The covert assassination of American-born and high-ranking member of al-Qaida, Sheikh Anwar Al-Awalaki, marks another victory in America’s war on terrorism. In addition to taking out Osama bin Laden, President Barack Obama has demonstrated a determined commitment to the security of our nation. By “terrorizing the terrorists,” he has turned the war on terrorism abruptly around. Now it’s the terrorists who are on the run and fearing for their worthless lives.
Unfortunately, presidential pretender Ron Paul and others from the jealous right are calling for President Obama’s impeachment for his alleged abuse of power. Wonder what they would have said if George W. had done what he should have done during his watch and surgically removed terrorist leaders? He would have been praised by the right. Heck, they might even have built him a statue! But Bush had no plans to eliminate his political trump card: the fear factor.
Traditionally, Democrats have always voted with their pocketbooks and Republicans on their sense of fear. Given the continued doldrums of our economy juxtaposed with the increased sense of security that the Obama administration has brought to the table, one would think that crossover voters from the right would flock to Obama in 2012. This may, in fact, happen given the natural instincts of the conservative voter.
Bush played the fear card to the nth degree during his tenure. I don’t believe that he ever was really serious about taking out al-Qaida, the Taliban or other terrorist leaders and organizations. His father stopped short of Baghdad in the early ’90s at the end of Desert Storm in order to keep Saddam Hussein around for another day ... like 2003, when his son used 9/11 as an excuse to go after the wrong guy responsible while virtually ignoring the real killers. What did we get? A Department of “Homeland Insecurity” ... a color-coded warning system ... and a constant reminder that none of us were safe.
Seemed like every time Bush was the least bit threatened politically, he and Vice President Dick Cheney would start flashing red and orange at us. Remember how Bush would suggest to the American public that the Democrats couldn’t be trusted with national security? They we would be soft and public safety would be put at risk!
Flash-forward to today. Obama has demonstrated that when fear is confronted and strategic and operational steps are taken to eliminate the source, the fear itself abates. I find it amusing that Republicans have the gall to criticize the president when he is actually doing something to solve their biggest fear — which is fear itself. Frankly, I think they’re simply jealous and concerned that their “fear factor” issue may be wrestled away and used against them in 2012.
They should be afraid ... very afraid.
• Jon Beydler is a 33-year Valley resident and the former mayor of Fountain Hills who now lives in Chandler.
Rich posted at 7:00 pm on Tue, Oct 11, 2011.
The problem is Jon, I really don't want anyone in power who can kill an American citizen without due process of law. Why? I'm an American citizen.I don't agree with some, no make that most, of the laws, think the government is well, that stuff they say is on a shingle, and think I'm entitled to feel that way. I'd rather not be killed for it, and if you start allowing it for one reason you can't back up in a court before a jury, I run that risk. Whether you realize it or not, what was done just devalued you, your life and every other American. Just be different, then I can call you a 'terrorist' and blow you up. And al-Qaida, never really bothered me a lot, even if you give them 9/11, the odds of me ever meeting one are slim to none. A government that can kill me without due process of law? Now Jon, that's almost the definition of fear.
samkat posted at 8:09 pm on Tue, Oct 11, 2011.
Playing devils advocate, I surmise that Beydler is a trifle bit biased. :-)
Now, if an American is acting as a terrorist in a hostile situation, it is no different from an American being killed in a firefight with the local police. Despite being an American citizen, this individual has not been shy in expressing his hared for the United States and his desire to do us harm. He just happened to be in the wrong place at thew wrong time.
Leon Ceniceros posted at 8:17 pm on Tue, Oct 11, 2011.
Jon,
You can keep putting "lipstick on a pig"...but Jon, it hasn't changed...it's still a pig.
If your premise was correct (and they never are coming from La-La Land to the west of Arizona)...then Obama's approval percentages would be at least 51%...not the 39-40% they are in right now. Obama got his ill-earned :15 minutes of fame for bin-Laden but that is...........gone with the wind now. (by the way, they had to pluck Obama off the golf course to come to the White House War Room to watch the raid taking place. Obama is the one on the left with the "green-around-the-gills" look...lol). Then Obama's Vice-President ...manages to...."out".. the secret team that killed the Terrorist at a "drinks and dinner" with Admiral Mullen in attendence when Biden congratulates Mullen for his Seal Team 5's "good work". What happens 10 days later..the Taliban shoot down the chopper full of Seal Team 5 members after a double-agent Afghan military officers gives info to his Taliban handlers...way to go, Joe...guess you don't remember that old World War II saying...."loose lips sink ships".
Now we have the spectacle of Obama's Attorney General...lying to every Congressman who listens to him about .."Fast and Furious" gun-running to the Mexican Drug Lords to use to kill a US Border Patrol Agent.
Jon, it's been your boy's show for a long, long time. Obama has been in office for more than 1000 days. By still blaming Bush for every problem caused by the Obama Administration...you and your Liberal-Progressives are just confirming what the Tea Party has been telling America for years.....Obama really is an "empty suit"....all "talk" and no ............"walk".
mnjcpa posted at 9:23 am on Wed, Oct 12, 2011.
After I gathered myself from laughing hysterically and wonder what Jon was smoking before this article let's get something straight. I don't for the least bit feel safe from Obama's leadership. Talk to business people in Tucson who see illegals WALK across our borders with little security to stop it. He and Napolitano have done a fine job of assuring that we encourage violence on the border. And while my health insurance premiums have gone up 30% this year - an illegal gets hurt and gets medical assistance for free.
Democrats vote with OUR pocketbooks - not their own - and funnel money to causes that support THEIR agenda - not mine or other conservatives like me. It has nothing to do with fear Jon - but common sense. You can't spend $4.5 trillion and take in $3 trillion.
Obama has done NOTHING but increase my fear for my safety and the future of my children and grandchildren. He's a wolf in sheeps clothing.
chatmandu002 posted at 12:42 pm on Wed, Oct 12, 2011.
Why isn't the DOJ and SEC prosecuting the Wall Street crowd for fraud and criminal activity? Could it be these same Wall Street people gave Obama more money for his campaign than any other candidate in history.
Arizona Willie posted at 8:09 am on Thu, Oct 13, 2011.
We have the best government money can buy.
That's why the Wall Street criminals haven't been prosecuted.
Wall Street lobbiests get the politicians loyalty with huge campaign contributions.
That's why the government officials are stopping medical marijuana clinics that pay taxes --- they cut into cartel profits.
Either the Mexican drug cartels or our home grown pharmecutical company cartels.
Cerulean posted at 3:22 pm on Thu, Oct 13, 2011.
"That's why the government officials are stopping medical marijuana clinics that pay taxes --- they cut into cartel profits.
Either the Mexican drug cartels or our home grown pharmecutical company cartels."
Also consider all the drug money floating around MCSO and other county sheriffs departments.
chatmandu002 posted at 10:44 am on Mon, Oct 17, 2011.
If you believe all the stuff about Bush, then why can't you believe that Obama is trying to out-Bush Bush. More drones, more wars, more spending, more deficit, more debt, more lies, more government, more political money, more, more, more than Bush.
Cas Lee posted at 7:56 pm on Sun, Oct 28, 2012.
Hello, my fellow American voters!
I watched the Oct. 3rd, 11th, 16th, and 22nd debates.
1st Romney-Obama debate covered 7 topics: jobs; budget deficit/debt; social security/entitlements; federal gov’t economic regulation and role; healthcare; partisan gridlock.
2nd Romney-Obama debate covered 11 topics: college graduate jobs; gas prices; taxes; equal pay; Bush policies; Obama’s record; illegal immigrants; Libya; assault weapons; jobs; candidate misperceptions.
3rd Romney-Obama debate covered 10 topics: Libya; Syria; Egypt; U.S. world role; military spending; Israel; Iran; Afghanistan; China; U.S. national security threats.
Ryan-Biden debate covered 10 topics: Libya; Iran; economy; medicare/social security/entitlements; tax reform/spending/budget cuts; military policy; Afghanistan; Syria; abortion; negative campaign tactics.
Romney and Ryan won all 4 debates, although Obama improved some in the 2nd debate and Romney slightly took the win both in the 2nd and 3rd debates.
In the 3rd debate (unlike in prior debates), Obama reflected his weakness and disrespect by interrupting Romney a lot and using too many “one-line quips” to try to denigrate Romney.
Ryan won despite Biden’s consistently rude behavior during the debate (often interrupted Ryan, laughed when Ryan talked, pointed his finger). Biden’s tactics to evade issues/truth disrespected Americans interested in facts, figures, forecasts, and solutions for real people with real problems.
Romney and Ryan won with substance, directness, integrity, respect, clarity, facts, commitment, inspiration, credibility, and leadership.
As an INDEPENDENT female feminist (egalitarian) voter, I support the Romney/Ryan ticket.
Romney and Ryan, with their no-nonsense and methodic approach to solving America’s problems, are the best persons in terms of qualifications and character to lead our country and make life better for all Americans.
I am inspired by Romney/Ryan, and I hope that you are too!
Best regards,
Cas Lee