Over the years, I have learned that politicians can not be trusted. There are a few exceptions historically (i.e. JFK, RFK) or some who after left office have proven to be remarkable humanists (i.e. Jimmy Carter). All along, I was hoping that Ted Kennedy was right when he suggested that Obama represents in some ways the new generation that will continue on the tradition of great leaders like the Kennedy's. I supported Barack as much as I could during his campaign. I was impressed by his intellect and trusted his judgment and sincerity. Seeing him getting elected was an incredible experience. We all believed that he can bring change. That he will, at least, stop the irrationality of the previous administration and will move the country and the world in a better direction.
Last evening when I was about to listen his talk, I was still hopeful that he will somehow convince me that his decision to escalate the Afghanistan war had some rational basis. That he knows why and how. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Instead, I was shocked to see a very different Obama than the one I knew. Last night he sounded defeated in some ways. He sounded like someone who may not even be in control of his decisions. Surrounded by Gates, Petraeus and other Bush-loyalists, he even repeated old recycled Bush talking points. In some ways, it seemed to me that his decision came after immense pressure from his generals and others who surround him. He seemed like he was playing a role in theatrical play that he did not really like or does not fit him well.
He pretty much told us that he is escalating a war to stabilize a corrupt government in that country, so that the Taliban do not return in power. Of course, the Taliban were a horrendous regime and no one wants to see them back. But there are there similar terrible regimes in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. Practically, expanding the war there will not change much. The Alqaeda criminals are in Pakistan, not in Afghanistan. Everyone knows that by now. Nevertheless, Obama listened to his generals who told him to expand the war in Afghanistan. In some ways, he defied his own plead for common sense while a candidate.
I know well that during his campaign he had emphasized the need to strengthen our efforts in Afghanistan. But the times were very different then. We now know that we are dealing with a corrupt government in Afghanistan, while the Alqaeda threat is in Pakistan.
Obama yesterday fell in the trap of power. He felt that he has to continue the same examples, the same tradition, the same mistakes of other presidents from the past. He agreed to send 30,000 young people to fight to a war without clear mission, purpose, or rational basis. He decided to invest at least 100 billion in an irrational bet, while this country has so many needs.
Last night was a defining moment for the Obama presidency. He failed to stand up for real change when it really mattered. Even if he succeeds to pass changes in health care reform, from now on he will still be defined as a war president. He took the responsibility to continue and expand a war that makes no sense.
I was very supportive of Obama as a candidate because of his intellect and call for common sense. He is still the same person, and I am sure he means well. But last night he proved that he can not bring change. That he is not the leader we thought he could be. For this reason, I can no longer support him. Of course, I will keep voting for him and the democrats, because the alternative is far worse. But I no longer have any expectations from him or hope for real change.