Sunday, September 7, 2014

The Challenge For Obama in His Wednesday Speech

President Obama stood before the people of Estonia on September 3rd and gave a speech that resonated with all who cherish democracy and demand a world where the ideals of democracy are free to flourish.

He spoke with strength and deliberation. He spoke with passion of the past heroism of the Estonian people who stood proud in the face of tyranny on the heels of tyranny. He spoke resolutely of the solidarity of NATO, and specifically of the United States, with the Baltic States.  He spoke of a future that was secure and united, dedicated and determined. 

In short, the President of the United States spoke words befitting his title.

On Wednesday, September 10th, the president will address the American people and present his strategy for defeating the self-proclaimed jihadist threat of ISIS/ISIL/IS. 

He proved in Estonia that he can eloquently weave the rational of history with the urgency of the moment into the fragile fabric of a clear and present danger.  On the eve of this speech, President Obama must ask himself two questions. First, how does he cut from that fabric a flag that rallies a nation weary of rallies?   Secondly, how does he persuade a nation that is justifiably distrustful of his resolve to carry that flag to victory?

It is my hope that he succeeds in both. I am not confident, but hopeful. 


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