PRESIDENT OBAMA’S OPPORTUNITY FOR A SIMPLE ACT OF CIVILITY
As the author of Politics with Principle: Ten Characters with Character and a committed student of studying character in American politics, it seems to me, the President’s speech last night declaring an end to the combat mission in Iraq, missed an important opportunity to bind up more than the wounds of our warriors.
The President was on the mark when he acknowledged the self-sacrifice of our warriors and the self-denial of their families. It may have been a stretch for him to connect the sacrifice of our military with the sacrifice of those civilians battered by the current recession. However, it would have been wise for him to point out we civilians as well as America’s Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are together on a journey as citizens of this Republic.
A more forceful recognition of President George W. Bush leadership in backing the surge of more American forces in Iraq, particularly given Senator and candidate Obama’s opposite position on the surge, would have shown class on President Obama’s part.
Such a simple act of civility on the President’s part might have led to a recognition of the need for a shared moral understanding we Americans need to be willing to sacrifice for each other and for future generations. Being gracious to his predecessor might not have moved us to the better angels of our nature but would have shown leadership for the sacrifices all Americans are called to make for the sake of living together.
Michael, I agree with your observation that all Americans need to share in the sacrifices and responsibilities required to preserve and improve our Nation. I think the President has made a similar point on other occasions. Im not sure there would have been a way to make that point last night without seeming to diminish the sacrifice of our military personnel. In addition, I dont see the connection between the sacrifices made by those in the military and the sacrifices made by those battered by the economy. Those who have lost their jobs, who are without health insurance or who have had their assets dissipated are victims of a deep recession that they did not cause. The sacrifices they make are not ones they chose to make and are not ones that are necessary for the good of the country. Its like being sick or in an accident. Its just a bad deal. They deserve our respect and our support and we admire their courage and their perseverance. Regarding President Bush and the Iraq War, I believe that President Obama believes that leading the American people into the Iraq War was the single worst decision made by a U.S. President, at least in our lifetime. Like many of us, President Obama believes that it was a huge mistake and one that could have easily been avoided by clear thinking unclouded by an ideological agenda. I cant help but repeat the basics — There was no WMD and not good reason to think there was; Saddam Hussein was not a direct threat to the U.S.; He was not harboring or supporting Islamic extremist terrorists; He was a counterforce to a belligerent Iran. He was a very bad guy who was victimizing his people and he represented some degree of threat to Israel. Hardly anyone believes that going to War was justified. Because I believe that President Obama shares these views, he would not have been able to say much about President Bush and the War. Yes, I agree that the surge turned out to be a successful tactic in a very bad war. And it would be truthful and refreshing to see some acknowledgement of that fact. But since Iraq has been such an unmitigated disaster that was totally avoidable, its easy to see why last night was not the right time to acknowledge the success of a tactic Obama criticized and opposed. It would be like thanking the person who set your house on fire for helping to put out the fire. These are first reactions and if I am off base, I expect you to let me know. Michael, thank you for being thoughtful and provocative. Keep it coming. Matt
Matt,You are a fine lawyer and an experienced advisor of senators and congressman, so it not surprising you crafted an excellent defense of the approach our President took last night. What is special about your comments is, although they are a counterpoint to those I raised, your response was totally civil and thoughtful.Civility is the approach all Americans need to take when they differ. My main concern is that the lack of civility takes us on a path from disagreement to distrust to eventually, violence.Thank you for your thoughtful response to todays post.Michael