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Topic: Obama, Make A Choice, Lead Us Or Resign
no photo
Sun 11/15/15 03:23 AM
Edited by SassyEuro2 on Sun 11/15/15 03:36 AM
It’s time for Obama to make a choice: Lead us or resign

By Michael Goodwin November 14, 2015 | 10:01pm

In any time and place, war is fiendishly simple. It is the ultimate zero-sum contest — you win or you lose.

That eternal truth is so obvious that it should not need to be said. Yet even after the horrific slaughter in Paris, there remains a distressing doubt about whether America’s commander in chief gets it.

President Obama has spent the last seven years trying to avoid the world as it is. He has put his intellect and rhetorical skills into the dishonorable service of assigning blame and fudging failure. If nuances were bombs, Islamic State would have been destroyed years ago.

He refuses to say “Islamic terrorism,” as if that would offend the peaceful Muslims who make up the vast bulk of victims. He rejects the word “war,” even as jihadists carry out bloodthirsty attacks against Americans and innocent peoples around the world.

He shuns the mantle of global leadership that comes with the Oval Office, with an aide advancing the preposterous concept that Obama is “leading from behind.” He snubs important partners like Egypt, showers concessions on the apocalyptic mullahs of Iran, and called the Islamic State the “jayvee team” even as it was beginning to create a caliphate.

Having long ago identified American power as a problem, he continues to slash the military as the enemy expands its reach. In a globalized era, the Obama doctrine smacks of cowardly retreat and fanciful isolation.

In an accident of timing that captures his cluelessness, the president actually declared on Friday morning that Islamic State had been “contained,” practically boasting in a TV interview that, “They have not gained ground in Iraq and in Syria.”

What gall. What folly.

Paris is the final straw. Obama’s exemption from reality has expired. He must either commit to leading the free world to victory, or step aside so someone else can.

There is no more time to avoid the truth of war. America must organize the combined forces of the civilized world before Islamic State makes good on its vow to “taste” more American blood.

If Obama cannot rise to the challenge of leadership in this historic crisis, then, for the good of humanity, he should resign.
As a top intelligence adviser told me yesterday, “What they did in Paris means they are coming here.”

In fact, they already are here. Law-enforcement officials say the FBI has as many as 1,000 investigations open into Islamic State sympathizers inside the US.

Is America ready to stop multiple assault teams of suicide bombers? Is New York ready? Or Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC?

Because Paris was a grand success to the terrorists, the propaganda value acts as an incentive for attacks on other western cities. While sparing no effort to stop them here, we must simultaneously destroy them in their foreign bases.

World War III began when Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States, though we did not grasp the significance until 9/11. The collapse of the Twin Towers, a smoking hole in the Pentagon and a downed jetliner in Pennsylvania revealed the price of our inaction.

The single greatest attack ever against America galvanized the nation and defined a new generation of policy makers and warriors.

Yet Obama always remained curiously cool about the whole endeavor, denouncing the invasion of Iraq as dumb while holding up Afghanistan as a necessary war. Once he got to the White House, though, he showed no conviction about Afghanistan either, surging troops only to demand that they return home quickly.

The pattern has never changed, and his relationship with a rotating cast of military leaders remains rocky. Robert Gates, secretary of defense under both President Bush and Obama, said in his memoir that Obama’s distrust of the military was destructive of the very mission he had given the troops.


People in France light candles at a memorial for the victims of the Paris terror attacks.Photo: AP
After a heated 2011 meeting on Afghanistan, Gates concluded that Obama “doesn’t believe in his own strategy, and doesn’t consider the war to be his. For him, it’s all about getting out.”

Another former military leader, Gen. Jack Keane, notes that Obama never once agreed to the full request of his commanders. If they ask for 10,000 troops, Obama agrees to 5,000, 3,000 or none.

The raid that got bin Laden marked the high point of Obama’s commitment. He turned that achievement into political gold in 2012 and declared the “tide of war is receding” to justify his decision to withdraw from the field of battle.

It was a convenient figment of self-interest, as if his wish would make it true. Instead, the strategic dominos fell quickly as war metastasized. The hard-won gains in Iraq were reversed, Syria descended into hell and Islamic State was born in the vacuum.

Part 2

Its ruthlessness and success in capturing territory enabled it to supplant al Qaeda as the most dangerous terrorist network. It has become the proverbial “strong horse,” with each terrifying attack bringing more recruits and more financing.

In the last two weeks, it shot down a commercial Russian airliner over Egypt and carried out bombings in Beirut. And then came Paris.

Its ability to inflict unprecedented casualties in such far-flung locations mark a growing strength and sophistication. The terrorists smell weakness and have increased the pace of their aggressive expansion. Their aim of global conquest must be taken seriously.

French President Francois Hollande understands the meaning of Friday’s slaughter. He called it an “act of war” and vowed that “France will not show any pity” against those who carried out the barbaric acts. World leaders quickly expressed their condolences and condemnation.

Yet it remains doubtful if our side is truly committed to winning. The determination and unity the free world showed after 9/11 faded as casualties, mistakes and politics eroded the mission.

So we are back to square one again, facing a stronger and more emboldened enemy. The time has run out for half measures and kicking the can down the road. The enemy must be destroyed on the battlefield before there can be any hope of peace.

If Obama cannot rise to the challenge of leadership in this historic crisis, then, for the good of humanity, he should resign. Those are the only options and it is his duty to decide.

http://nypost.com/2015/11/14/its-time-for-obama-to-make-a-choice-lead-us-or-resign/

-------------------------------------------------
19 minutes ago

Obama Says Twisted Ideology Behind Attack on Civilized World - ABC News http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/world-leaders-aim-stepped-response-islamic-state-35214525 /

13 Hours Ago

The Latest: Fiorina links Obama, Clinton to Paris attacks - Yahoo News http://news.yahoo.com/latest-fiorina-links-obama-clinton-paris-attacks-213557725--election.html/


14 Hours Ago

Cruz: Obama ‘does not wish to defend this country’ - The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/11/14/cruz-obama-does-not-wish-to-defend-this-country/


chronicliar75's photo
Sun 11/15/15 03:57 AM
Personally, as a bystander from a 3rd world country,
in the light of what is happening,
i am hoping he would resign.

I've read somewhere before that regime change always seems radical
but it is also a conservative impulse.

Just "like other controversial president, it is understandable if
they would make democracy the rhetorical centerpiece of an administration.."

but the question is how far?

the issues your OP discussed are real questions & fears,
based on reality, reflecting a dangerous deterioration of
American Democracy..

Just saying..


Conrad_73's photo
Sun 11/15/15 03:57 AM

It’s time for Obama to make a choice: Lead us or resign

By Michael Goodwin November 14, 2015 | 10:01pm

In any time and place, war is fiendishly simple. It is the ultimate zero-sum contest — you win or you lose.

That eternal truth is so obvious that it should not need to be said. Yet even after the horrific slaughter in Paris, there remains a distressing doubt about whether America’s commander in chief gets it.

President Obama has spent the last seven years trying to avoid the world as it is. He has put his intellect and rhetorical skills into the dishonorable service of assigning blame and fudging failure. If nuances were bombs, Islamic State would have been destroyed years ago.

He refuses to say “Islamic terrorism,” as if that would offend the peaceful Muslims who make up the vast bulk of victims. He rejects the word “war,” even as jihadists carry out bloodthirsty attacks against Americans and innocent peoples around the world.

He shuns the mantle of global leadership that comes with the Oval Office, with an aide advancing the preposterous concept that Obama is “leading from behind.” He snubs important partners like Egypt, showers concessions on the apocalyptic mullahs of Iran, and called the Islamic State the “jayvee team” even as it was beginning to create a caliphate.

Having long ago identified American power as a problem, he continues to slash the military as the enemy expands its reach. In a globalized era, the Obama doctrine smacks of cowardly retreat and fanciful isolation.

In an accident of timing that captures his cluelessness, the president actually declared on Friday morning that Islamic State had been “contained,” practically boasting in a TV interview that, “They have not gained ground in Iraq and in Syria.”

What gall. What folly.

Paris is the final straw. Obama’s exemption from reality has expired. He must either commit to leading the free world to victory, or step aside so someone else can.

There is no more time to avoid the truth of war. America must organize the combined forces of the civilized world before Islamic State makes good on its vow to “taste” more American blood.

If Obama cannot rise to the challenge of leadership in this historic crisis, then, for the good of humanity, he should resign.
As a top intelligence adviser told me yesterday, “What they did in Paris means they are coming here.”

In fact, they already are here. Law-enforcement officials say the FBI has as many as 1,000 investigations open into Islamic State sympathizers inside the US.

Is America ready to stop multiple assault teams of suicide bombers? Is New York ready? Or Chicago, Los Angeles or Washington, DC?

Because Paris was a grand success to the terrorists, the propaganda value acts as an incentive for attacks on other western cities. While sparing no effort to stop them here, we must simultaneously destroy them in their foreign bases.

World War III began when Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States, though we did not grasp the significance until 9/11. The collapse of the Twin Towers, a smoking hole in the Pentagon and a downed jetliner in Pennsylvania revealed the price of our inaction.

The single greatest attack ever against America galvanized the nation and defined a new generation of policy makers and warriors.

Yet Obama always remained curiously cool about the whole endeavor, denouncing the invasion of Iraq as dumb while holding up Afghanistan as a necessary war. Once he got to the White House, though, he showed no conviction about Afghanistan either, surging troops only to demand that they return home quickly.

The pattern has never changed, and his relationship with a rotating cast of military leaders remains rocky. Robert Gates, secretary of defense under both President Bush and Obama, said in his memoir that Obama’s distrust of the military was destructive of the very mission he had given the troops.


People in France light candles at a memorial for the victims of the Paris terror attacks.Photo: AP
After a heated 2011 meeting on Afghanistan, Gates concluded that Obama “doesn’t believe in his own strategy, and doesn’t consider the war to be his. For him, it’s all about getting out.”

Another former military leader, Gen. Jack Keane, notes that Obama never once agreed to the full request of his commanders. If they ask for 10,000 troops, Obama agrees to 5,000, 3,000 or none.

The raid that got bin Laden marked the high point of Obama’s commitment. He turned that achievement into political gold in 2012 and declared the “tide of war is receding” to justify his decision to withdraw from the field of battle.

It was a convenient figment of self-interest, as if his wish would make it true. Instead, the strategic dominos fell quickly as war metastasized. The hard-won gains in Iraq were reversed, Syria descended into hell and Islamic State was born in the vacuum.

Part 2

Its ruthlessness and success in capturing territory enabled it to supplant al Qaeda as the most dangerous terrorist network. It has become the proverbial “strong horse,” with each terrifying attack bringing more recruits and more financing.

In the last two weeks, it shot down a commercial Russian airliner over Egypt and carried out bombings in Beirut. And then came Paris.

Its ability to inflict unprecedented casualties in such far-flung locations mark a growing strength and sophistication. The terrorists smell weakness and have increased the pace of their aggressive expansion. Their aim of global conquest must be taken seriously.

French President Francois Hollande understands the meaning of Friday’s slaughter. He called it an “act of war” and vowed that “France will not show any pity” against those who carried out the barbaric acts. World leaders quickly expressed their condolences and condemnation.

Yet it remains doubtful if our side is truly committed to winning. The determination and unity the free world showed after 9/11 faded as casualties, mistakes and politics eroded the mission.

So we are back to square one again, facing a stronger and more emboldened enemy. The time has run out for half measures and kicking the can down the road. The enemy must be destroyed on the battlefield before there can be any hope of peace.

If Obama cannot rise to the challenge of leadership in this historic crisis, then, for the good of humanity, he should resign. Those are the only options and it is his duty to decide.

http://nypost.com/2015/11/14/its-time-for-obama-to-make-a-choice-lead-us-or-resign/

-------------------------------------------------
19 minutes ago

Obama Says Twisted Ideology Behind Attack on Civilized World - ABC News http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/world-leaders-aim-stepped-response-islamic-state-35214525 /

13 Hours Ago

The Latest: Fiorina links Obama, Clinton to Paris attacks - Yahoo News http://news.yahoo.com/latest-fiorina-links-obama-clinton-paris-attacks-213557725--election.html/


14 Hours Ago

Cruz: Obama ‘does not wish to defend this country’ - The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/11/14/cruz-obama-does-not-wish-to-defend-this-country/


the Lad would rather have a Third Term than resign!

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 04:12 AM
The Lad would rather have a Third Term than resign!

frustrated 60% know

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 10:37 AM
Saw that article this morning - OUTSTANDING!! It's hard for me to *believe* how disconnected he is from reality... grumble

soufiehere's photo
Sun 11/15/15 10:40 AM
Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 10:59 AM

Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.
129 dead and 352 injured in Paris disagree....

Blah's photo
Sun 11/15/15 11:36 AM
Quintupling the national debt...
Yeah, Obonzo is a great leader.
laugh

Going further into debt, isn't the same as "prospering".


Obonzo, is leading this nation...
Straight into third world status.

soufiehere's photo
Sun 11/15/15 11:37 AM


Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.
129 dead and 352 injured in Paris disagree....

Not.
They would be the first to applaud the finding of the terrorists.

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 11:37 AM

Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.

A majority of the country disagrees with that interpretation:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

soufiehere's photo
Sun 11/15/15 11:43 AM


Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.

A majority of the country disagrees with that interpretation:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

Those change with the weather.
All losers point fingers when they lose not just ONE but TWO elections when the majority returned him to the WH.

That is a number that actually represents something.

mightymoe's photo
Sun 11/15/15 12:22 PM

Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.


define great... he's done nothing to warrant that verb...

Sojourning_Soul's photo
Sun 11/15/15 12:23 PM
Edited by Sojourning_Soul on Sun 11/15/15 12:32 PM

I won't point fingers, I'll just state how little some know or understand about reality, our Constitution, our rights under it, or what doing a "great" job is when their oath of office is to defend it, not destroy it.... and the nation it serves!

Sojourning_Soul's photo
Sun 11/15/15 12:27 PM
Edited by Sojourning_Soul on Sun 11/15/15 12:30 PM



Rubbish.
A great man is doing a great job.
How about we just cut off all the pointing fingers.

A majority of the country disagrees with that interpretation:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/other/president_obama_job_approval-1044.html

Those change with the weather.
All losers point fingers when they lose not just ONE but TWO elections when the majority returned him to the WH.

That is a number that actually represents something.


Only 43% of the nation felt there was anyone worth voting for.

He only got a portion of that on re-election, not even 1/2, and part of that was based on lies..... like a video causing Benghazi, ISIS on the run, you can keep your Dr, and closing gitmo.....

None of which were true.... as usual

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 12:41 PM
Edited by TBone5280 on Sun 11/15/15 12:44 PM
You failed to mention the TWO bruising midterm elections, *each* of which he himself termed "a shellacking". And if you want to "feel good" about his two campaign wins, by all means, do so - but that's a *MIGHTY* skinny twig to try to hang anything on! The Washington Post (hardly a bastion of conservative sentiment) had THIS to say:

Barack Obama is a gifted politician. But a president is judged by the gifts he leaves behind. Following his fourth national election as party leader, Democrats are taking stock of what they have received.

For Obama, there have been two convincing presidential victories; for the Democratic Party, electoral ruin at every other level.

On Tuesday (assuming the most likely final outcome), the largest Democratic Senate losses since 1980.

The ranks of moderate Democrats — including Mark Pryor, Mark Begich, Kay Hagan and (probably) Mary Landrieu — decimated.

During Obama’s presidency, the loss of nearly 70 House seats, producing the largest Republican majority since 1931.

The near-extinction of the Democratic Party in the South, including in Arkansas and Tennessee, which provided the party’s national ticket in 1992 and 1996.

Full Republican control of 29 state legislatures, the highest total since the 1920s, and Republican governors in 32 states, including Massachusetts, Illinois and Maryland. (None of which are remotely rightward-leaning.)

Obama’s particular form of political magic has worked only for Obama himself.

His post-election news conference displayed a series of character traits that have become hardened and exaggerated under the pressure of defeat. His self-confidence has slipped into denial — imagining the election as a generalized anti-incumbent tantrum rather than a reaction to the performance of his administration. His moral certitude has turned into the graceless dismissal of opposition, who cannot be conceded anything more than a “good night.” His pride of accomplishment has become a conviction that Americans are just insufficiently grateful for the “real progress” of the past six years.

There is apparently no possible electoral outcome that could shake these beliefs. And they seem rooted in a certain view of the electorate. Obama clearly regards the “two-thirds of voters who chose not to participate in the process yesterday” as a more favorable audience than the discontented third who turned out. It is a view of politics that comes by way of William Butler Yeats: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst/ Are full of passionate intensity.”

This mind-set is among the most damaging gifts of the president to his party.

...

But it is impossible to make the case that Obama has been an inclusive or unifying leader. He has left his party more ideologically and geographically uniform. He has left a riven society and political culture. And these should also be counted as Obama’s gifts.


Now that's not ME saying that Obama's disconnected - that's the Washington Post! And if you'd like, I'm sure that it won't be difficult for me to find & list a number of other outlets -from BOTH sides of the political spectrum - that say effectively the same thing...

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 12:51 PM
One comment on the item below, since it's a bit "non-obvious":

Full Republican control of 29 state legislatures, the highest total since the 1920s, and Republican governors in 32 states...


The "non-obvious" part of the above is that state legislatures are where the "up-and-coming" "stars of tomorrow" are groomed & cultivated (you'll recall that Obama himself was a state senator, IIRC). Thus, Obama's corrosive effect has NOT ONLY had a negative effect upon the Democrat party today - it's *also* weakened it in the long-term as well.

Now to ME, yeah, that qualifies as 'great' (so I can *almost* agree with you!) winking - but I'm guessing that you'd have a different opinion...

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 01:49 PM
Obama vow to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees under fire after Paris attack -

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/14/obama-vow-take-10000-syrian-refugees-under-fire-af/

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 01:58 PM

Obama vow to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees under fire after Paris attack -

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/14/obama-vow-take-10000-syrian-refugees-under-fire-af/

surprised surprised surprised

WOW. What was I saying about "disconnected from reality" again?? slaphead whoa noway

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 02:10 PM
Edited by TBone5280 on Sun 11/15/15 02:10 PM

Obama vow to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees under fire after Paris attack -

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/14/obama-vow-take-10000-syrian-refugees-under-fire-af/


Resistance to that idea - http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/erie-county-politics/lorigo-calls-for-poloncarz-to-reverse-stance-on-accepting-syrian-refugees-20151114

More resistance to that idea - http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/11/15/snyder-suspends-efforts-settle-syrian-refugees/75825736/

no photo
Sun 11/15/15 02:15 PM


Obama vow to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees under fire after Paris attack -

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/14/obama-vow-take-10000-syrian-refugees-under-fire-af/

surprised surprised surprised

WOW. What was I saying about "disconnected from reality" again?? slaphead whoa noway


The first wave will be New Orleans Louisiana.
But the majority is predicted to be sent to Louisville Kentucky .

Now what do these states have in common ? Republicans, Christians (RC & Protestants, Gun owners, Veterans, Patriots, Constitutionalist, anti gay marriage... Etc.)

This is a strategic move by this administration to undermine the native born American population. mad

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