Creating a somber atmosphere, the black night framed President Obama’s stone face this morning as he stood at attention in front of the American flag draped caskets. Taking time out of his busy schedule, the president paid his respects to the remains of 18 soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Watching theses caskets served as a brutal reminder of the war that is very real overseas. President Obama said, “"It was a sobering reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices that our young men and women in uniform are engaging in every single day, not only our troops but their families as well.” The president said that this trip will impact his final decision concerning the amount of troops to send into Afghanistan.
Gen. McChrystal, U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has asked for 40,000 American soldiers to join him. The New York Times reports, “October has been the deadliest month for U.S. troops in Afghanistan since the war began eight years ago, with at least 55 troops killed in action. This week alone, about two dozen soldiers have died in attacks and accidents.”
Sen. John McCain said yesterday on CBS that Gen. McChrystal should get the number of troops he asked for. He was adamant that now, “It’s time to act.” He said the White House is dragging its feet in making a decision to increase the number of troops.
Tomorrow President Obama will have a final meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rasmussen Reports finds that 45-percent of voters believe it is possible for the United States to win the eight-year-old war in Afghanistan. Twenty-nine-percent do not think a U.S. victory is possible there, and 25-percent are unsure.
How do you think President Obama is handling this decision?
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Comments
photo-op time! this guy's a disgrace!
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