1. The extraordinary amount of women in the audience. Are we finally well-represented in the military or just strategically placed? I was hoping it was the former and felt a little twinge of pride for our sex. In this case gun-toting women rock!
2. Does anyone else think his lips and teeth are blue? Is he not taking enough breaths between each word?
3. I liked his tie.
4. Finally an American political official who says Pakistan correctly.
5. What? Only 1-2 applause break-ins? Is that a record?
But seriously, I'm not for escalating this conflict, so I was really looking to the President to make his case. Boy oh boy can he give a great speech. Light on details, but heavy on patriotic juice. He's a likeable, persuasive man who could probably also sell me the Golden Gate Bridge, but did he sell this fight? I don't know.
From what I've read, the Middle East follows a particular pattern. If they actually want to be helped, progress is made. As we've seen in Iraq they will not be forced. Are the Afghans ready to fight the Taliban and govern themselves? Apparently some are, fighting that is, these spawns from Hell who treat women like the crud stuck on the bottom of their shoes. Perhaps that will turn the tide. But I fear for many things, like the cost in lives and dollars. Money that could be better spent here in the U.S.
I hope he's made the right decision.