Pete Hegseth hammers The One for his actions in Iraq.
Taheri’s column comports with second-hand reports I’ve received from those with access to top U.S. decision-makers in Iraq. Rather than use his touch-down trip to Baghdad to fact-find and consult with senior Iraqi and American officials, Sen. Obama made a concerted effort to push his post–Bush administration agenda, undermining — in word and deed — current diplomatic efforts in Iraq. Tuesday, the Obama campaign essentially confirmed the details of Taheri’s reporting.
Some will see this interference in foreign policy during a time of war and cry, “Treason!” While the episode truly is a scandal, I will check my emotions — as I find the overabundance of outrage in our politics tiring and toxic. I believe, rather, that the underlying naivety of Obama’s overtures is the more disturbing lesson to be distilled from this discovery.
There are some interesting points made throughout the piece. You should read the entire thing. It calls into question though one of the things that is quite disturbing about America today. Disrespect. The laws of this country (state, county, municipality) exist to provide a framework for peace and civil accord. Laws provide the framework through which this country has grown and is able to conduct business. The laws apply to all the citizens and visitors to this country regardless of position, race, gender, creed, and citizenship.
Barack Obama is running for the executive leadership position within the the United States of America, and he is unable to conduct himself within the laws and boundaries placed on a US citizen while he is abroad. He is unable to conduct himself in a respectful manner when on the campaign trail, he belittles voters as well as his opponents.
People in both campaigns will continue to drive facts about the other candidates out to the public. In some cases those facts will be true, in others not so much. Presidential politics are about three basic things:
1. Vision – What is the vision that the candidate brings to the job? How do they see the issues of the moment, and the means to address those issues?
2. Ability to function in government – What is the governmental track record of the client? Is he or she an effective leader in government or is that person a follower? Is the candidate an active leader? How well does he or she work with others?
3. Character – What are the defining moments in the candidates life? How did the candidate deal with those moments? What kind of decision making process / judgement has that candidate shown? Who are the important people in that person’s life? How well does that person surround themselves with effective and sound advisers?
Leadership is defined in many many different ways, and it is often situational. The way I deal with a project team of computer scientists is very different than the way I deal with a rifle squad. The way I lead my family is very different than the way I lead an academic seminar. But I think leadership can be boiled down to (in no order):
- Vision
- Character and Values
- Commitment and Loyalty
- Courage
- Honor
- Integrity
As November rolls into view, and you get ready to exercise that sacred right of electing a leader. I hope that you will have evaluated the candidates in light of the above and made the decision that is right for this country at this time.