Obama's Iraq Speech

I have been listening in vain today for the media's discussion of the policy speech Sen. Barack Obama gave yesterday on Iraq and national security.

To hear them report on Obama's insight that "here is the stark reality: there is a security gap in this country - a gap between the rhetoric of those who claim to be tough on national security, and the reality of growing insecurity caused by their decisions.

"A gap between Washington experience, and the wisdom of Washington's judgments. A gap between the rhetoric of those who tout their support for our troops, and the overburdened state of our military."

But the media wants the sensational. They want to talk about his church and Pastor and keep hurling their character-assassination-by-association broadsides.... news as entertainment.

So the media left mostly unremarked on how Obama said he would pressure Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future and engage with every country in the region - and the UN - to support Iraq's stabilization efforts while addressing continuing threats from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North Korea.

How how he would strengthen the military with training, equipment and more time home between deployments. How he would integrate our diplomatic, information, economic and military power.

How Obama talked about the ways in which to shift strategy away from Iraq by addressing global terrorism, checking nuclear proliferation, aiding weak and failed states, taking the lead on the global climate crisis and reviving the American economic engine.

Obama knows that "We are at a defining moment in our history.

"We can choose the path of unending war and unilateral action, and sap our strength and standing. We can choose the path of disengagement, and cede our leadership. Or, we can meet fear and danger head-on with hope and strength; with common purpose as a united America; and with common cause with old allies and new partners....

"When American leads with principle and pragmatism, hope can triumph over fear. It is time, once again, for America to lead."

Amen, Obama. Amen.