The War on Afghanistan - Play to Win

I began this blog last night as I was listening to the news at 11:00. As I listened to all of the pundits give their two cents on the President's speech, I wanted to give my two cents. Here is a quote from the first part of the speech:

"To address these issues," Obama said, "it is important to recall why America and our allies were compelled to fight a war in Afghanistan in the first place. We did not ask for this fight. On September 11, 2001, 19 men hijacked four airplanes and used them to murder nearly 3,000 people.

They struck at our military and economic nerve centers. They took the lives of innocent men, women and children without regard to their faith or race or station. Were it not for the heroic actions of the passengers on board one of those flights, they could have also struck at one of the great symbols of our democracy in Washington and killed many more."

I was glad that President Obama took us back to the reason for the war in Afghanistan. I believe that was an important opening to the speech. I remember where I was when the planes attacked the World Trade Center. I remember how I felt - I knew it was an attack on this country. For that reason, I believe we have to win the war in Afghanistan. Can we win? I'm not sure. But I would rather die trying than to pull out and find out later that we left enemies there that are willing to do anything on our soil here in this country and attack more people. We have a responsibility to go for the win.

This country is still a powerful nation and we have everything we need to win this war. What happened to the days when we as a country, believed we would win any battle we engaged in? I grew up with the mentality of winning - Not quitting.

What happened to that in this country? I don't want us to cower from our enemies - I want us to stand up to them and defend this country. "I want us to play to win." Playing to win means, we develop a strategy and play our hand. The objective - to win! When I was learning about military strategy, we didn't show our hand to the enemy. We didn't tell them our exit strategy. Why in the world is that even an argument? We have a responsibility to win this war in my humble opinion, and we should exit the country when it is clear that we have attained victory, not one day sooner.

Ordinary People Talk

As I am pondering how I feel about the Presidential speech a few nights ago by President Obama. I was listening to the news to the talking heads who speak as though they represent all Americans. They don't represent me. They represent themselves. They can't know how all Americans feel about the war or about the economy or healthcare. I want to represent myself, my views and my thoughts and feelings on these subjects and many more. It is time for me to begin another blog. I enjoyed writing Interview Chatter for almost 3 years and I took a break from writing in September but I am back and I want to write on more than employment and job seeking.

So Ordinary People Talk is born. This blog is a place for me to share my thoughts about what I hear from our news pundits. The talking heads. Their voice does not represent my voice. Though there are times I agree with what I am hearing, but much of the opinions on these talk shows are really just people sharing their "opinion" suggesting that they are speaking for the people.

This is a place for me to speak and write about anything that I want to write about. But it is for you to. Join me and express your thoughts. What do you think about the economy? About the war, or about the healthcare bill? This is a place for ordinary people - and even some extraordinary people to share their view on things without someone else speaking for you.

I invite you to join in my daily musing about what is happening in this country. I want this blog to be about everything going on, from the economy, healthcare to jobs, change, war issues and more. I look forward to interesting conversation. My only rule for engagement is be honest about what you feel or think. Don't be abusive. You are welcome to state your comments and thoughts with passion. Derogatory language isn't necessary to make your point. All are welcome to join the conversation here at Ordinary People Talk.