Do you feel safer today?
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
January 13, 2010 9:02am CST
WH Says Obama 'Strengthened America' in First Year
The White House Tuesday argued President Barack Obama's "steady diplomacy" had made America stronger and renewed its moral authority despite "unprecedented challenges" in his first year in office.
But the assessment, posted on the White House website, did not dwell on the lack of success garnered by one of Obama's top priority foreign policy drives, peace moves in the Middle East, and reflected a tougher tone on Iran.
"A year later, America is stronger because of the president's leadership," said Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor for strategic communications, in a White House blog post.
"The global economy has been pulled back from the brink of catastrophe. We are responsibly winding down the war in Iraq, and increasing our focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan."
see:
http://www.thefoxnation.com/politics/2010/01/12/wh-says-obama-strengthened-america-first-year
Specifically look at the comments.
This was a great comedy to wake up to.
What do you think? Do you feel safer? I do not. But what is your opinion?
3 people like this
3 responses
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
13 Jan 10
It depend on how you define "safer". Against the terorist? No. But that is no Obama or Bush's fault. Until the terrorist stop we are not really safe from them. They will find loopholes in our security and go after it.
If you mean the economy....well it does seem to be getting better..slowly but surely but I really can't contribute that to Tarp or any of the bail outs. Nor can I can say that tons of jobs have been created by the government. We are not out of the woods yet.
As for "international relations" well true a lot of the world likes Obama better than Bush but I dont know how that makes us safer. Obama being in office has not changed how Iran or the terrorist feel about us. But he has improved relations with other countries....but I am sure if that makes us safer.
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
13 Jan 10
What countries has he improved relations with?
Venezuela's Chavez calls Obama "ignoramus" http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE52L19G20090322
Iran speaker accuses Obama of state terrorism over bombing http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=52580
North Korea tests Obama http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/27/north-korea-tests-obama/
UK’s Telegraph: Obama is “Vulnerable” on Terrorism http://james4america.wordpress.com/2010/01/02/uks-telegraph-obama-is-vulnerable-on-terrorism/
Obama’s Olympic failure will only add to doubts about his presidency http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6859031.ece
Could Afghanistan Become Obama’s Vietnam http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/weekinreview/23baker.html
Pakistan: Obama remark 'irresponsible' http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-08-03-pakistan-obama_N.htm
In Russia, Obama’s Star Power Does Not Translate http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/world/europe/08russia.html
Obama speech censored in China http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7841580.stm
I did find that Germany, Japan and Australia drool for him.
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
13 Jan 10
Europe and a few other countries love him. Those countries were not real fond of Bush. If they love him sooo much can we send give him to them? I would also LOVE to send them Dodd, Reid, Pelosi, Graham, and countless others also. Kind of a goodwill gift. We don't want them...you love them so you take them kind of thing.No matter who we elected Chavez, Iran, and the terrorists would still hate us.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
15 Jan 10
Laglen, to be perfectly honest I'm almost afraid to respond to this discussion because I know I'll be ripped apart and my ranking in the politics interest will take more hits. The question, "Do you feel safer today" is a complex one. I mean, I think MOST of us felt quite safe prior to 9/11 but it was a false sense of security.
Now, of course those who can't stand and don't support President Obama or any of his policies are going to say they feel less safe, not safer. By the same token, those who totally support Obama no matter what are going to say the opposite.
I don't think we'll ever be completely "safe" but I also think that as long as we know that we'll be safer than we otherwise would be. No matter what we do, no matter who's right between those who think like President Obama and those who agree with the Cheneys, there WILL be new terrorists recruited by groups that will ALWAYS hate us. In a lot of ways we're in a "damned if we do, damned if we don't" situation when it comes to fighting terrorism; in my heart I believe torture and Gitmo are "recruitment tools" for al Qaeda but I also concede that these predator drones being dropped in Pakistan and Yemen may also be. Most of those who would know say torture doesn't work but the drones have worked in taking out many al Qaeda and Taliban leaders. Knowing that does make me feel at least a little bit safer!
Economically we've been "saved" from another Great Depression and the economy is moving in the right direction. That counts for something. We're closer than ever before to health care reform, which will make millions of people "safer" from dyng due to lack of health insurance.
I guess in general I DO feel safer! Not totally safe but better than a year ago.
Annie
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
15 Jan 10
First of all, I think in two+ years I have given maybe two negative ratings. If you answer, whether I agree or not, I rate a +.
I wont attack you, I appreciate your opinion. We mostly dont agree on things but that is the Glory of living in the USA!
So - I will choose not to comment on your points of economy and health reform. regarding National security - I agree when we feel safe it is usually false. We have to stay on our toes at all times. It just goes to "American arrogance" when we think we can't be touched! I do believe that Obama feels he is doing all he can and that he is trying to make nice around the world. But I don't think he realizes the resolve that these people have to obliterate us. For this, I am scared.
The issues with airline security - ditch the PC crap and screen EVERYBODY!
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
15 Jan 10
Im sorry, I didn't mean to imply that YOU'D attack me or rate me negatively! You've always been respectful and we can agree to disagree on some issues which is the way it's supposed to be. We DO agree that we must ALL stay on our toes and never get complacent when it comes to national security and that the airlines should do whatever they can to ensure everyone's safety.
Annie
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
16 Jan 10
Yay! I agree. I think that is when we get into trouble, when we think we are safe and relax our gaurd. There will never be a time when there isnt some nut out there trying to kill us. But I think that with proper preparation and proper expectations, we can maintain a modicum of safety.
1 person likes this
