President Obama's River City

AM (an American combat aviator with an inquiring mind):  Gadfly, President Obama is now confronted with a serious development in Iraq, where terrorists have seized and now control a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq.  Last week, President Obama made no apology for releasing five seasoned Taliban commanders for a US Army soldier.

Old Gadfly:  What is your point, AM?

AM:  Despite considerable criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, Obama stands by his decisions.  What did America gain in the process?

IM (an American citizen with an inquiring mind):  President Obama claimed victory in Iraq and brought our troops home.  Further, I think Obama is suggesting that America did not lose anything in the Bergdahl-Taliban trade because he claims the war in Afghanistan will be over by the time the Taliban commanders, who will be under surveillance in Qatar for a year, can return to their country.

AM:  That does not mean the Taliban go away when America slouches out of Afghanistan.  The Taliban terrorized Afghans while America had a strong presence in the country.  Imagine the terror those people will face when America pulls out.

Old Gadfly:  In the 2008 Presidential debates, opposing candidates (from both Parties) questioned Obama’s resume:  community organizer, state senator for two years, a US Senator for a couple years, part-time law instructor, with absolutely no business or executive experience.  In other words, the candidate was attempting to point out that Obama was applying for the most powerful position in the world, yet had no notable experience to qualify for the position.  Do you recall Obama’s response?

AM:  It was a repeat of a meme he had been perpetuating for over a year—“I have superior judgment” (see here, here, and here; if you want further propaganda, there are over 3,000 videos at BarackObama.com).

Old Gadfly:  This play reminds me of the “The Music Man.”  In part 1 of this story, which takes place in River City, Iowa (isn’t it ironic that it was in Iowa where Obama essentially defeated Hillary Clinton for the Party nomination?), Professor Harold Hill, a very smooth talker, talks about bringing hope and change from the status quo to the residents.  Of course, for their part, they have to invest money for instruments and uniforms.  This con game took place in Part 1 of the play.  Of course, in Obama’s play there have been tremendous investments in “shovel ready” infrastructure projects, green energy failures, a massive taxpayer funded bailout of the United Auto Workers at General Motors, and healthcare, just to mention some of the big ones. 

AM:  What happened in Part 2?

Old Gadfly:  Part 2 revealed a “change of heart” for Professor Hill, and he changed his strategy to one that resulted in a happy ending for everyone.

IM:  Obviously, without the change of heart, Part 2 would have had a tragic ending for the people of River City.

AM:  Part 2 in Obama’s play seems to indicate he’s incapable of admitting poor judgment let alone a change of heart.

Old Gadfly:  Thus, the big question is “how tragic will Part 2 be for America and the rest of the world”?