"We expect some hypocrisy in politics, but it was still jaw-dropping to behold Republicans accusing President Obama of politicizing the anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden.
. . . .
He focused on how to get a moderately satisfactory result in Afghanistan — which is probably the very best that the United States can do now.
. . . .
On foreign policy, Obama has kept his 2008 promise to turn history’s page."
The US has spent half a trillion dollars over the course of a decade on a senseless ground war in Afghanistan, and by pledging to withdraw American troops by 2014, Obama has managed "to turn history’s page?" Impressive.
But now read what those "neocons" over at the editorial board of The New York Times have to say about Obama's speech from Afghanistan ("Missed Chance," http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/opinion/missed-chance.html):
"President Obama gave his first speech on Afghanistan in nearly a year, speaking from Bagram Air Base on the anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s killing. The White House set it up as a big moment, but the president squandered the chance to fully explain his exit strategy from a war Americans are desperate to see brought to an end.
. . . .
[W]e are increasingly concerned that Mr. Obama does not have a clear policy to ensure that the country does not implode once the Americans are gone.
. . . .
[T]he timing of Mr. Obama’s visit on the anniversary of the Bin Laden kill was contrived . . .
. . . .
Mr. Obama’s political message, and motivation, for this trip was undeniable.
. . . .
Mr. Obama’s strongest argument for staying in Afghanistan for another two years is that it is the main base for continuing that fight and that, by 2014, the United States will be able to withdraw without seeing it turn once again into a haven for Al Qaeda. He didn’t make the case Tuesday night."
Those damned Republicans at The New York Times up to their political tricks again!
Perhaps E.J. Dionne Jr. should read Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice:
"But love is blind and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies that themselves commit;
For if they could, Cupid himself would blush
To see me thus transformed to a boy."
"Transformed to a boy"? How about in E.J.'s case to a blustering buffoon?
Yeah, very winning .... By placing everyone under the bus. Check Chen and China.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that equivilency arguements are the best we can do, i.e. "Bush politicized the Iraq War so it's O.K. for Obama to politicize the war in Afganistan". No wonder we're in trouble.
ReplyDelete