Well, we've seen now that our President and Commander-in-Chief has the professionalism to allow the military commanders to do their job, without swagger.

It was only a small "precision" strike, but one that took pinpoint accuracy and planning. Given the task, I say, "Mission Accomplished." Now let's give him the chance to have his military leaders figure a way to put an end to the whole piracy problem. I'm betting whatever plan is devised will:

1.) Work as intended
2.) Not alienate our allies
3.) Be appropriate in the use of force, influence and international cooperation.

Couldn't have said it any better.

Originally Posted by ptownrob

Well, we've seen now that our President and Commander-in-Chief has the professionalism to allow the military commanders to do their job, without swagger.

It was only a small "precision" strike, but one that took pinpoint accuracy and planning. Given the task, I say, "Mission Accomplished." Now let's give him the chance to have his military leaders figure a way to put an end to the whole piracy problem. I'm betting whatever plan is devised will:

1.) Work as intended
2.) Not alienate our allies
3.) Be appropriate in the use of force, influence and international cooperation.

I would applaud the decision but unlike you am not ready to cannonize the President because he had the Navy Seals kill 3 teenagers at a sea !

I AGREE!!! Nicely done...and nicely stated!!

Thank goodness for CHANGE!!!!

I think OB did the right thing. First time for everything...

Originally Posted by ptownrob

Well, we've seen now that our President and Commander-in-Chief has the professionalism to allow the military commanders to do their job, without swagger.

It was only a small "precision" strike, but one that took pinpoint accuracy and planning. Given the task, I say, "Mission Accomplished." Now let's give him the chance to have his military leaders figure a way to put an end to the whole piracy problem. I'm betting whatever plan is devised will:

1.) Work as intended
2.) Not alienate our allies
3.) Be appropriate in the use of force, influence and international cooperation.

If Pres. Obama is half as smart as many think he is, then he will simply say, "DOD, insure US ships are safe at sea from hostile actions," and then get out of the way, and leave the job to the professionals.

Becoming POTUS does not make him smart in military operations. We train people for decades to know what to do in such situations. The military commands that were involved in this operation (AFRICOM and SOCOM) are highly skilled in these activities, have trained for similar circumstances, and know their business.

Pres. G.H.W. Bush, even though he had a military background, wisely knew that the planning and operation of Gulf I was beyond his military capabilities. So, he wisely got out of the way and did not interfere with the several generals possessing a combined over-two hundred years of training and experience, took the basic order to "resolve the matter to _____ level" and the rest is history.

Pres. Clinton, with no military background, could not resist personal dabbling with military strategy and tactics in Somalia like a kid playing with toy soldiers. The results were catastrophic.

Let us hope that Pres. Obama recognizes his academic and experiential limitations and shortcomings regarding military arts and science, and acts wisely as well.

Originally Posted by Bucco

I would applaud the decision but unlike you am not ready to cannonize the President because he had the Navy Seals kill 3 teenagers at a sea !

Your sympathy is misplaced.

Steve I couldn't agree with you more, although some would say that Clinton's BOsnian strategy did end the potential genocide there. Wisdom for a U.S. President is knowing when to step back & let the MILITARY professionals advise you without fear of political repercussions. GHW, an accomplished Naval officer, did exactly that in '91.

Jimmy Carter got mired in the muck of political ideology (of a liberal type) and the Iranian hostage rescue was a disaster. I think the lesson of that episode has stood as a guidepost for the limits of politics and meddling by the Executive in carrying out military operations.

I'm curious- does anyone have any ideas about how to stop the overall piracy problem? Unfortunately, the ship owners seem willing to hand over a few million to save their crews & cargoes, and I don;t think countries like Liberia or Paraguay are in any position to effect surgical strikes.

Maybe some new sort of electronics could be incorporated- those microwave/sound antennas seem to incapacitate anyone it 's aimed at.

I am very happy with what President Obama has done so far in just so few days in office. He is not backing down from anyone or anything.

It happened on his watch, he can have the credit.

Yea Seals!

Yoda

Originally Posted by Bucco

I would applaud the decision but unlike you am not ready to cannonize the President because he had the Navy Seals kill 3 teenagers at a sea !

Not quite sure I agree with this remark. ARGHHH MATEY. Pirates be Pirates!!

Originally Posted by GMONEY

Not quite sure I agree with this remark. ARGHHH MATEY. Pirates be Pirates!!

Fair enough however I stand by my post !

I said...."I APPLAUD THE DECISION"

I simply would have been much happier to see a topic saying "God Bless the Navy Seals"

"God Bless the Navy Seals"

Originally Posted by Bucco

Fair enough however I stand by my post !

I said...."I APPLAUD THE DECISION"

I simply would have been much happier to see a topic saying "God Bless the Navy Seals"

No, actually that is NOT what you said. You said "I would applaud the decision but...". You remark about Navy Seals killing teenagers is especially insulting to our military.

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

No, actually that is NOT what you said. You said "I would applaud the decision but...". You remark about Navy Seals killing teenagers is especially insulting to our military.

That is what i was getting at, but I think I know where he was coming from. God Bless The USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!