This weekend eight American Soldiers and as many as seven Afghan soldiers were killed near the Pakistan border.
Our illustrious President’s National Security Advisor’s response? Quoted here from CNSNews.com:
A top U.S. commander’s public plea for more troops in Afghanistan prompted a mild rebuke Sunday from the White House national security adviser, as the administration heads into a second week of intensive negotiations over its evolving Afghan strategy.
Retired Gen. James Jones said that decisions on how best to stabilize Afghanistan and beat back the insurgency must extend beyond troop levels to development and governance. And the request by Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, for up to 40,000 more troops is just one of three key elements advisers must consider as they meet this week to plot the way ahead.
He added that it is “better for military advice to come up through the chain of command,” rather than off a public stage, referring to McChrystal’s speech in London last week making a case for more troops. But Jones also beat back suggestions that the open campaign could jeopardize the general’s job.
McChrystal “is in it for the long haul,” Jones said. “I don’t think this is an issue.”
Obama named McChrystal to be the “on the ground” top U. S. commander in this “number one priority” that is the Afghan … er… not-war. But when his suggestions/requests/pleas for support might – MIGHT – affect how Obama’s far left cronies support him, he is thrown to the wolves. Unfortunately, when McChrystal is thrown to the wolves, so too are our brave and sacrificing soldiers.
Ste. Michelle spoke recently of her deep personal sacrifices she made for the Olympics bid for Chicago; but no one in the White House confronts the sacrifices that our soldiers or their families make. Can you imagine what the soldiers must feel, knowing their own “Commander in Chief” has so little regard for them and their well being that he couldn’t bring himself to spend 5 minutes with their general until he was on his way home from Copenhagen. What kind of message does this send to our soldiers? “Geez, sorry guys… I know you must be hot, hungry, dirty, lonely and scared. You may even be feeling overwhelmed. But, gosh… I just gotta go on that plane to try to get the Olympics here. MUCH more important for uh…. America (yeah, that’s the ticket) than trying to defeat terrorism… er… I meant to say man-made events!” Very supportive, Obama.
Speaking as a mom of a U. S. soldier in Afghanistan; I am beyond furious at these developments. I am terrified. I see my son and all the other soldiers of all the branches being abandoned by their government. I see them making the true sacrifices for NOTHING. If we don’t allow the U. S. Commander to do what he knows needs to be done, then truly their sacrifices will have been in vain. How sad and sorry and pathetic.
The article goes on to say that Jones’ comments came “just hours after militant forces overwhelmed U.S. troops at two outposts near the Pakistan border, killing eight Americans. ”
Jones said that Afghanistan is not in imminent danger of falling to the Taliban, and he downplayed fears that the insurgency could set up a renewed sanctuary for al-Qaeda. McChrystal has said that insurgents are gaining ground and the U.S. is in danger of failing unless more forces are sent to the fight.
“I don’t foresee the return of the Taliban. Afghanistan is not in imminent danger of falling,” Jones said. “The al-Qaeda presence is very diminished. The maximum estimate is less than 100 operating in the country, no bases, no ability to launch attacks on either us or our allies.”
He said Obama has received McChrystal’s request for additional troops, and the force numbers will be part of a larger discussion that will include efforts to beef up the size and training of the Afghan army and police, along with economic development and governance improvements in Afghanistan.
“It would be, I think, unfortunate if we let the discussion just be about troop strength. There is a minimum level that you have to have, but there’s, unfortunately, no ceiling to it,” Jones said.
Of course it would be unfortunate. Then you might have Nancy and Harry and Charlie and Chuck and all those very VERY patriotic Americans crawling up their collective backsides. God forbid that they support the military. Even if that support might help to guarantee success.
I wonder if, when Obama decides that it isn’t exactly necessary to increase troops in Afghanistan and then the whole conflict is a devastating loss to us… I wonder if Obama will blame Bush?
Here is the full CNSNews.com article
I am a fiscally conservative constitutionalist with Libertarian leanings on government. I am a mother of two: A daughter who is a constant challenge (but usually a lot of fun) and a son who is in the Army and is currently in Afghanistan. He has already spent his year in Iraq. My pride in him is unbounded. I also have a beautiful and brilliant 2 year old granddaughter, thanks to my goofy daughter; whom I love and adore.
I am a reformed bleeding heart California Liberal, who saw the light and learned the truth when I met my soul mate, drscoundrel, who became my husband almost 15 years ago. Before I met him, I was blind. He is my light. Together we hope to bring logic and thoughfulness to you all. 
Unfortunately I feel that our Government is not committed enough to protect our troops abroad, and you will probably see what I mean sooner than latter.
Being the mother of two grown children and Grandmother of four, I feel your dismay. I cannot tell you how much I admire your restraint. I have been accused of being a reactionary at times in my life, although I have learned some serious restraint over the years. I other words…I have mellowed. I believe, if I were in your shoes, I could unlearn the restraint quickly. In fact, lately with all this delaying our illustrious Commander in Chief has done with his decision I have lost it many times in the privacy of my own home. I put myself in yours and other Mothers shoes. I don’t have to describe to you what goes on in my head, and what occasionally gets thrown. Just thinking about what this group of Progressive lunatics have done to their futures creates episodes of backsliding. My heart is with you in this matter Madame. If you ever need a justified fit of flaming rage…just give me a tweet. I’ll be glad be of service.
I am praying for all our kids over there. Peace be with you and May God Bless you and your family
Julie, thank you so much for your kind comments and your prayers. I have a personal litany that I say every night to St. Jude and St. Anthony – it is so hard.
I agree with you, too about the lunatics. It is so scary – the power they have in their hands and what they’re doing with it. We just need to make sure that America does not go back to it’s ignorantly blissful slumber… but I’m deathly afraid the apathy is creeping back.
If more people were like you, this would not be an issue! Thanks again for your prayers and comments! Take care!
~Sherri