Who Is the Enemy?

[Richard]

An observation from VDH, Ph.D.

<snip>

Apparently, the Obama administration came into office in January 2009 thinking that the notion of a "war on terror" was archaic and largely had been an excuse for the Bush-Cheney nexus to scare the nation for partisan political purposes. Given the long period of calm after 9/11, the somnolent "good" war in Afghanistan, and the sudden quiet in the "bad" Iraq theater, Obama preferred to focus on Bush's constitution-shredding rather than on national security. What vestigial danger remained could be changed by the charisma of Barack Obama, the obvious appeal of his ancestry to the Muslim world, and the ritual demonization of George Bush.

But Obama has discovered that there really are radical Islamic threats; that Bush's record of seven years of security was no accident; and that the "good" war is heating up. Obama has been forced by events to quietly find ways of emulating Bush's successful anti-terrorism formula, while making loud but empty declarations to mollify his liberal base (which so far seems pacified that Guantanamo is "virtually" closed, and that KSM is "virtually" facing an ACLU dream trial).

Radical Islamists sense, fairly or not, that this administration is angrier at prior officials who kept us safe than it is at those who wish to destroy us for who we are. Given his adoption of the Bush protocols, Obama might show the same magnanimity toward his predecessor that he does toward the Muslim world.

http://www.victorhanson.com/articles/hanson010610.html

And so it goes...

Richard's $.02

[Warrior-Mentor]

Thanks. VDH is always a worth while read.

[orion5]

Thanks, Richard. Good find.


Quote from VDH:

"...the Obama administration has embraced largely empty symbolism — promising to "close Guantanamo within a year," mouthing euphemisms such as "overseas-contingency operations" ("this administration prefers to avoid using the term 'Long War' or 'Global War on Terror' [GWOT.] Please use 'Overseas-Contingency Operation.'"), and "man-made disasters," while announcing showy new politically-correct moves (such as a public trial for KSM) and subjecting CIA operatives to legal hazard."


In BHO's speech yesterday he claims "the buck stops with me." Fascinating words from someone who was largely ineffective and indecisive in his previous Senator role. I guess time will tell........

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by orion5

Fascinating words from someone who was largely ineffective and indecisive in his previous Senator role.

Are you kidding? The man was both effective and decisive when he defined his role in the U.S. senate: to use that job to get his dream job--the next American idol. Where's Jaye P. Morgan when you need her?

He claims "the buck stops with me."

Well, he is the shareholder in chief.

Just relax and have another drink. You'll feel much better. The first packet is on me. <<LINK>>

[orion5]

Originally Posted by Sigaba

Are you kidding? The man was both effective and decisive when he defined his role in the U.S. senate: to use that job to get his dream job--the next American idol.

Sigaba, good point. Tell you what, I'll start cutting him slack in 2012 when he goes back to being a senator.

Just relax and have another drink. You'll feel much better. The first packet is on me.

Aye aye Captain....that's the clearest English you've written all day! LOL

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by orion5

Sigaba, good point. Tell you what, I'll start cutting him slack in 2012 when he goes back to being a senator.

What if the next job he wants is associate justice of the supreme court?

Originally Posted by orion5

[T]hat's the clearest English you've written all day! LOL

You too, Orion5? Golly gee willikers, the blue pencils are out!

[orion5]

Sigaba, naw, just kidding. I've learned a person has to have a thick skin to last on this forum!

[Marina]

So I guess the point of VDH's article is, who IS the enemy? Obama sort of figured out that there may be dangerous foreign adversaries, not just the benign but loyal other domestic political party.

Obama is starting to speak again about the threat but his language is weak and his heart is elsewhere.

But Europe sure has STFU haven't they?

[Utah Bob]

As Walt Kelly so succinctly put it, "We have met the enemy, and he is us".