"Uninspired" is an inadequate descriptor. Seriously bureaucratic, yes, but wayward.
I got the distinct impression from Pres. Obama's speech last night at West Point Military Academy that he truly did not understand the audience he was addressing. "Professor" Obama's dissertation seemed more fitting for skeptical U.N. bureaucrats, or doubtful congressional allies.
The cadets and military brass in attendance are long past dithering, Mr. President, and hungry for the only appropriate end - victory over the Taliban.
Which is why these two incongruous statements - back-to-back - were most disturbing:
"... I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan.
After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home."
Our "vital national interest", but we're gonna back out in 18 months. I didn't hear the word "victory." Did you?
After his inauguration, Barack Obama could have appeased his radical Leftist base and quietly withdrawn the 38,000 troops assigned to Afghanistan, by his predecessor, and place the failed counter-insurgency at Geo. Bush's doorstep. But he didn't.
In March, 2009, Obama ordered up 21,000 troops. In Oct., 2009, he sent an additional 13,000 support troops. And with Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, request for more troops, Obama will now send an additional 30,000 service men & women to Afghanistan. All tolled, 102,000 American troops will be in Afghanistan by 2010.
This "war of necessity" is officially Barack Obama's to win or loose. And his Lefty base is not happy.