Taliban, I ask? All I see is that they think they're winning, and that they won't come to the table in a serious way until we kick their asses a little bit. I'm open to the possibility down the road. But you keep reaching out to them like a desperate man grasping at straws. It makes us look weak.
Look, I'm a patient man. But sooner or later you're going to have to wake up to the fact that I can't be propping you up forever. The American people's memories of 9/11 are fading, and I'm not as good at playing the terror card as Bush was. Eventually we're just going to declare victory in Afghanistan and go home, just like we're doing in Iraq. We might leave some "support" troops behind, but mostly it's going to be you, left to face the Taliban and the ISI alone.
So here's the choice, Hamid. If you clean up your act now -- crack down on the corrupt people around you, build up your security forces, and appoint good, competent people to be governors -- I'll be your best friend. I'll use my precious political capital and work both sides of the aisle in Congress to get you the resources you need. I'll lean hard on the Europeans not to go wobbly. But if you don't look me in the eye right now and promise that this time, this moment, will be different than the past -- well, you remember what happened to Najibullah, don't you?"
Utah Bob
03-30-2010, 05:31
I am not talking political affiliation here, am talking about this President using Our Brave men and women in uniform, for personal political gain.
At one time or another, almost every President has.
cal gain.
At one time or another, almost every President has.
That must resonate throught the ranks...how sad!:(
Can only hope that Our Bravest know that there are real Americans behind them, with every sorted step They take. Gotta Luv Our Military!!!:)
Holly
The Pres is the Pres, Republican or Democrat.
The Pres flies halfway around the world, lands at my place, ends up standing next to me and sticks his hand out? I'd smile and shake it. Just don't ask what I'm thinking.
Thanks Pete, you pretty much summed it up for me too. I'd smile and shake his hand too.
Buffalobob
03-31-2010, 05:25
My sincerest appologies, if I caused any offense to you, Sir.
Holly
P.S. Sir, My Uncle, whom I loved more than my little life itself, was a hard-core Democrat. He bravely fought in WWII in the United States Army, and was more precious to me than anyone...He recently passed away, but His memory and life will always be remembered by me, as one of honor, courage, and quiet respect. Can only hope that I live that legacy, and pass it on.
That was a nice thing to say and I apologize for being in a bad mood and touchy at exactly that moment. I do not often return to Alabama and it seems like nowadays it is mostly for funerals.
Utah Bob
03-31-2010, 08:39
That must resonate throught the ranks...how sad!:(
Can only hope that Our Bravest know that there are real Americans behind them, with every sorted step They take. Gotta Luv Our Military!!!:)
Holly
Not really. The average soldier generally doesn't give much thought to the CIC. More important things to worry about. But if you can't live up to this, you need to find another line of work.
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
greenberetTFS
03-31-2010, 11:45
Hey Bob-looks like you are the only one making an assumption regarding political affiliation.
With the track record of the current administration, Holly's personal opinion regarding this latest "happening" does not appear out of sorts.
Eagle
BB,
I,like Eagle,don't see how Holly's personal opinion was out of line as you have taken it .........:confused:
Big Teddy :munchin
robert2854
03-31-2010, 12:01
I agree he is the CIC and deserves the respect of that position of leadership. But I lost a lot of respect for the man on the day of the Ft. Hood incident when President Obama addressed the nation as he was attending a Dept. Of Interior function. The tragic event was already several hours old and he started the new conference with importance of the meeting and then gave a shout-out to an indian chief(?) by name and congratulated him on winning the Congressional Medal of Honor, when in fact he had been given the Congressional Medal for civialion work. And only after that did he acknowledge the deatns of the troops at Ft. Hood by the Army Major.
RATHER BE TRIED BY TWELVE THAN CARRIED BY SIX
Roguish Lawyer
03-31-2010, 12:02
I am currently back home in Alabama burying my uncle and I will stop by and see my Dad where he is buried. He was a life long liberal just like me and he served in the Korean War and was decorated for bravery there.
Is it your assumption that people who do not vote like you are unpatriotic and cowardly and do not serve in the military?
Thank you for your service. While certainly you prove that there are exceptions to every rule, I believe that there is a fairly strong correlation between political orientation and military service.
The Reaper
03-31-2010, 12:03
Thank you for your service. While certainly you prove that there are exceptions to every rule, I believe that there is a fairly strong correlation between political orientation and military service.
Concur.
TR
Utah Bob
03-31-2010, 12:29
Thank you for your service. While certainly you prove that there are exceptions to every rule, I believe that there is a fairly strong correlation between political orientation and military service.
I've often thought about this. I don't know that there's anyway to confirm it.
In bad economic times, is there a correlation? Do enlistments rise regardless of political orientation?
Is initial military service by 18-20 year olds an indicator of political orientation or just continued military service. Obviously as many mature they become more politically aware.
A 1940s Democrat can hardly be compared to a 1990s Democrat. The motivations would be different and the party itself vastly different in those time periods.
Could it be that core values of patriotism and service trump political orientations or vice versa?
I just don't know. A lot of variables.
That was a nice thing to say and I apologize for being in a bad mood and touchy at exactly that moment. I do not often return to Alabama and it seems like nowadays it is mostly for funerals.
Sir, no apology neccessary, and am so sorry for your recent loss.
Thank You for your service!
Not really. The average soldier generally doesn't give much thought to the CIC. More important things to worry about. But if you can't live up to this, you need to find another line of work.
UB Sir,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this, as my learning never ceases!
Holly