Informed Speculation

In an apparent case of mistaken identity (they must be confusing me with someone with a sizable audience – though my audience does make up in class, intelligence, and great looks what it lacks in numbers), I am on the mailing list to receive updates from the White House Press Room.  Here’s a sneak peak at the President’s SOTU on the War on Terror and foreign policy:

“For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger…[T]o win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy. From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense.  The enemy knows that the days of comfortable sanctuary, easy movement, steady financing, and free flowing communications are long over.  For the terrorists, life since Nine-Eleven has never been the same.”

 

“[O]ur military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options.  We discussed every possible approach.  In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success.  Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq – because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.”

“The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others.  That is why it is important to work together so our Nation can see this great effort through.” 

 

…“American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy.  Our work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is required.  We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease – and that is precisely what America is doing.  We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa.” 

Perhaps because I’m influenced by Bono as a big U2 fan, I’ve always been proud of this president’s continued contributions to the fight against AIDS in Africa.  As for the War on Terror advisory council, well, I doubt it will accomplish much, but if it promotes bipartisanship on such a crucial topic, I’m all for it…