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patrice

(47,992 posts)
3. Challenging opponents by Opening the process some & Connecting to Foreign Aide.
Thu May 23, 2013, 03:34 PM
May 2013
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/read-transcript-of-obamas-speech-on-counterterrorism-policy

~ snip ~

Going forward, I have asked my Administration to review proposals to extend oversight of lethal actions outside of warzones that go beyond our reporting to Congress. Each option has virtues in theory, but poses difficulties in practice. For example, the establishment of a special court to evaluate and authorize lethal action has the benefit of bringing a third branch of government into the process, but raises serious constitutional issues about presidential and judicial authority. Another idea that’s been suggested – the establishment of an independent oversight board in the executive branch – avoids those problems, but may introduce a layer of bureaucracy into national-security decision-making, without inspiring additional public confidence in the process. Despite these challenges, I look forward to actively engaging Congress to explore these – and other – options for increased oversight.

I believe, however, that the use of force must be seen as part of a larger discussion about a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. Because for all the focus on the use of force, force alone cannot make us safe. We cannot use force everywhere that a radical ideology takes root; and in the absence of a strategy that reduces the well-spring of extremism, a perpetual war – through drones or Special Forces or troop deployments – will prove self-defeating, and alter our country in troubling ways.

So the next element of our strategy involves addressing the underlying grievances and conflicts that feed extremism, from North Africa to South Asia. As we’ve learned this past decade, this is a vast and complex undertaking. We must be humble in our expectation that we can quickly resolve deep rooted problems like poverty and sectarian hatred. Moreover, no two countries are alike, and some will undergo chaotic change before things get better. But our security and values demand that we make the effort.

~ snip ~

Success on these fronts requires sustained engagement, but it will also require resources. I know that foreign aid is one of the least popular expenditures – even though it amounts to less than one percent of the federal budget. But foreign assistance cannot be viewed as charity. It is fundamental to our national security, and any sensible long-term strategy to battle extremism. Moreover, foreign assistance is a tiny fraction of what we spend fighting wars that our assistance might ultimately prevent. For what we spent in a month in Iraq at the height of the war, we could be training security forces in Libya, maintaining peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors, feeding the hungry in Yemen, building schools in Pakistan, and creating reservoirs of goodwill that marginalize extremists.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Agreed. Jamaal510 May 2013 #1
Sure, Obama gives a good speech, but FDR would have ... JoePhilly May 2013 #2
In my opinion FDR is the greatest pollitician elected to any office. grantcart May 2013 #4
That's a pretty good assessment. JoePhilly May 2013 #5
I can understand that. Brigid May 2013 #8
Only if he is on the crapper and calling in Boehner to humiliate him while he is on the throne. grantcart May 2013 #15
I heard about that. Brigid May 2013 #17
Just got back from an errand and passed a truck that had a bumper sticker that said grantcart May 2013 #16
I think that bumper sticker was on a Republican's car. Hope so anyway. SleeplessinSoCal May 2013 #20
Challenging opponents by Opening the process some & Connecting to Foreign Aide. patrice May 2013 #3
Thank you patrice. sheshe2 May 2013 #7
Sorry to say, he won't get an honest hearing. "One World Order" freaks are gearing up as we "speak". patrice May 2013 #10
Thank you, grantcart. sheshe2 May 2013 #6
In many ways, Obama Brigid May 2013 #9
Tell it, sister. IrishAyes May 2013 #30
+1,000 LeftInTX May 2013 #32
RT will be out in a bit beating the propaganda drums about what they're going to say is patrice May 2013 #11
Here's the speech...I am listening now. sheshe2 May 2013 #13
thanks She.. this will have to wait Cha May 2013 #23
I listened to the President's speech while driving errands today... Demoiselle May 2013 #12
Same here! Kath1 May 2013 #28
And some people can't understand why we love him. IrishAyes May 2013 #31
Thanks for posting this... TxGrandpa May 2013 #14
When Medea Benjamin and Code Pink -- Hell Hath No Fury May 2013 #18
lol grantcart May 2013 #19
Medea managed to get the facts right when bush was in office. She can't Cha May 2013 #21
Medea and her political priorities haven't changed a bit -- Hell Hath No Fury May 2013 #24
Good for you. President Obama wants Gitmo closed more Cha May 2013 #25
Excellent analysis, grant. thank you! Cha May 2013 #22
VERY well-said, Cha! Kath1 May 2013 #26
"The voice of that woman is worth paying attention to" Kath1 May 2013 #27
++++ good post, Kath1 Whisp May 2013 #33
Very Solomanesque IrishAyes May 2013 #29
Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Barack Obama»"The Voice of this woman ...»Reply #3