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Obama's Authorization of Force Against Pirates Is a Defining Moment

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Boy! Talk about spin.
Obama took 36 plus hours of wishy washy trying for a win-win solution. Then the SEALS were airlifted and parachuted to the scene.
When the hostage made a break for it, the Navy had to call for permission to act. By the time anyone answered, it was over. The frustration level within the US forces on the scene was very high because of a lack of clear rules of engagement. In the mean time the hostage was terrorized, beaten and threatened repeatedly with a savage death.
Finally the on scene commander said enough was enough and demanded that he make the decision to determine what was considered a threat to the hostage. Four hours later, it was over.
Most people missed the comment from White House staffers that the on scene commander over stepped his authority and should be punished. Yeah - a possible war criminal.
More of this will come and more spin will cause the truth to be lost.
I am losing a lot of respect for US News & World Report because they are NOT digging for the truth but spewing the spin without checking the facts.

John R. Carpenter of CA 7:30PM April 24, 2009

If Obama really had some guts, he would place protection on every American ship traveling in the high risk areas off Somalia. Therefore, don't expect him to do it anytime soon!

Jim of MI 12:18AM April 15, 2009

The liberal press is saying Obama's defining moment came when he made a decision that, on any given day would be made by any police officer in a similar situation on any city street. US news and World Report is nothing more than a conduit for Obama propaganda! What a mockery of journalism.
This is embarrassing to all Americans! Shame on you!

Jim of MI 12:15AM April 15, 2009

You people in the media are so pathetic. Hussein Obama is a whimp. He hid from the media, refused comment or support. He should have given his military cammanders the go ahead to use any force necessary to resolve the siituation as soon as the situation arose. Instead, he wants to tell the world about his dog. He is a disgrace to America and is making us a laughing stock to the world.

blondief of TX 10:19PM April 14, 2009

Act aggressively? Lead the nation in a crisis? These are nothing but street thugs with a boat. Obama's first national security test? Oh man. Look, I've been out of the U.S. for a couple months, so I guess I missed our President walking across water, but I believe he is actually a fallible human, despite the reports I keep hearing to the contrary. He made a successful call and a man's life was saved. Good. But this wasn't exactly the Iran hostage crisis. Let's save the praise for where it's actually earned.

Brian of NY 8:41PM April 14, 2009

Come on folks. This wasn't exactly 911.
Get a grip!
I'm really pleased a whole warship can handle a few untrained THUGS in a rubber dingy.

Chris Petty of GA 8:13PM April 14, 2009

And they want death, Then We will gladly give them death. If you have the balls to die, take it in the name of the USA.
Enough of this, we need to hit them where it hurts! Swiftly.

Vincent McFadden of VA 4:02PM April 14, 2009

right to let the military use force, and President Obama was LUCKY that the sniper operation became possible and went off perfectly.
America DOES benefit bigtime, however, by this outcome.

Muser of NM 1:21PM April 14, 2009