So, there I am looking for our President’s reaction to the unrest over the Iranian elections. His response? To express “deep concern.” He made it clear that the depths of his concern were shared not only by “the world,” but by Ahmedinijad, who he referred to as the “Supreme Leader.” Great.
He’s also “deeply concerned” about the fighting in Gaza, terrorism in Pakistan, and the two American journalists currently languishing in a North Korean jail. On prior ocassions, he’s expressed “deep concern” for the state of the American automobile industry and Hurricane Gustav.
While he did all kinds of nothing, Hillary Clinton told the press she was “deeply concerned” when, for the first time in almost two centuries, pirates took control of an American ship.
Heck, he’s probably “deeply concerned” about climate change as well, but I’m bored of digging up links. Point is, “deep concern” is this guy’s answer for everything.
Here’s a free lesson in statesmanship: you have to take action from time to time. Yes, your hands will get dirty, and people may not like you in the short term, but this is the life you chose. Sorry it’s not all parades and bunting.
When half-rate pirates from a 4th-world rathole seize an American vessel, you do something. When Americans are being persecuted by a mad tyrant for the sole transgression of speaking out against oppression, you do something. When a dictator swears repeatedly to destroy Israel, pursues the development of nuclear weapons, and fixes an election, you do something.
When you’re the leader of the free world, you no longer have the option of staring at your shoes and mumbling, “well, I’m deeply concerned.” The inauguration’s over, and so’s the big party. The President has responsibilities beyond photo-ops and 60 Minutes spreads with the family. Primary among those is the duty to protect the Constitution and the American people. You can blame the last administration all you want; it doesn’t help your credibility. Nor does it allow you to sidestep the many foreign policy hurdles we have to face.
Dante once wrote that the darkest places in Hell are reserved those who maintain moral neutrality in times of crisis. While I doubt Old Scratch is stoking the barbecue for you, you can bet your constituents will be.