Free Republic

Much is being said about President Obama's odd initial reaction to the shooting at Fort Hood. The president gave priority to giving a shout-out before commenting on the massacre. Perhaps he should have taken a cue from President Bush. Mr. Bush's statement after the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007 was dignified, presidential, and centered solely around the issue of the shooting a the school. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama's lack of empathy and self-centered nature ruled the day, as he felt the need to give thanks to federal employees and give an odd "shout out" before he even addressed the shooting itself....

Policy-wise, Barack Obama arguably came into his presidency unqualified. His foreign policy naiveté and spread-the-wealth-around fiscal policy mentality has thus far been a disaster. Unemployment continues to rise, North Korea and Iran continue to be pests, Hugo Chavez is emboldened, eco-radicals are taking over the legislative agenda, and Nancy Pelosi is dictating how health care will work in America. A number of friends in the military have told me that as Commander-in-Chief they must respect the office but they do not respect the person. So is Obama giving the office the respect it deserves by at least conducting himself like...