Late after midnight on Thursday, President Barack Obama, did one of the toughest things any Commander in Chief ever has to do. He went to Dover Air Force base and met a plane carrying the remains of 18 soldiers killed earlier this week in Afghanistan.
It wasn't announced that he was going. There weren't any official White House photographers or military bands.
Hours before, I watched the first game of the World Series and when the First Lady, Michele Obama, was involved in throwing out the first pitch, I thought, "Geez, did the president have something more important to do on a Wednesday night?" Yes, he did.
He went to Dover and first met with the families of these brave soldiers who perished while keeping you and I safe. And then he and the families waited for the Air Force C-17 cargo plane to arrive. And then he stood in line with other military officials and held a salute while each of the flag-draped coffins were carried off the plane. One after another until 18 had passed. I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like.
I read about all this when I woke up Friday morning. I woke up safe that morning, as you did, in a country where men and women die daily so it can be that way.
I've not been a big Obama supporter (or detractor, for that matter), so on Friday I made a decision to support my President a bit more than I have in the past, because up until now, and putting the economy aside, I never realized what a difficult job he has. He knows that soldiers are in these crazy countries on his orfer, and what a burden he bears because of that.
I am a big Obama fan so sometimes it is very hard for me to be completely objective, but I thought it was great that he not only went to Dover Air Force Base to show his support but lifted the ban on showing our fallen troops return home. People need to see that the war is real and it has real consequences. Otherwise, it is all too "over there" for us to worry about. I also think it is a good move that he is waiting and trying to specify our mission in Afghanistan before he commits more troops to go over there. Doesn't that seem reasonable after we quickly jumped into Iraq for no reason at all. I for one am happy that we finally have someone in the white house that thinks before he speaks or acts.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with lifting the ban. Just because you do not see it, doesn't mean it isn't happening.
ReplyDeleteI think our venture into Iraq for WMDs was noble, but once it was discovered that was bad info, it should have been over. The error there lies with everyone in government at the time; Republicans and Democrats.