Obama War Speech – What about winning?

Quotes from President Barak Obama speech to the the cadets at West Point, my comments in ():

As your Commander-in-Chief, I owe you a mission that is clearly defined, and worthy of your service. And that's why, after the Afghan voting was completed, I insisted on a thorough review of our strategy.
(over 90 days, we stormed Normandy and retook France in less time)

This review is now complete. And as Commander-in-Chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. (75% of what your Commanding General asked for)

I do not make this decision lightly. I opposed the war in Iraq precisely because I believe that we must exercise restraint in the use of military force, and always consider the long-term consequences of our actions. (very motivational to the future leaders of our military)

Years of debate over Iraq and terrorism have left our unity on national security issues in tatters, and created a highly polarized and partisan backdrop for this effort. (Because the Left does not have the moral fortitude to do what it takes to protect our country?)

This effort must be based on performance. The days of providing a blank check are over. (Translation: we’ll do what it takes as long as it doesn’t cost too much money and my poll numbers don’t drop anymore)

Indeed, some call for a more dramatic and open-ended escalation of our war effort -- one that would commit us to a nation-building project of up to a decade. I reject this course because it sets goals that are beyond what can be achieved at a reasonable cost, and what we need to achieve to secure our interests. 
(Again, not willing to do what it takes)

As President, I refuse to set goals that go beyond our responsibility, our means, or our interests. (Translation:  I cannot upset my extremist-left base cuz they’re all I have left)

All told, by the time I took office the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan approached a trillion dollars. Going forward, I am committed to addressing these costs openly and honestly. Our new approach in Afghanistan is likely to cost us roughly $30 billion for the military this year, and I'll work closely with Congress to address these costs as we work to bring down our deficit.
(One trillion?  Almost as much as his unneeded heath care reform that will not fix the real problems and will create many new ones that will cost a lot more than a trillion)

Now, let me be clear: None of this will be easy. The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. (He got it right on this one, hope he means it)

America will speak out on behalf of their human rights, and tend to the light of freedom and justice and opportunity and respect for the dignity of all peoples. That is who we are. That is the source, the moral source, of America's authority.
(This must have been the part that was cut out of the speech in China, doesn’t really fit here does it???)

As a country, we're not as young -- and perhaps not as innocent -- as we were when Roosevelt was President. (Translation:  Now us enlightened elitists are running the country and we are smarter then them old fundamentalists)

It's easy to forget that when this war began, we were united -- bound together by the fresh memory of a horrific attack, and by the determination to defend our homeland and the values we hold dear. (Back when the Left briefly saw the light, they have since retreated to the dark recesses of their superior minds)

America -- we are passing through a time of great trial.  And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering. We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might, and with the commitment to forge an America that is safer, a world that is more secure, and a future that represents not the deepest of fears but the highest of hopes.
(I thought the resolve was dependent on how much it costs?  Make up your mind.  Right makes might??  What does that mean?  Guess it depends on what you mean by “right”, I am pretty sure he wasn’t talking about conservatives)

Now let’s contrast these quotes from Obama with President Bush’s speech when entering the war:
President George W. Bush:

You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.

We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail. Thank you. May God continue to bless America.

I am glad that President Obama finally came to the conclusion that his Commanders knew what they were talking about.  Shouldn’t have taken 3 months for sure, but for the sake of our troops better late than never.

President Obama has stated, and I quote, “I am not interested in winning”.  This belief is evident throughout his speech.  He also made it clear that he was attempting to placate to both the war supporters and his leftist base.    It disturbs me deeply that our President is sending troops to fight a war that he doesn’t believe in nor does he prescribe to the belief that we must win to ensure the security the region and our county.  Well, let ME be clear:  WE MUST WIN.