US President Barack Obama (L) presents a diploma to a studentgraduating with distinction. Photo AFP
From AFP:
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AFP) — President Barack Obama Friday warned America risked its security when it compromised its values, seeking support for his bid to sketch a new legal framework for anti-terror policies.
Obama used the backdrop of the US Naval Academy graduation ceremony to argue that founding US ideals must guide the future battle against terrorism, a day after trying to quell raging debate over Guantanamo Bay in a major speech.
"We uphold our fundamental principles and values not just because we choose to, but because we swear to -- not because they feel good, but because they help keep us safe," Obama told 30,000 graduating navy cadets and family members.
Read more ....
My Comment: I will have to disagree with President Obama. It is because of our values and beliefs that we have, are, and will be a target for terrorists and their sympathizers. The importance of upholding our values is not to deter the terrorists .... they are going to attack us anyway .... but it is for us. It is our values that give us the motivation and encouragement to go to war and to win .... it has always been the case. Take that away .... why should we fight.
I will never forget the aftermath of 9/11 .... an attack that was on the symbols of American strength, power, and prestige. For the first time in my life I saw the U.S. bind together to fight against an evil and dangerous foe. Two months later .... to everyone's surprise (with the exception of the Americans) the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies were fleeing Kabul, not understanding how an immoral and bankrupt country with no motivation to fight was now killing them en masse.
As a nation we have changed since 9/11 ....we are more skeptical and insecure with our place in the world. To change this will be President Obama's job for the next 4 years .... I am skeptical but I can only hope that he will succeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment