Return of the Prodigal Son by Pompeo Batoni - 1773

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Monday, September 17, 2012

Some Questions for the President



Some Questions for the President

          Last week, on September 11, two American embassies in the Middle East were attacked, an ambassador and three other Americans were killed, and in the week since, the violence has spread throughout the region.  All the while, back here at home, we have been the victims of some of the worst media malpractice one could imagine.
          On the evening of September 11, I switched from Fox News to MSNBC for a few minutes to get a different perspective.  All I got was five minutes of one anchorman (who will go unnamed) pontificating and wagging a condescending finger at Mitt Romney for his statement in response to the crisis.  Not a word about the crisis itself or the current administration, which is actually charged with dealing with it.  It seems the “mainstream media” (i.e. the media wing of the Obama reelection campaign) was in full spin mode.
          To be fair, I have not been able to stomach any more of that nonsense, but I suspect someone out there is doing a more responsible job of reporting.  Though the continuing cries of media foul play make me suspect it’s not what it ought to be.
          Therefore, if so many in the media refuse to do their job, I have a few questions I would suggest for President Obama:
1)    Mr. President, your Middle East policy has been called conciliatory and even appeasement by some of your critics.  Some have suggested that you’ve put more pressure on Israel that any other nation in the region.  Should you have taken a stronger position with Islamic nations in the Middle East?  You seemed quite enthusiastic about the so-called Arab Spring as well.  Now radical governments appear to be filling the vacuum.  Were you wrong in your assessment of what was happening in the Middle East?
2)    Is it true that Marines were at the embassies but did not have live ammunition?  If so, who made that decision and what was the justification, especially on September 11?
3)    Reports are that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu desired to meet with you during this crisis but your schedule wouldn’t permit.  Is this true, and if so, how did you possibly find time for David Letterman instead?
4)    Do you have a plan or desire for stopping Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weaponry?  Netanyahu believes they are six months away.  Does our intelligence agree with that and if so, what is your plan to stop it?
5)    Why is Sudan refusing to allow our Marines to protect our own embassy?  What is your plan to ensure that our people are protected, and will you possibly even defy the Sudanese government on this matter?
6)  When you relayed the message to Russia that you would be more "flexible" after the election, what EXACTLY did you mean?

To be fair, Mr. Obama may have legitimate answers to these questions.  And I do not pretend to know what the answers are.  Rash judgment is not a virtue.  Of course, neither is naivete, especially as we are trying to elect a President.  My purpose is not to accuse the President, but to seek answers to these questions.  We can not count on the press, his most loyal constituency, to ask tough questions until we demand that they do.
  

Prayer for Peace from Blessed John XXIII



Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, "Peace to you," grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples of the earth becomes as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.