An Extraordinary Moment in our History as a Nation

Just a quick note. I hope everyone who is interested had a chance to listen to the president's speech today either on the radio or television. If you care anything at all about the recent wars our country has been involved in, drone strikes, national security or unjust captivity at Guantanamo Bay, this is one not to be missed. Please look for it if you haven't heard it. I think it took the better part of an hour. The president outlined the case for war rather eloquently. Certainly in a much clearer way than I have ever heard before. Some high points would have to include the case for drone strikes, their legality, necessity and effectiveness when weighed against the alternatives of bombardment, missiles or other forms of conventional warfare. Particularly noting the lack of a legal authority in the countries where members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban are based, capable of helping us to capture those who would harm citizens of the U.S.A. or its allies. Remembering that the president has successfully concluded the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is telling that he cited the monetary cost of prosecuting just one month of the war in Iraq at its peak as an incredible waste of resources that might have been used to help feed people in Yemen, build up and train security forces in Libya or other tasks of mercy that might ameliorate or alleviate the causes of hatred against the United States, eventually one would hope, marginalizing the forces of terror that would seek to attack us. He referred to "reservoirs of good will." I, for one, would love to see U.S. foreign aid take the form of agricultural and humanitarian efforts instead of merely being blank checks to the manufacturers of weapons systems. Finally, and you must congratulate our friend from Code Pink for her sense of timing, he outlined the case for closing Guantanamo very succinctly. Obliterating any argument from less civil or responsible members of congress who have moved to prevent the relocation or trial of prisoners in recent years. I thought it was an extraordinary moment in free speech and democracy when he held a conversation with the lady from Code Pink. A more conservative president would have had her hauled off to a federal detention facility within moments. He did not agree with everything she said, but he gave her the credit for being a voice that needed to be heard and being a valid participant in a very important discussion.