Notes

I want to make a few notes on the speech from yesterday. Regarding Grimp's comment that he was "pleasantly surprised" at Obama's conservative (ie. hawkish, in this case) stance on protecting America from terrorism, I would say that Mr. Obama is perfectly happy to back himself into a corner and tie his own hands because he is not politically willing to use all the tools at his disposal. Extraordinary rendition, the base at Guantanamo Bay, wiretaps on international phone calls, a missile defense shield, the advice and guidance of experienced and battle tested generals...he is willing to leave appropriate tools in his toolbelt in order to appease those who do not have the spine, the brains, or the intestinal fortitude to do what is necessary to defeat the evil people who oppose us - who hate our very existence and wish every single one of us dead. When Mr. Obama says we will defeat them, I do not believe he has in mind a military victory, but a diplomatic one, as though by the very Lightness of his Being, all those who seek to do harm to America will see the error of their ways and the lion will lie down with the lamb. This is a false hope, and a dangerous one.

"We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals." I wonder, if America is attacked again someday, will this still be true? If we are no longer safe in the world - and we are not now, though most will not recognize this fact - if we no longer feel safe, what are we willing to do to feel safe again? What liberties will we give away? What ideals will we no longer see as necessary? Where is the thin red line drawn?