Obama on Afghanistan
There are a few interesting things to come out of Barack Obama’s speech today on Afghanistan. I may return to them later, but from a partisan point of view, this caught my eye:
Most of all, I know that this decision asks even more of you — a military that, along with your families, has already borne the heaviest of all burdens. As President, I have signed a letter of condolence to the family of each American who gives their life in these wars. I have read the letters from the parents and spouses of those who deployed. I visited our courageous wounded warriors at Walter Reed. I’ve traveled to Dover to meet the flag-draped caskets of 18 Americans returning home to their final resting place. I see firsthand the terrible wages of war. If I did not think that the security of the United States and the safety of the American people were at stake in Afghanistan, I would gladly order every single one of our troops home tomorrow.
I know things are different in the USA – not least, the President is head of state and head of the armed forces – but I can’t help but feel that this would have been seen as inappropriate had Gordon Brown advertised that he was sending letters to the bereaved. Don’t get me wrong – I think it’s right and proper that it be done – but it is something that I wouldn’t want to see politicised.
xD.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I find it interesting that he plans to send troops to another part of the world now, as well as Afghanistan.
jameshigham´s last blog: Ladies and gentlemen, please adjust your links and feeds