Ugh --more Centrists for the SCOTUS

Most of the time, I am asleep at midnight. Tonight I have many issues I am trying to think through as I have too many details to attend to on a local basis.

One of the thoughts I wish I wasn't having was about Obama's second pick to the SCOTUS and that is Elena Kagan as the nominee. Ugh, another freakin' centrist. One can tell Larry Summers was at the top of the advisor list with this one. She is going to be for corporatists and not for the true theory of justice--Harvard Law dean or what. I don't care if she is a woman or not. That doesn't count as much as views, and all of this is politics--and who can get through. What happened to rulings? This woman has almost NONE.

I worked at Harvard. I respect Harvard. But I have little respect for cronyism, Mr. President. I guess you do.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/its-kagan----obama-makes-supreme-court-selection.php?ref=fpblg

Update: see Glen Greenwald's commentary about Kagan.
Second update: see Jeffrey Toobin's piece in the New Yorker today. His comment about Ms. Kagan & comparing her to her nominator:

But on the Court, Kagan will have to do something she’s not done before. Show her hand. Develop a clear ideology. Make tough votes. I have little doubt she’s up to the job, but am less clear on how she’ll do it.

H/t to Desmoinesdem at Bleeding Heartland

Another update: Jonathan Turley nailed it about why progressives like me find this pick very disheartening.

"Obama’s record on civil liberties has long been attributed to a rather cold calculus that liberals have no where to go and that he should continue to play to the middle and right of the political spectrum. I am not so certain. There is no evidence that Obama actually believes in some of the principles that Stevens fought for, particularly in the area of terrorism. What is clear is that he has selected someone who will honor that legacy by dismantling a significant part of it."


Personally, I'm tired of sellouts. But I knew this president would do it.

Looks like Law & Order SUV Tonight on TV

Tonight, our POTUS is announcing a surge in troop levels in Afghanistan. He sent more troops in the spring and summer, and now he wants 30K more. He won't fight for health care, but he is sending more of our men and women in uniform to get in the middle of a budding civil war.

This is not likely a war we can win or "to finish the job."

If you want to read some interesting opinions, look at the following:

David Mizner's diary at DK
TomP's diary at the DK
Digby
The Widderskins (h/tp to Corrente Wire)
And just about anything at the DU

I cannot stomach watching LBJ and Bush all over again.

Our POTUS Expresses Thoughts about Ft. Hood

This morning, I watched our POTUS' weekly address. It was dedicated to our men and women who wear the uniform everywhere in the world, but especially to families and their fallen loved ones at Ft Hood.

As most know by now, Ft. Hood had a tragedy on Thursday. I remember seeing some of the updates at work, just stunned. I think our President expressed many of our thoughts here:



From the transcript:

Soldiers stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world called and emailed loved ones at Ft. Hood, all expressing the same stunned reaction: I’m supposed to be the one in harm’s way, not you.


But in beginning the healing process, President Obama offered these words:

Thursday’s shooting was one of the most devastating ever committed on an American military base. And yet, even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America. We saw soldiers and civilians alike rushing to aid fallen comrades; tearing off bullet-riddled clothes to treat the injured; using blouses as tourniquets; taking down the shooter even as they bore wounds themselves.

You can read the rest here.

Flag to fly at half mast until Wednesday evening, Veterans Day.

God Bless our soldiers, their families, and our country.

Jane Hamsher has a Point about Rahm

Rahn Emmanuel keeps thinking life is like 1994. It's not the same dude.

From FDL:

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/11/04/lessons-learned-in-va-and-nj-is-rahm-emanuel-orchestrating-2010-democratic-massacre/

I'm not certain all of the blame is on Rahm's shoulders. But Rahm isn't effective as Obama thought he would be either. The Senate is our problem, not the House.

One of the Best Dumba** comments at DK

Glenn Greenwald questions Obama all of the time about the lack of change in foreign policy from the previous POTUS. He is right to do so.

A Daily Kos poster agrees that Kossacks ignore good commentary or questions by Greenwald and also by Amy Goodman at Democracy Now.

Then this poster says he ignores them and gets plenty of tips for doing so:

I've been ignoring Greenwald and Democracy Now (106+ / 0-)

for several years now. It has created almost no problems for me.

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

by bugscuffle on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:28:51 PM PDT

Here was my response:

It does for some of us

If not for you. It may mean that some like you may be asleep or follow Obama too blindly. I think we should question all leaders, not just Bush 43. If you think Obama is right all of the time, then go back to bed and don't comment that you never worry about our country under his leadership. Greenwald and Hamsher are correct in questioning him.

It still bothers me about all of the Obama bots.

Nobel Prize in Peace More about Hope

As we all know by now, President Barack Hussein Obama won the Nobel Prize for Peace. The committee liked his international outlook.

Obviously, this award was not about accomplishment, but more about being a world leader. It was also a smack down of Dubya.

Personally, I thought that Hillary Clinton should have shared this award with the President in this instance. She's been doing all of the ground work.

I also wished this would have happened next year. Oh well, one takes the victories when one can get them.

Ok Dems, pass health insurance reform. It's time. You've got a popular president.

Update: note from the POTUS himself:

Benny,

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.


Good response, Mr. President.

9/11 Memories and What Democracy Means

In a few short hours, it will be the pain grievance of the 9/11 anniversary. Most Americans want the anniversary to continue, if for any reason, to recognize the heroic outfits of the NY Police, the NYPL (librarians)) and NYFD. And also in other places, such as NJ, etc.

I am at crossroads about this anniversary? Why?

Because I've seen from such Freepers in my own family that Obama should have not made the education speech, nor the health insurance one either. I am so sad that some members in my family tree are scared of our President as they don't wish their children to watch his message to be responsible about themselves in schools--meaning education. It smacks to me, and I think my family members who are so conservative, may not understand, I think it about racism.

I said it.

Obama is not a terrorist, as one cuz called him on FB, then removed it. I am glad the cuz did.

But this is downright ugly, and sorry to my cuz, it is potentially racist. I didn't drink the O-bama kool-aid, but I respect some of his positions. Have a good debunking of positions if one needs to, but I bet my cuzs don't know how to debunk.

Cat Chasing Its Tail

I was dogged with a sinus infection for 2 weeks. Yesterday, I had to fight to get care for it because providers tell you most of the time it is virus based and they cannot do anything about it. But I knew I was so sick. I even called a nurse before going in. She didn't take any notes of our conversation. She said to come in. Then I had to start all over, and I decided to write it all down. The doctor believed me when I listed each home remedy I had tried, then saw one thing I didn't: fluid in my ears.

What was frightening to me was not having a primary care doctor. The HMO and insurance people do not talk to each other. I thought I had arranged for a new one in May. I had to be on the phone for 3 hours to get another one appointed (and didn't know certain doctors weren't taking patients), and at that, I'm not certain it is going to happen. My insurance company says it's MY responsibility to know which providers are available, and yet the doctors don't tell the insurance when they don't take any more patients, so it's the cat chasing the tail. AND I'm told this is MY fault for not knowing.

As far I am concerned, I have at the moment is emergency care, and luckily I don't pay much for it, We need to reform the whole system in which primary care physicians who claim they cannot take any more patients--that shouldn't matter. They should take anyone, and I think I shouldn't need a primary care provider to know my records. Those records are a joke. When I have to write all of my current meds down in an emergency situation, when all they have to do is pull them up, it's ridiculous. Too much burden on someone who is sick as it is to remember everything.

It's more than insurance reform--it needs to be both insurance and health care reform. Why did JRE make so much money as a lawyer? Because doctors don't give a damn if you are poor or underinsured. I think the doctors try but too many procedures. All I needed were 3 meds, and at that, one of them that cost 10 dollars a few years ago was $77 yesterday? Why, because it is pure and what patients most need, but they claim is over the counter is preferred when OTC contains other stuff that is less effective and has other chemicals in in that don't help or can mess up the system. Tests aren't conclusive, in my view.

No wonder people are angry. The conservatives think private insurance is good when insurance companies don't talk to doctors or providers and vice versa?

Obama hasn't been sick in years and has had government care. Why isn't he fighting for us who need to see reform from top to bottom?

Health care is still for the rich. I hate that notion. So does EE.

Mr President, your speech better be inclusive as reform needs to be at all levels, not just at Max Baucus' good government run care or the insurance companies who are not required to negotiate with pharmas who are charging outrageous amounts for good medicine when other countries have lower costs.

Mr. President, are you listening?

I missed watching Keith Olbermann last night in his discussion about the public option many of us want. Here's the clip of Keith talking to Markos:



(courtesy of Daily Kos TV).

Keith and Markos are spot on. Don't shelve this part of the legislation.

Bill Moyers, another grown up, makes it crystal, we don't get legislation by just being nice.




From the transcript:

Come on, Mr. President. Show us America is more than a circus or a market. Remind us of our greatness as a democracy. When you speak to Congress next week, just come out and say it. We thought we heard you say during the campaign last year that you want a government run insurance plan alongside private insurance — mostly premium-based, with subsidies for low-and-moderate income people. Open to all individuals and employees who want to join and with everyone free to choose the doctors we want. We thought you said Uncle Sam would sign on as our tough, cost-minded negotiator standing up to the cartel of drug and insurance companies and Wall Street investors whose only interest is a company's share price and profits.

Here's a suggestion, Mr. President: ask Josh Marshall to draft your speech. Josh is the founder of the website talkingpointsmemo.com . He's a journalist and historian, not a politician. He doesn't split things down the middle and call it a victory for the masses. He's offered the simplest and most accurate description yet of a public insurance plan; one that essentially asks people: would you like the option — the voluntary option — of buying into Medicare before you're 65? Check it out, Mr. President.

This health care thing is make or break for your leadership, but for us, it's life and death. No more Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. President. We need a fighter.

Of course, Elizabeth Edwards could write it too.

Mr. President, do you hear us?

Peggy's Folly

Nearly every Saturday, I read Fox Street News the Wall Street Journal. I wish I had more time during the week to read it. The bloviations from the editorial hacks staff are comical. And the reason they are comical is because unlike Rush or Glenn Beck, they aren't trying to be entertaining. They take themselves very seriously.

One would think since I'm a strong progressive that I wouldn't bother to read teh Journal. Well, before our new reader NOISE gets his drawers in an uproar, most of BW readers know that I am in a mixed marriage. My spouse is a Ronald Reaganite who like the rest of the GOP pines for someone like Reagan. Back in the 1980's, I was semi-liberatarian and I never liked Reagan. To me, he was an actor, but obviously a good one because the unions didn't care that he busted them, especially in airline safety industry. I had no appreciation for Reagan wanting to dismantle education either. And thanks to Reagan, we have Justice Antone Scalia, who is a very smart man, but cannot interpret the Constitution.

Another person who pines for the good ol' days of the GOP is Reagan's former speechwriter, Peggy Noonan. She's fairly eloquent in her pennmanship, which is why each Saturday, I eagerly await to take the wrapper off the WSJ and open it during lunch (sometimes breakfast) to read her column.

Peggy gushed over Obama when he first took office. She called him a grown-up, which her highest complement to anyone. But now, the charms of Obama are wearing off on Peggy. Today, she said he was "coruscating" on thin ice." Coruscating was an unfamiliar word to me, as it probably would be for many readers, so let me provide a definition from Dictionary.com :

To give forth flashes of light; sparkle and glitter: diamonds coruscating in the candlelight.

I had to laugh.

Obviously, Peggy has not been reading TomP's posts at the Daily Kos, Chris Bowers at Open Left, Desmoinesdem at Bleeding Heartland, Dean Baker at TAPPED, Glen Ford of the Black Agenda or bothered listening to Montana Maven's show on Saturdays. None of them, and I am like them, were ever charmed by Obama as a candidate. I am charmed by his wife and children, and they are the best part of the White House, because they are role models for so many in our society. Difference between Peggy and those of us in left flank is that Peggy imbibed some of the kool-aid but we didn't. But like her, we'd hoped for the best. Maybe we would get at least thing we wanted the most: a public insurance option for health care in which there are no annual caps. We think Obama should have exerted more leadership early on given that he has a legislative branch in which the majority are of his same party. Yes, we know he didn't want to come across as the unitary executive, but sorry he had done so with his decision to increase troops in Afghanistan.

Peggy's flaming of Obama and his administration doesn't particularly bother me. But did bother me was her dishonest thinking about the GOP. Yes, she kind of slapped the GOP a bit today when she reflected about watch Teddy Kennedy's funeral last week:

"... and saw in a clearer way than I had in the past a big cultural difference between the elites of the two parties, or rather the Democratic and Republican establishments. Pretty much the entire Democratic establishment was at the Kennedy services, and the level of shown affection among those in the pews and the audience was striking—laughing, hugging, telling stories, admitting weaknesses, weeping. It was Irish, and old-time. If it had been a gathering of the Republican political and journalistic establishment it would have been less emotive, with little shown affection. Polite laughter, cordial handshakes, a lot of staring ahead. A guy with his head down and you think he's mourning but he's BlackBerrying. They don't especially like each other, they compete against each other, and they don't feel the need to fake liking each other."

I would have almost agreed, except then she finished her thought this way [about the GOP difference]:

They have the old dignity of the old grown-ups. And I suppose their style reflects some of their philosophy: Politics isn't about emotions but thoughts.

Well, as Reagan would say in avoidance, "there you go again", Peggy. How covenient to be like your former boss in forgetting important events. If one believes the GOP has behaved like a bunch of grown ups the town halls Democrats have been holding in the past month, Freepers who write hate mail to Markos, and GOP Representives, such as this one makes these kinds comments in public like this, it is sheer folly to say how "unemotional" they are.

Peggy, perhaps it's time you took off your blinders. Otherwise, I have some great beach front property in Central Illinois to sell you and your ilk, and I'll even throw in a BBQ grill.



(image courtesy of WSJ online)

Comics about Health Care Reform

This digital comic strip was developed by (or friends of by) Neil the Ethical Werewolf, a former JRE supporter:

http://captainineffective.com/

The best part is this graphic:



Priceless. Enjoy. Comedy often speaks the truth.

Obama Finally Gets the Message Out

Today during my lunch hour (which is still is my lunch break), I saw a little of Obama at the NH townhall. He's batting well today, in fine form actually. He's also listening to the bloggers a bit, as he is giving example after example of what is happening to folks who are underinsured. He's also talking about how private insurance will still be an option, just as FedEX and UPS are fine, although the post office is still there for cheaper rates. This is something that Chancelucky said on my last diary.

When a Youtube or Daily Kos TV post goes up, I will post it here.

Too bad so many have been so disrespectful to the Congress when they had townhalls. Disgusting and most of the hate pipeline stems from Fixed Noise. Obama debunked all of the myths.

I put out my Obama/Biden yard sign to signal my support for the public option.

Update: here's one of the YT, courtesy of Taylor Marsh.

Obama's Speech to the NAACP

Obama gave one of his finest speeches last night on race relations. It was at the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP. You can hear the speech here:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

(h/t to Political Wire)

Bill Maher is Spot On

He's suggesting more substance, less style.

If My GLBT Friends Needed a Friend in the WH

It was today. I couldn't believe it. I got an e-mail from a friend in Beantown who saw this post today on FB. He was outraged. He is of the most patient and kindest people, and he is someone I can chat with when I am or was feeling blue about my mom. He had lost his mom a few years ago.

Yes, he is gay. And his patience was tested. He was right to be upset. Here's why.

Using RW talking points in the brief filed incites fear and outrage.

Today, the GLBT community feels betrayal. I'm unclear as to whether or not the DOJ actually had to defend the DOMA act. I'm guessing not, but some lawyers say yes over at the Daily Kos.

I do know that if a certain person's husband had been elected president instead of Obama, this would have not happened.

See Elizabeth Edwards' speech at the Human Rights Campaign dinner in SF 19 months ago.



Too bad she or JRE isn't the AG in charge. I'd like to think Obama is above all of this, but maybe the true colors are appearing.

The More Axelrod Obama Spins about the SCOTUS Pick

the more I am sitting on the fence about Sonia Sotomayor as a sound jurist of empathy and justice. From the NYT:

But as it strives to uphold President Obama’s pledge to seek “middle ground” in the abortion debate, the administration has cited the case in e-mail messages and conference calls with socially moderate outside advocates, said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the evangelical National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who learned about the case from the White House.

“She went against the abortion lobby,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “The spin was that Obama did not reach into the far left and that is great for me and it is great for my constituents.”

As a prominent figure in a fast-growing group with one foot on each side of the aisle — evangelical Hispanics, Mr. Rodriguez is avidly courted by Democrats and Republicans alike, and the Sotomayor nomination posed an emotional dilemma, he said.

Enter Glenn Greenwald, a constitutional lawyer whose opinion I trust, has a different take on Judge Sotomayor, partly as a lawyer who argued a couple of cases in her circuit, and partly, arguing the case of a Latina judge on the court to balance it:

Obama has also ignored the deeply dishonest right-wing attacks on Sotomayor, beginning with the inane objection to her perfectly benign and accurate comments on videotape that appellate judges, as distinct from district court judges, "make policy." Lawyer Anonymous Liberal thoroughly eviscerated that line of attack as the shallow and deceitful argument it is. A similar avenue of certain attack -- that Sotomayor said in a 2001 speech that a female Latina judge has experiences that can inform her view of cases -- is equally frivolous. There are a whole range of discretionary judgments which judges are required to make; does anyone actually doubt that familiarity with a wide range of cultural experiences is an asset?

I think Glenn also decided to deflect the wingnuts immediately.

Too bad Obama's PR team believed the POTUS had to spin it further. He didn't need to; however, it seems to me that he is trying to reinact his classes at U of Chicago Law School as a pragmatist.

One concern is that despite similar personal economic and educational backgrounds of Obama (albeit he never lived in Sec 8 housing that I am aware of as Judge Sotomayor did-- and it's good to have those who with some help moved up--) and Sotomayor, she will not lean enough on corporations about labor issues or protection clauses. I'm concerned about class actions suits being dismissed against Wall Street. (h/t glacierpeaks at Open Left). Fits in with Timmeh G and the banksters, as Atrios calls them.

Wedge issue cases, which are also filed protection clauses are anyone's guess. She may be Souter in reverse (maybe HW Bush should have picked her, if he wanted more conservative views).

I'm also concerned that VP Joe Biden may have been overruled on this one. Hillary Clinton's influence may be been at play, but I cannot and won't try to pursue that fleeting thought.

No drama-- President Obama. I have to remind him that yes, the middle helped him get elected, but that the GOP already waged war on him on his first month. Take your chances on this one, Mr. President. But if this is a close vote, as it was on the budget, then the test balloons are over. I should hope that you will move more progressively to the left on the bus. Conservatives don't rule the chickenhouses anymore.

Axelrod tried to spin the same thing on John Edwards 5 years ago. And Elizabeth said that Axelrod often didn't reflect John's real views.

Update: Sotomayor has an anti-1st Amendment ruling as of last year. (h/t to a friend on FB)

Obama Delivers an Empathetic Message of Remembrance

Today, our CIC Obama delivered one of the finest speeches I've heard, probably since his inaugural speech. It was reflective, if not spiritual in parts, a speech that the troops at the cemetery, abroad, and the families of them will remember for some time.

The transcript I got from All that Matters blog. Somehow, they got it from the WH Press Office, albeit only an excerpt was available at the WH blog. Nonetheless, here it is in its entirety, with some commentary from yours truly. I hope BW readers will find it worthy of a read.

Introduction

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Admiral Mullen, for that generous introduction and for your sterling service to our country. To members of our armed forces, to our veterans, to honored guests, and families of the fallen — I am deeply honored to be with you on Memorial Day.

Thank you to the superintendent, John Metzler, Jr., who cares for these grounds just as his father did before him; to the Third Infantry Regiment who, regardless of weather or hour, guard the sanctity of this hallowed ground with the reverence it deserves — we are grateful to you; to service members from every branch of the military who, each Memorial Day, place an American flag before every single stone in this cemetery — we thank you as well. (Applause.) We are indebted — we are indebted to all who tend to this sacred place.

Here lie Presidents and privates; Supreme Court justices and slaves; generals familiar to history, and unknown soldiers known only to God.

Note: the last comment is borrowed from the inscription of the tombs of the unknown, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.", established at Arlington National Cemetery to inter the remains of the first Unknown Soldier, a World War I fighter, on November 11, 1921. More were added over time.

A few moments ago, I laid a wreath at their tomb to pay tribute to all who have given their lives for this country. As a nation, we have gathered here to repeat this ritual in moments of peace, when we pay our respects to the fallen and give thanks for their sacrifice. And we’ve gathered here in moments of war, when the somber notes of Taps echo through the trees, and fresh grief lingers in the air.

Today is one of those moments, where we pay tribute to those who forged our history, but hold closely the memory of those so recently lost. And even as we gather here this morning, all across America, people are pausing to remember, to mourn, and to pray.

Old soldiers are pulling themselves a little straighter to salute brothers lost a long time ago. Children are running their fingers over colorful ribbons that they know signify something of great consequence, even if they don’t know exactly why. Mothers are re-reading final letters home and clutching photos of smiling sons or daughters, as youthful and vibrant as they always will be.

They, and we, are the legacies of an unbroken chain of proud men and women who served their country with honor; who waged war so that we might know peace; who braved hardship so that we might know opportunity; who paid the ultimate price so we might know freedom.

Contrast that to the tone of what our last POTUS said, about at the some moment of his speech:

A few moments ago, I placed a wreath upon the tomb of three brave Americans who gave their lives in service to our nation. The names ofthese honored are known only to the Creator who delivered them home from the anguish of war -- but their valor is known to us all. It's the same valor that endured the stinging cold of Valley Forge. It is the same valor that planted the proud colors of a great nation on a mountaintop on Iwo Jima. It is the same valor that charged fearlessly through the assault of enemy fire from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq. It is the valor that has defined the armed forces of the United States of America throughout our history.

Today, we gather to honor those who gave everything to preserve our way of life. The men and women we honor here served for liberty. They sacrificed for liberty. And in countless acts of courage, they died for liberty. From faraway lands, they were returned to cemeteries like this one, where broken hearts received their broken bodies -- they found peace beneath the white headstones in the land they fought to defend.

It is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom that the number of headstones in a place such as this grows with every new Memorial Day. In a world where freedom is constantly under attack and in a world where our security is challenged, the joys of liberty are often purchased by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater than themselves. Today we mourn and remember all who have given their lives in the line of duty. Today we lift up our hearts especially those who've fallen in the past year.

The tone is not reflective, it is more "rah, rah" and the manly hubis of war. Why we need to be afraid, and how freedom is always under attack. How the joys of liberty are bought with war. Yuck.

President Obama then starts examining the historical meaning of this day:

Those who rest in these fields fought in every American war. They overthrew an empire and gave birth to revolution. They strained to hold a young union together. They rolled back the creeping tide of tyranny, and stood post through a long twilight struggle. And they took on the terror and extremism that threatens our world’s stability.

Their stories are the American story. More than seven generations of them are chronicled here at Arlington. They’re etched into stone, recounted by family and friends, and silently observed by the mighty oaks that have stood over burial after burial.

To walk these grounds then is to walk through that history. Not far from here, appropriately just across a bridge connecting Lincoln to Lee, Union and Confederate soldiers share the same land in perpetuity.

And hence the significance of the cemetery, and how it is laid out according to the generations of the fallen:

Just down the sweeping hill behind me rest those we lost in World War II, fresh-faced GIs who rose to the moment by unleashing a fury that saved the world. Next week, I’ll visit Normandy, the place where our fate hung on an operation unlike any ever attempted, where it will be my tremendous honor to address some of the brave men who stormed those beaches 65 years ago.

And tucked in a quiet corner to our north are thousands of those we lost in Vietnam. We know for many the casualties of that war endure — right now, there are veterans suffering and families tracing their fingers over black granite not two miles from here. They are why we pledge anew to remember their service and revere their sacrifice, and honor them as they deserve.

This cemetery is in and of itself a testament to the price our nation has paid for freedom. A quarter of a million marble headstones dot these rolling hills in perfect military order, worthy of the dignity of those who rest here. It can seem overwhelming. But for the families of the fallen, just one stone stands out — one stone that requires no map to find.

Today, some of those stones are found at the bottom of this hill in Section 60, where the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan rest. The wounds of war are fresh in Section 60. A steady stream of visitors leaves reminders of life: photos, teddy bears, favorite magazines. Friends place small stones as a sign they stopped by. Combat units leave bottles of beer or stamp cigarettes into the ground as a salute to those they rode in battle with. Perfect strangers visit in their free time, compelled to tend to these heroes, to leave flowers, to read poetry — to make sure they don’t get lonely.

Obama brings up memories of the Vietnam Wall, and ties it with today's new generation of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, in that we have rituals that include symbols, and what they mean to keep their memories alive. (this is also when I felt teardrops trickle down my face)

Then the President offers these questions, as though he is talking to the families and friends philosophically:

If the fallen could speak to us, what would they say? Would they console us? Perhaps they might say that while they could not know they’d be called upon to storm a beach through a hail of gunfire, they were willing to give up everything for the defense of our freedom; that while they could not know they’d be called upon to jump into the mountains of Afghanistan and seek an elusive enemy, they were willing to sacrifice all for their country; that while they couldn’t possibly know they would be called to leave this world for another, they were willing to take that chance to save the lives of their brothers and sisters in arms.

What is thing, this sense of duty? What tugs at a person until he or she says “Send me”? Why, in an age when so many have acted only in pursuit of the narrowest self-interest, have the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of this generation volunteered all that they have on behalf of others? Why have they been willing to bear the heaviest burden?

Obama's questions are heartfelt, and even though he doesn't have a specific answer, he believes we could only surmise:

Whatever it is, they felt some tug; they answered a call; they said “I’ll go.” That is why they are the best of America, and that is what separates them from those of us who have not served in uniform — their extraordinary willingness to risk their lives for people they never met.

My grandfather served in Patton’s Army in World War II. But I cannot know what it is like to walk into battle. I’m the father of two young girls — but I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child. These are things I cannot know. But I do know this: I am humbled to be the Commander-in-Chief of the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

And Obama reiterated his message from Thursday to Dick Cheney and his ilk who keep spouting off nonsense that our President is losing the ball on security, but added, there has to be strong intelligence to support reason to put our Americans in harm's way:

I know that there is nothing I will not do to keep our country safe, even as I face no harder decision than sending our men and women to war — and no moment more difficult than writing a letter to the families of the fallen. And that’s why as long as I am President, I will only send our troops into harm’s way when it is absolutely necessary, and I will always provide them with the equipment and support they need to get the job done. (Applause.)

Amen, Mr. President. We know all too well the ill-planned war to invade Iraq, and Rumsfeld didn't prepare for a long ground invasion either.

I know that military families sacrifice more than we can understand, and feel an absence greater than we can comprehend. And that’s why Michelle and I are committed to easing their burden.

And I know what a grateful nation owes to those who serve under its proud flag. And that’s why I promise all our servicemen and women that when the guns fall silent, and you do return home, it will be to an America that is forever here for you, just as you’ve been there for us. (Applause.)

Indeed, Obama included more money in his budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs for more quality care and services to the vets. Something that was somehow unimportant under the last Administration.

Obama brings us back to the "Memorial " part of the service:

With each death, we are heartbroken. With each death, we grow more determined. This bustling graveyard can be a restless place for the living, where solace sometimes comes only from meeting others who know similar grief. But it reminds us all the meaning of valor; it reminds us all of our own obligations to one another; it recounts that most precious aspect of our history, and tells us that we will only rise or fall together.

So on this day of silent remembrance and solemn prayer I ask all Americans, wherever you are, whoever you’re with, whatever you’re doing, to pause in national unity at 3:00 this afternoon. I ask you to ring a bell, or offer a prayer, say a silent “thank you.” And commit to give something back to this nation — something lasting — in their memory; to affirm in our own lives and advance around the world those enduring ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity for which they and so many generations of Americans have given that last full measure of devotion.

And to conclude:

God bless you, God bless the fallen, and God bless the United States of America.

Thank you, Mr. President, in truly delivering a spirit of memory, healing, and empathy.

Note: this diary post will continue to be tweaked, so there will be some changes here and there.

Commander in Chief Obama Speaks at Naval Academy Graduation

Kind of cool, I think. Inspiring to the graduates there. Perhaps they had expected John McCain, but instead, they get the new commander.

Here's some text from President Obama's speech, courtesy of the WH blog:

After an era when so many institutions and individuals acted with such greed and recklessness, it's no wonder that our military remains the most trusted institution in our nation. And in a world when so many forces and voices seek to divide us, it inspires us that this class came together and succeeded together, from every state and every corner of the world. By building an institution that's more diverse than ever -- more women, more Hispanics, more African Americans -- the Naval Academy has reaffirmed a fundamental American truth: that out of many, we are one.

We see these values in every one of these sailors and Marines, including those who have already served their country -- the dozens among you with prior enlisted service.

It's the perseverance of Elvin Vasquez, a Marine supply chief in Iraq -- who finally got into the Naval Academy on his third try -- who never gave up trying because he says, "there's just something about being a Marine."

It's the example of Carlos Carbello -- -- who left the tough streets of L.A. to serve on a destroyer in the Pacific and who has used his time here to mentor others, because he's the oldest midshipman -- the old man -- at the age of 26.

It's the patriotism of Sade Holder -- who came to America as a child from Trinidad, enlisted in the Navy and then earned the titles she values most: "U.S. citizen" and "Navy Midshipman" and today, "Ensign."

And it's the reverence for tradition shown by James P. Heg -- a communications -- a communications maintenance Marine in Iraq who today is joined by the man who first urged him to sign up, his grandfather, returning six decades after he was a midshipman, a submariner from World War II, 89-year-old Captain James E. Heg.

Honor. Courage. Commitment. These are the values that have defined your years in the Yard and that you'll need in the years ahead as you join the fleet, and as you join and lead the Marines, as you confront the ever-changing threats of an ever-changing world.

Congrats to the Navy officers and our new defenders. I wonder if JRE had been president if he would been asked first by one of the academies to be the speaker at Annapolis, as Elizabeth's dad was a naval pilot.

President Obama's First 100 days

I will write more about this subject later as to what my first impressions are. But I wanted to post this picture first:



It's so refreshing to see photos of our POTUS and FLOTUS being comfortable with hugging in front of the staff (including the photographer). That's normal family life.

Update: on the first day of the second 100, Obama did something I appreciated: he mocked Faux News.

http://www.dailykostv.com/w/001253/

The Star of the White House

I must say that while it is nice that we have a Democrat in the White House, the brightest star belongs to Michelle Obama. She is someone that I completely underestimated in her ability to campaign and enjoy the job of being First Lady.

But not only is Mrs. Obama good at her job, she has taken a unique position in being first mentor to the children in DC and is a role model for everyone. When she spoke of her travels to Europe recently, she said that all of the world leaders were very impressed with the idea of a White House victory garden. I tend to agree. Sustainability is important, both in terms of health but in economics too. I'm inclined to plant something this year in my yard.

Today is the Easter Egg Roll, and it's clear that Mrs. Obama really tried to think of it as a true kid's event. Malia and Sasha Obama bring much needed youthfulness to the White House, and I'm glad to see that the Obamas in general remind everyone the White House is the people's White House first.

I think Elizabeth Edwards was right about Michelle: she keeps our President grounded.

Benny's World salutes Michelle Obama, First Lady, First Mom, and First Mentor.