- What formal declaration did President Obama make in his Oval Office address to the nation Tuesday night?
- What did the President emphasize about the war in Afghanistan?
- a) How did Republican leader Senator Mitch McConnell respond to President Obama's speech? b) Do you agree with Senator McConnell's response? Explain your answer.
- What domestic policy did President Obama address in his speech last night?
- How did the President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differ from statements he had made when he was a presidential candidate? (see paragraph 11).
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Blog #3 - Obama Marks End of the War in Iraq
On Tuesday night, President Obama spoke to the nation from the Oval Office. Your blog this week is about that speech. Read the following article or watch the video online via CNN, C-Span or YouTube. After doing the background work, answer the following questions.
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1. Pres. Obama formerly declared an end to our involvement in the Iraq War. He also stated that, "Now it is our turn," to focus on domestic problems.
ReplyDelete2. Pres. Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an "open-ended" war.
3. (a) Republican Senator Mitch McConnell responded that it is "easy" for Obama to fulfill the promise of ending the war because he wasn't even involved in the previous administrations plans for the 2007 surge and the "security agreement" with Iraq to lessen our presence there.
(b) I disagree with McConnell's comments and find them to be unnecessarily negative about an action by Obama that is overall very positive. Most Americans (over time) did not support the Iraq War, and I believe our plans to get out of there are in good time. Hopefully the Iraq War will not go down in history in the same light as Vietnam, but it currently looks that way. Of course the Bush Administration would have taken actions towards the Iraq War--they started it! Calling Obama's bold decision to start removing troops "easy" because it may or may not have began during Bush's time is unfair and uncalled for. Every President builds off of their predecessor and cleans up whatever mess the person before them made. I think it is safe to say that Obama is doing his best to clean up the Bush Admin.'s mess.
4. Obama addressed redirecting taxpayer dollars that were used for the Iraq War towards the faltering economy. The task at hand is restoring the recession-ridden economy.
5. The President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss were those of respect that acknowledged that the troops worked to make Iraq a safer place for democracy. During his campaign, he stated that the war made America less safe and was a war that was not worth it and could not be won. These statements greatly differ from each other, but one must consider the context of those statements. The troops do not specifically decide which fights they get to fight. They get orders from higher up. So, they should not be berated for being involved in a war that was ultimately a failure. They made the greatest sacrifice for our country and should be honored for the good they did, not the bad that the higher-ups did. Obama can support the soldiers while still not supporting the war.
1. President Obama declared an end to the Iraq War. He also said that now it's our turn as a country to start fixing our own issues and problems now.
ReplyDelete2. Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an open-ended war.
3. (a) Republican Senator McConnell responded to Obama's speech in a way ehich understated his actioins. Saying that it is simple for Obama to go through with the promise of ending the war because he wasn't in all the chaos of the earlier years.
(b) In a way I do see where the senator is comin from but on the other hand what is the point he is trying to get at. His statement seems very irrelevant to anything but making President Obama once again look as if he isn't doing a thing.
4. Obama addressed getting the money used to fund the war to help rebuild the economy.
5. The President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differed from his statements as a candidate in the thought that what he said to the troops shed a more positive light on the war instead making it seem like their efforts were in vain and for nothing. His earlier statements as a candidate put a more negative light towards the war and probably was said to appeal more to the general public but now as president he can really say things that are real and to the point like a president should. I don't think we should compare those two differing statements together because as a candidate you're doing and saying what appeals to the people in order to get elected as the president he can say what he likes without much fear of the public opinion.
1. What formal declaration did President Obama make in his Oval Office address to the nation Tuesday night? President Obama declared an end to combat operations in the Iraq War.
ReplyDelete2. What did the President emphasize about the war in Afghanistan? It would not be an "open-ended" war. Meaning that the costs of the war for the United States in resources, money, and human life would not be endless.
3. a) How did Republican leader Senator Mitch McConnell respond to President Obama's speech? Senator Mitch McConnell responded by essentially calling the President and other democrats who supported the Afghani troop surge yet called for the end of the Iraqi War hypocrites. It appears they are condoning a war that is very similar to a war that they condemned.
b) Do you agree with Senator McConnell's response? Explain your answer. I'd have to agree with Senator McConnell to a certain extent. The Obama Administration is not showing a solid front on its international relations. This creates distrust and disbelief in our central government, therefore making it harder for our country to change under their leadership.
4. What domestic policy did President Obama address in his speech last night? Obama did not explain or mention any new specific plan for economic recovery. He briefly touched on the idea that the taxpayers' money would flow towards domestic issues instead of the War in Iraq, which could be important, but other than that it seemed to just be vague yet encouraging rhetoric.
5. How did the President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differ from statements he had made when he was a presidential candidate? (see paragraph 11). As a candidate, Obama had said that the War in Iraq had caused Anti-American sentiment, setback the War in Afghanistan, and made the U.S. less safe. Now he applauds their efforts in Iraq for making the U.S. more secure.
Posting for Cortez. He seems to get it to work at school, but not at home.
ReplyDelete1. President Obama declared that the Iraq was officially over.
2. The president stated that it would not be an "open-ended war."
3.a Senator McConnell said that It was easy for Obama to fulfill his promise to end the war because he was not involved in all of the past years decisions.
b I disagree with the senator because the fact is that Obama is the president and every decision comes back to him. It is his responsibility to make the tough choices and the president did his job.
4. He talked about using taxpayer dollars to rebuild our economy rather than funnel them to the war.
5. President Obama told the troops that they made Iraq a better place and that they made America safer. During his campaign however, he said pretty much the exact opposite.
1) Tuesday night Pres. Obama declared from his Oval Office that the war in Iraq was over and that America was about to start refocusing on its own issues.
ReplyDelete2) Pres. Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an "open-ended" war so that the money used to fund the war would start going towards our economy.
3) a. Senator McConnell basically said that Pres. Obama didn't really do anything and that his campaign rhetoric about ending the war was a sham because his predeceser had already signed the contract for the war to be over anyways.
b. I disagree with Sen. MoConnell because you can't say that Pres. Obama has abandoned his campaign rhetoric when he has helped get jobs for the unemployed. And then, so what if he didn't sign the papers to end the war, he couldn't control what the last president did, we should all just be glad the war is over.
4) He briefly discussed the domestic policy of the taxpayer's dollars going towards our economy to help recover it.
5) Back when Pres. Obama was campaigning he said that he felt the troops weren't making Iraq safe and he was against the idea of the troops being over there. Now, he feels that it is a great idea and that the troops are doing a great job on making Iraq safer.
1. President Obama declared an end to combat operations in Iraq, and promised to focus more on the economy.
ReplyDelete2. The president emphasized that the war in Afghanistan wouldn't be an "open-ended" war.
3.a. McConnell basically said Obama has little to nothing to do with the lessening of troops in Iraq. He says the previous administration set it all up for him.
b. I understand what the Senator was saying and that very well may be true. However, he could've put it in a way that appeared to be less of a demeaning comment to President Obama and his administration.
4. President Obama said that taxpayer resources being spent in Iraq should be spent towards te U.S. economy.
5. This time around, he said the troops had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself" while making the U.S. more secure. During his campaign however, he said that the war would cultivate Anit-american sentiment and make the U.S. less safe.
1.On Tuesday night, President Obama declared an end to the seven-year-old war in Iraq.
ReplyDelete2.Obama emphasized that the war would not be an "open-ended" one.
3.a)Senator McConnell basically said that the ending of the war had nothing to do with the efforts put forth by Pres. Obama because the administration before him had already signed off the war efforts in Iraq.
b)In a way, I do agree with the "point" he was trying to get at. I just believe that the wording he used to describe his thoughts were very unnecessary. He went so far as to make it seem as if the things Obama is doing isn't helping our country what-so-ever.
4.He addressed that all the funding that went into the war would be used in order to rebuild the economy of America.
5.The President had earlier told the troops that they had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself" while making the U.S. more secure. Although, during his campaign, his thought were the exact opposite of that.
Posting for Te'Kara
ReplyDelete1. Presiedent Obama made a formal declaration to end the combat operations in the seven-year- old Iraq war.He also declared that it is time to fix are own domestic issues.
2.President Obama emphasize that it would not be an open-ended war.
3. Senator Mitch McConnell respond to the President's speech in a mocking way. Saying that it is easy to say your going to bring something to an end when it has already been decided by administartive before you. He also says its intresting how the President over look his own thoughts that it shouldn't have happen anyway.
B. I don't agree with the Senator ,because even though the security of agreement has already been signed it still takes someone to make things happen.
4.President Obama address the redirectring tax payers dollars that were used for the Iraq war toward the fallen economy.
5. The President tells the troops at Fort Bliss that they have given Iraq an oppourtinty to creat a better future of itself. While when he was a canidate he says the war in Iraq had fanned anti-American sentiment, left the afghan war effort languishing and made the U.S.less safe.At this point President Obama is saying that the troops have made a difference.This doesn't mean he agrees with the war.
1. President Obama officially declared and end to combat operations in the Iraq War and promised to refocus the government on rebuilidng the American economy.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama made emphasis on the fact that the war in Afghanistan would not be "open-ended".
3.
A. Senator McConnell stated that it would be easy for President Obama to step in and pull troops out of Iraq becasue he wasn't involved in the initial surge of troops going overseas.
B. I do agree with Senator McConnell. I believe it is much easier to clean up a previous administration's mistakes than it is to admit that you made an executive decision that did not go as planned. I feel that the senator could have been slightly more respectful in his wording, but I agree with his idea.
4. The president also adressed the issue of the failing economy. He plans to redirect taxpayer money that was once used to fund a war in Iraq to now help pull America out of it's economic slump.
5. When President Obama was still a presidential candidate he believed that the war in Iraq was one in which we couldn't win and that it made the United States less safe. In his broadcast from the Oval Office, he thanked the soldiers and applauded their efforts. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. He may disagree with the war, but that in no way means that he a lack of respect for those who defend our country. I applaud President Obama for that.
1. In President Obama's speech from the Oval office, he declared the end of all combat operations in Iraq.
ReplyDelete2. When speaking about Afghanistan, President Obama stated that there will be a build up of US troops in Afghanistan so that we can go on "offense" in the war against Al Queda.
3. a) Senator Mitch McConnell thought that Obama was being contradictory towards his attitude during the presidential campaign because during his campaign Obama opposed what he is now doing.
b) I agree with Senator McConnell that Obama was being hypocritical in this situation, but I sympathize with Obama because most all political figures contradict themselves at some point because in the end they do have to live up to the majority, and also it's pretty hard to predict the outcome of a lot of controversial issues that are debated about. I think it's acceptable to be wrong if you acknowledge it and move on.
4. President Obama spoke of the domestic policies of increasing our middle class, boosting our economy, education reform, and energy conservation.
5. The President's remarks differed from his candidacy to tuesday night because during his campaign he would have been referring to the effects of the war continuing, where as now the war has ended so he sees the previous actions as bringing good.
1.On Tuesday night President Obama declared an end to combat operations in the Iraq war.
ReplyDelete2.He emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an open ended one.
3.(a)Senator McConnell stated that it was easy for Obama to make this statement and fulfill a campaign promise when he really had no hand in it and that it was the previous administration’s doing. (b) I disagree with his statement. This should be a happy time for America and his negative comments are not helping anyone. Although the previous administration began this process, President Obama is ending it and I believe he deserves some of the credit as well.
4.President Obama addressed taking the money used for the Iraq war and using it to better the economy.
5.President Obama told the troops at Fort Bliss that they had given Iraq “an opportunity to create a better future for itself” while making America more secure. However, his remarks during the Presidential election were that the war in Iraq had created many anti-American feelings, made the U.S. less safe and left the Afghan war effort languishing. Although the President’s remarks do not match his previous statements, I believe he was trying to make this a happy time and not one to bring up political differences.
To nancy, I agree with your statement that Senator McConnell saying that President Obama's actions to remove troops was easy was ridiculous. Obama's efforts are very bold and every President in some way has continued what the previous administration left behind, therefore that is an unfair statement.
ReplyDelete1.)President Obama declared the end of the war in Iraq and promised to refocus from war to rebuilding our economy.
ReplyDelete2.) They are training Afghan security forces and supporting resolution to Afghan’s problems. “Next August we will begin transition to Afghan responsibility.” The pace of troop reduction will be determined by conditions on the ground. “Open ended war serves neither our interests nor those of the Afghan People’s.”
3.) a)McConnell said, “It makes it easier to talk about fulfilling a campaign promise to wind down our operations in Iraq when the previous administration signs the security agreement with Iraq to end our overall presence there,” and, “It sure makes things easier when you reject your own campaign rhetoric about how the surge...shouldn't happen and wouldn't work.”
3.) b) I agree with McConnell because, ever since the beginning of the war, Obama has been one of the biggest critics (especially of the surge.) It would be 'easier' because, the previous administration signs the agreement to get out of Iraq--not president Obama. Therefore the war will still be considered under Bush's administration and not President Obama's.
4.)President Obama wants to redirect focus towards the failing economy.
5.)As a Candidate, Obama said that the surge in Iraq was a bad idea. That it would endanger the U.S. to more terrorist attacks. In June 2007, he said that we live in a more dangerous world due to Bush’s actions. During the speech his views were quite different. He said that the surge helped the Afghan people as well as strengthened U.S. security.
1. President Obama declared the war in iraq officially over. He also promised to focus more on the economy.
ReplyDelete2.He emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an open ended one.
3. Senator McConnell thought that Obama was contradicting himself in his statements and his promises during his campaign; however, i sympathize with him on the point that plans don't go as we expect them to sometimes and you have to adjust and go a different route when necessary.
4. He spoke of taking the money from that was intended for the war and redirecting it to better the economy.
5. During his candidacy he said that Iraq was causing the U.S. to be less safe and favoring anti-American values, in opposition to, no the U.S. has helped them enough towards where they can be more independent and less needy.
1.On Tuesday night President Obama declared that the war in Iraq was finally over.
ReplyDelete2.President Obama emphasized that this would not be an "open ended" war. Which means the money we pay for the war would go to us.
3.Senator McConnell's response to President Obama's speech was basically that Obama had it easy by just giving the speech. He says the contract had already been signed. Which means Obama really didn't do anything big. He also says that Obama rejected his own campaign rhetoric. It seems as if he thinks Obama had nothing to do with the end of the war and is just taking credit for it.
I really don't agree with Senator McConnell. In my opinion Obama was needed in order for this to happen. I agree wit Te'Kara, it may have aready been agreed on, but it still takes someone to make things happen.
4.President Obama addresses the fact that we could be using the money used to fund the war to build our economy up.
5.The President's remarks to the troops were realy respectful and just like how they make America safe and things like that. Versus when he was a candidate and he felt as if the war mad us a unsafe and was a bad thing. These opinions do reay differ from each other, but you have to look at the different perspectives. One was made from the outside looking in, while the other was made after being on the inside and knowing whats going on.
1. President Obama declared that the war in Iraq is finally over and we are going to face matters if our own.
ReplyDelete2. That it is and open-ended war.
3. (a) By stating, Obama wasn't involved in the plans for the '07 surge, which made it easy for him to end the war.
(b) No I don't agree because, as president you have slot of decision you have to make and you have to make are you are making the right choice. Also, he's making it seem like Obama is doing nothing he has promised as a candidate but as I can recall from an article I read earlier in the year, Some people believe he is doing his best at the foriegn policy but, it'ts a tough world out there.
4. He discussed the doomestic policy on economics.
5. He, during his campaign, stated the war in Iraq would make America unsafe vs. now thinking it could benefit both ends.
1. President Obama declared that Operation Iraqi Freedom is over and that it is time to focus on problems here at home.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be “open ended”
3.a) Senator Mitch McConnell said that it is easy for the President to keep his promises about ending a war when he had no involvement with it in the first place.
b) President Obama was one of the biggest critics when it came to sending more troops to Iraq. He did not think the surge would work and he believed that it was a lost cause, so yes I agree that it’s “easy” for Obama to make the decision to pull the troops out of Iraq, because the Iraq war will always be the Bush administration’s war, they have to sign the security agreement with Iraq that will end our presence there even though they are no longer in office.
4. President Obama wants to focus primarily on the failing economy, and use the money that will no longer go to the Iraq war effort to turn it around.
5. As a presidential candidate Obama said that “the war in Iraq had fanned anti-American sentiment, left the Afghan war effort languishing and made the U.S. less safe.” However, in his remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss more recently he said that “they had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself" while making the U.S. more secure.”
And Nancy, I like that you said you hope this doesn't become a new Vietnam. Because I was thinking about that and the things that are happening are similar, but this time, we still have troops let over to support them for awhile vs. Vietnam where we just left them in the dust after our new president, who ever it was, ended that war.
ReplyDelete1. President Obama in his 18-minute address, said that is now our turn and promised to refocus the government from prosecuting wars (Iraq) to rebuilding the U.S. economy.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama emphasized it would not be an "open-ended war."
3. a)Basically Senator Mitch McConnell was saying that Obama is flipping the switch now and not mounting up to how he said he would handle the situation during his campaign. b)Honestly I do not feel that it really matters if he changed his way of pursing the mission, just as long as it gets done the right way. Through time your mind goes through thought processes and you can think of better ways of accomplishing things in a more secure way.
4. President Obama domestic policy was to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work as best as possible.
5. President Obama basically said at Fort Bliss that America had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself" while making the U.S. more secure. President Obama, as an candidate, during his campaign, stated that America left the Afghan war effort languishing and made the U.S. less safe and more likely to be endangered.
1.President Obama declared that the Iraq war was over and promised to refocus on building the American economy.
ReplyDelete2.Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be “open-ended”.
3.(a)Senator McConnell stated that it was easy for Obama to promise an end to the war. He is merely following through with what the Bush administration began. (b) I do agree with the senator because it seems that Obama is trying to take all the credit for ending a war that he did not begin.
4.Obama suggested that all the money that was currently going toward the war would begin to profit the rebuilding of the American economy.
5.As a candidate Obama had said that “war in Iraq had fanned anti-American sentiment, left the Afghan war effort languishing and made the U.S. less safe.” Yet at Fort Bliss he told soldiers that they had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself while making the U.S. more secure”. Now that the war is coming to a close and is not viewed quite so negatively Obama is trying to act as if he supported it all along.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@ Ben Martin
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think you made some good points I don't think that Senator McConnell was trying to make it look as if Obama "once again isn't doing a thing". Personally I believe that McConnell was just trying to point out that Obama is once again being deceitful and acting as if he has supported the war all along when he has adamantly dicussed how it was a waste of time. If he believes that then fine but McConnell was just saying that the President should stand by what he believes in.
President Obama declared an end to the War on Iraq and he also stated that now we will turn our focus on our own issues.
ReplyDeleteHe emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an open-ended war.
Senator McConnell stated that President Obama was contradicting himself because he was now doing what he said he wouldn't do when he wasn't in office. I disagree with Senator McConnell. I don't think it would've
been easy for anyone to come in after former President Bush and clean up after his mess. So many Americans were opposed to this war and now that it's over, I think they'd be happy.
There were so many Americans opposed of
this war, so I do believe they would be happy now.
1. Tuesday night the President formally declared and end to combat operations in the seven year old Iraq War and promised the refocusing of the government from prosecuting wars to rebuild the US economy.
ReplyDelete2. Obama emphasized that the Iraq War would not be a "open ended war" which I interperted to mean that once we're out, we're out for good. We can't decide to go back a few months/years later under the same pretences.
3.Mr. McConnell was saying that it is easy for the President to keep his promises about ending the Iraq War since he wasn't in administration when it was declared.
B) I think it has some truth to it, but the Iraq War is a hot topic and has been steadily turning into a controversial issue. I believe those two factors will prove important in his decision making and that he's not just saying he's going to end it to pacify Americans.
4.The President is urging to use domestic policy to help our failing economy.
5. While on his visit to Fort Bliss Mr. Obama told troops the had given Iraq an oppurtunity to create a better future for themselves while at the same time securing America. However during his time as a candidate he stated that the Iraq War had fanned anti-American sentiment, left the Afghan War languishing and made the US less safe.
Obama made a excellent point though saying it was time to thank the US service members, not relive political disagreements. Because regardless of their political background our military risks their lives to protect the US.
1. President Obama declared the end of our involvement in the war in Iraq.
ReplyDelete2. What did the President emphasize about the war in Afghanistan? President Obama emphasized that the war will not be open ended, and that all troops will be home by the end of next year.
3. a) Senator McConnell stated that it would be easy for President Obama to withdraw troops out of Iraq because he was not involved in the initial surge of troops going overseas. He felt that the President was being a hypocrite because he is going against what he initially stated during his presidential campaign.
b) Do you agree with Senator McConnell's response? I do not agree with Senator McConnell's response because even tho President Obama did not began this war he ended it. I understand that other "parties" played a part in the war ending but President Obama still played a part in it as well. For that reason, I believe President Obama is due SOME credit but not ALL credit.
4. What domestic policy did President Obama address in his speech last night?President Obama addressed domestic policies of increasing our middle class and boosting our economy. He plans to take tax money that was going towards the war and redirecting it to the economy to strengthen it.
5. The President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differed from his statements as a candidate because what he said to the troops was more of a positive view of the war so it made them feel as if they had not wasted their time. On the other hand President Obama's statements as a candidate made the war seem more negative as to appease the people.
1.President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared an end to the 7 year old Iraq War and promised to refocus the government from going to wars to rebuilding the U.S. economy.
ReplyDelete2.Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an "open-ended war."
3.Senator McConnell, "It makes it easier to talk about fulfilling a campaign promise to wind down our operations in Iraq when the previous administration signs the security agreement with Iraq to end our overall presence there."
Like Erin & Hyden said, I agree, but he just could have been more respectable with his sayings.
4.Obama talked about using the taxpayer's dollars to rebuild the economy rather than funding them to war.
5.Obama said that "the troops had given Iraq an opportunity to create a better future for itself while making the U.S. less safe." but during his campaign it was the opposite.
1. President Obama declared an end to the Iraq War. He also stressed that we need to focus on our own issues now.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama emphasized that the war in Afghanistan would not be an open-ended.
3. (a) Senator McConnell response was that Obama was being hypocritical in a sense, because he wasn't handling this situation how he said he would during his campaign.
(b) I can see where he is coming from but I get a feeling that his true intentions were only to make President Obama once again look like he isn't preforming well. (for lack of a better word)
4. Obama stated that the money that was being used to fund the war will now be used to help rebuild the economy.
5. The President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differed from his earlier statements as a candidate because what he said to the troops had a more positive connotation of the war so it made them feel as if the work they had done was not in vain.
1.Obama formally declared the end of combat in the Iraq war and promised to refocus the objectives of the United States government from external to internal issues.
ReplyDelete2.The President emphasized that the military endeavors in Afghanistan will not be as drawn out and inconclusive as the Iraq operations. He made a point to say that the war in Afghanistan would not be an “open ended war.”
3.
a.Senator McConnell was very bitter about the President’s speech. He fired some sarcastic statements on how it seems so easy for the Obama administration to claim the applause of ending a war, when really the Bush administration had to sign the agreement to end occupation. He also jabbed at the seeming hypocrisy of the Democrats for condemning our occupation as a useless endeavor, and then turning around and saying that we’ve accomplished a lot there.
b.I think that Senator McConnell is not looking holistically at what the speech is about. In my opinion, Obama’s speech is meant to help boost patriotism. So what if the country did do a stupid move by getting so deeply involved in the Middle East? The past is the past. I think in some sense nationalism and patriotism cannot come without at least some ignorance and bias towards the self. It’s a white lie, and everyone knows it too. I think that on the outside we’d still like to cling to that hope that maybe we didn’t completely make fools of ourselves. Maybe the troops did do something good for another nation. I think Senator McConnell is just sore that the Republicans are being cast in such a bad light by the Democrats. And it’s true; I think the Democrats are trying the throw the bad press of the Middle East squarely on the shoulders of the Republican Party. I don’t know how the government deal went down, but I think it would also have been better for American spirit if Obama cited working with Republicans to put an end to the combat. It’s humiliating for the Republicans when they are left out of any of the credit and only cited for their “love of the country” - like they’re naïve children or something.
4.In his speech Obama addressed the problem of America’s economy. He urges it to be our “central mission” and openly declares his own responsibility as President to fix the nation’s financial turmoil.
5.At Fort Bliss the President was telling the soldiers that the war in Iraq helped both America and Iraq in the long run. However the running platform he used before was that he was going to end the war in Iraq because it was making people hate America and was drawing away from the Afghan war.
1)President Obama declared an end to combat operations, he also promised to refocus the government from prosecuting wars to rebuilding the U.S. economy.
ReplyDelete2)He sought to shore up support for his build-up in Afghanistan, where 98,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed, and which Mr. Obama emphasized would not be an "open-ended war."
3)a)Senate Mitch McConnel was being very judgemental when it came to what President Obama had to say. b) I do no agree with Senator Mitch McConnel's response because he stated that The U.S. "sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home," I feel like they didnt even have to waist their time and send them over there to risk their lives.
4) He wants to restore our economy and put the millions of people who lost their jobs back to work. He also stated that the money that funded the war could have been used to build or economy back up.
5) President Obama told them they had given Iraq "an opportunity to create a better future for itself" while making the U.S. more secure. President Obama int his statement made the trops feel like what they did was a positive thing. When Obama was a candidate he made the war seem ore negative as if the troops were waisting their time.
Chasity your number 5 was a false statement, President Obama said it was making the U.S. more secure. I also feel like you should have explained how it was opposite from Obama's campaign.(:
ReplyDelete1. In President Obama's Oval Office Address he declared an end to the combat operations in the Iraq War.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama emphasized that it would not be an open-ended war.
3. A) Republican Senator McConnell was saying that it would not be difficult for President Obama to withdraw troops from the War on Iraq because he was not the person who actually initiated the surge of the troops going over seas. So basically McConnell was saying that President Obama did not stand to his word.
B) I do not agree with Senator McConnell's response because the war can't go on forever, it has to end eventually. We have better things to deal with and spend our money on is kind of what the article was futher stating. We are in an economic hardship that needs to be taken care of.
4. President Obama discussed the domestic policy about fixing the economy. He wants the taxpayer resources that are being spent in Iraq to be spent in U.S. Economy.
5. President Obama told the troops at Fort Bliss that they gave Iraq a chance to better themselves for the future, while at the same time making the U.S. more secure.
Numero Uno:
ReplyDeleteIn his Oval Office Address,President Obama declared an end to all combat operarions in Iraq.
Numero Dos:
He emphasized that this would not be an open-ended war.
Numero Tres:
a) Senator McConnell responed to Obama's statement by basically saying he shouldn't get all credit for ending the war. McConnell stated the the Bush administration had actually signed the security document to end US presence there. So all Obama had to do was say the word and the troops were removed.
b) I disagree with his remarks. Yes, the Bush administration may have signed the document but why sign it and not put action behind it??
Numero Cuatro:
Obama discussed how taxpayer resources used in the war in Iraq should be used to benefit our own country.
Numero Cinco:
Obama's previous statement (as a candidate) about the war made it seem like he was totally AGAINST the war in Iraq. He stated that the war "had fanned anti-American sentiment and...made the US less safe." In his most recent statement to troops he seemed as if he understood the reasoning behind the war by saying "it was an opportunity to create a better future fo Iraq and make the US more secure." As you can see, these are two totally different statements.
@ Jessica:
ReplyDeleteI think your opinions on McConnell's comments were dead on. I didn't even think about the fact that he was probably sore about the Repub. party getting cast in such a negative light, but that makes a lot of sense. I agree that Obama was making the speech more about patriotism than anything, and I also hope that in the end, we won't totally look like fools.
@ Julian. I'm confused about your last sentence for 3b. So did you think he is acknowledging being wrong? Can he be simultaneously sitting on a high horse and humble at the same time? Or are you saying it is unacceptable for him to not acknowledge being wrong, but you still sympathize? Aside from that confusion, I agree that it's tough for Obama to do what the majority wants, and that right now we want to have a feeling of conclusion in Iraq.
ReplyDelete@Jennifer: McConnell wasn't saying that he opposed pulling out of Iraq, he was critizing the Obama administration for their contridictions concerning statements he made during his candidacy and statements that were made recently during his adress to the nation from the Oval Office. Of course he things the nation's economy is failing and money needs to be found to help get out, I don't think he was questioning that.
ReplyDelete@ Cortez: The president's job is to make a decision. His job wasn't necessarily to get troops out of Iraq. And that is why McConnell made his remarks. Not because he feel the president wasn't doing his job, but because he contridicted himself.
1. President Obama declared an end to all combat operations in Iraq by December 2011.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama emphasized that it would not be an “open ended” war.
3. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "It sure makes things easier when you reject your own campaign rhetoric about how the surge…shouldn't happen and wouldn't work."
I would have to agree with Senator McConnell. Obama set very prominent signs that he was against a surge in his campaign. When McConnell says “easier” he means that President Obama doesn’t have to sign any agreement, Bush’s administration has to sign the agreement to leave Iraq.
4. President Obama addressed redirecting the financing for the war towards restructuring the economy.
5. During his campaigning President Obama was against a surge because he felt it would cast an anti- American sentiment and possibly endanger the U.S.. His recent remarks at Fort Bliss bring rise to new feelings of his. He told the troops that they had given the Iraqi people an opportunity while making the U.S. more secure.
@amani thanks, i meant safe, just didnt proof read before i posted sorry.
ReplyDelete@hyden i strongly agree when you said "He may disagree with the war, but that in no way means that he has a lack of respect for those who defend our country. I applaud President Obama for that."
Excuse my last post, I was posting from my phone becuase I didn't have access to a computer and I was not able to see my whole post or complete it.
ReplyDelete5. The President's speech to the troops was said in respect of their dedication, hard work and effort they had put into the war. This of course differs from his statements made as a presidential candidate, because he was speaking to the public and of the decision to have the troops remain in the Middle East for so long. This does not reflect his feelings toward the men and women who were away from their families and risked their lives to be there.
@Hayden, I would have to say I disagree with your statement about it being easy to clean up after a previous administration's doings. I think what a lot of Americans fail to realize is that Pres. Obama is not Super Man and it's going to take him a lot longer than four years for him or anybody to undo the Bush Administration's work. Removing the troops may have been an "easy" executive decision, but I'm sure there are much more difficult ones to follow that one up.
ReplyDeleteLNZ PUG and Julian,I agree with both of you. Everyone makes mistakes and President Obama is doing the best he can!!!
ReplyDelete@ Mercedes: I don't mean that cleaning up after a previous administration is easy. I mean that it's easier to clean up after a previous president than to admit to the nation you are leading that you pulled the country into a war that they aren't going to win. Not saying our military isn't competent, but we don't have a single enemy to wipe out; we're fighting terrorism, not a single country's army.
ReplyDeleteBen Martin: "because as a candidate you're doing and saying what appeals to the people in order to get elected as the president..."
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to elect someone who would say whatever the public wants to hear in order to be elected.
I agree with merrill because I think that we both have the same thoughts about Senator McConnell being negative at a positive time like this. LIke I said before, we should all just be happy that the war is over.
ReplyDeleteBen Martin, I think comparing Obama's two statements about the war is extremely important, especially if he was just saying stuff to get votes. Why would anyone vote for a presidential candidate that will not stay true to his word, and if he is just saying stuff to please voters that would make him deceitful and dishonest.
ReplyDelete@ Mona
ReplyDeleteI think it's completely normal that Obama's statements differed. The majority's views and opinions on the war can change, he's human and just because he might have had different look at the situation doesn't mean he lied. I don't want a wishwashy President but I don't think that's the direction he's headed.
Madison, I agree that a person's opinion can change, and I know that Obama is only human. I was specifically referring to Ben's comment stating that it is Okay for a candidate to say things that he doesn't mean just to get votes.
ReplyDelete@ Mercedes i completely agree with your point of view about nobody being able to come in and clean up the mess Bush made, at least not in 2 terms. That war has been affecting a large portion of the U.S. directly in a negative aspect. They fact that my god dad gets to come back home did my heart too good.
ReplyDelete@ Diamond and Mercedes: I just want to make the point that I don't think President Obama can clean up Bush's mess in one term. But I also believe that he rushed into the presidency. I personally think he should have waited one more term before running, he then would have fewer problems left from the Bush administration, and would be able to hopefully deal with a slightly more stable economy.
ReplyDelete@nancy: I totally agree with your statement about Sen. McConnell's statement. He just needed a reason to bash Obama. He's a Republican and that's just politics for you.
ReplyDeleteposting comment for Jennifer(computer troubles)
ReplyDelete@Hayden: I think I said what you are trying to say,just in a different way; because it sounds the same to me.
@Everyone who just put "open-ended" war for Number 2.
ReplyDeleteWhat do y'all think President Obama meant by that term? And how will he prevent it from becoming that as opposed to the Iraq War, which he seems to have perceived as "open ended".
Amikor én még fiatal Warthog
ReplyDelete@Paris I agree with you 100%!!! McConnell just needed a reason to badmouth President Obama! He is doing the best he can.
ReplyDeleteSomewhat of an easy assignment :) Good thoughts by many of you and I continue to be pleased with the amount of discussion going on between many of you.
ReplyDeletePlease be remindful to proof read before you post and to make sure you post ON TIME. Additionally, some of you need to remember to follow-up with responses to others.