I am deeply concerned about the lack of reporting from your colleagues on Benghazi. I am a bit less objective about this part of my life than I might be. I am the son of a man who served valiantly in two wars... Regardless of what is going on in the campaign, this story is bigger than an election. It is about the very character of the person with the awesome duties of being Commander in Chief.
Jonathan,
I always enjoy reading your work, even though there I times I find it hard to agree. I guess that comes from my cloistered existence in Siouxland. That said, just super work on the campaign.
I am deeply concerned about the lack of reporting from your colleagues on Benghazi. I am a bit less objective about this part of my life than I might be. I am the son of a man who served valiantly in two wars. I am a 25 year veteran of the Air Force where, among other things, I served as a fighter pilot with two years near the end of my career in a combat zone in the Middle East. My son, an Air Force Academy and weapons school graduate (top of his class), has more combat flight time than any other pilot in the Air Force. What I was taught by my father and what I passed on to my son was that we do not leave our fellow Americans behind and that we do all we can to make sure Americans are protected if the means are available to do so. Regardless of what is going on in the campaign, this story is bigger than an election. It is about the very character of the person with the awesome duties of being Commander in Chief.
If one examines the Constitution, one finds that in Article II, Section 2 that the only enumerated power of the President is that of Commander in Chief. This duty, when examined in the context of the President's oath of office, cannot be a burden or an inconvenience to the person holding the highest office in the land. That is the perception many of us have of President Obama--that being Commander in Chief is a bother, a nuisance, an inconvenience, an annoyance. This perception, real or not, is held by thousands of us who have served, sweated and bled for this country. The President's behavior on this, and by extension that of his administration and campaign, is insulting and hurtful. Those of us who have served, and particularly those of us who have children or other loved ones serving, now must question whether this President will exercise prudence and sound judgment in executing his duties in defending this nation. I find the feeling I get from this President most chilling and disturbing.
In my 29 years in uniform, I served seven presidents. Many of them I would never have agreed with on politics or policy. However, I never felt for a minute that any of these men were unworthy of my utmost trust, loyalty and service. For the first time in my life, I find myself questioning whether or not I could serve a President whom I could not trust to come to my aid or the aid of my comrades. This Benghazi incident is conclusive evidence that this President is not reliable. I fear he would abandon me and my friends when we need him the most. More frightening is that he would leave my brave, intelligent and heroic son behind if things were not politically expedient for his campaign.
I am not sure there is a greater sin for a politician than to leave the perception that he or she cannot be relied upon to support or defend the nation. By abandoning these brave Americans, the President has violated a solemn vow--a covenant, if you will. Regardless of the details of this unfortunate episode, this man has proven he is not reliable nor trustworthy. Regardless of the details of this unfortunate episode, our nation has been harmed irreparably by the actions--or inaction--of Barack Hussein Obama, Commander in Chief.
Please, in the closing days of this campaign, ask the questions that need to be asked and seek the answers for those of us who have served and who have family serving now. We deserve it. We have earned it.
My best to you and continue the great work.
Vr
Sam
Samuel H. Clovis, Jr. Doctor of Public Administration Chair and Professor Department of Business Administration and Economics (712) 274-5437 (W)
Obama, through Amb. Chris Stevens, WAS ARMING the enemy, thus giving them aid and comfort, not within the United States, but elsewhere, and thereby,