Friday, September 14, 2007
Meeting With President Bush On The War [Steve Schippert]
It was an honor to be among the MilBloggers invited to speak with the Commander in Chief for a one-hour round table on the various theaters of the conflict at hand. This post is delayed - and brief - as I try and find the words to accurately convey the exchange - not just in content, but in what it meant both personally and historically. It is hard to write without tearing, so forgive the brevity. It is surreal to me that an Illinois farm kid finds himself - with absolutely no traditional pedigree beyond sweat, focus and self-study - seated in the Roosevelt Room with the President of the United States discussing the direction, progress and challenges as we see them in a conflict that history will reflect defines this generation.
If anyone ever questions how great this Nation is, questions that this is truly the land of liberty and opportunity, I don't beg to differ but reject such doubts outright.
Seated directly at the right hand of the President during the meeting, I took few notes. However, as I look at the sparsely scribbled page, I will share two things written before deferring to the more detailed immediate reports from the other participants.
"If the public were to see and hear the President speak with this relaxed, genuine personal candor, and with such clear passion, few would misunderstand the mission, the moral obligation, the consequences and the overall situation except those who truly choose to disbelieve....30%?"
And...
"Anyone who believes this President lacks grasp of the situation either politically, strategically or on the ground - at all - levels has never spoken to him directly on such issues. Total Command."
The above is also reflected immediately in the first paragraph of Bill Ardolino's post at the link below. I would suggest to the reader that his words are somewhat of an understatement. Be sure to check each of the other participants below for reflections.
More soon.
09/14 07:25 PM
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