Two Front Burners.

(not potboilers -- see previous post -- but what the President would be wise to pro-actively address:)

The Economy and, lest we forget, now Libya.

He told us it would be over in days, but it's not. That NATO was just there to protect civilians, not promote regime change. But things have changed, and he needs to come back before the country like before, and address this issue in the open.

Why? Because he owes it to us -- we the people, who make up the government he's leading -- and because his opponents are using the void to put forth their own statements.

Here's freshman Rep. Sean Duffy (yes, he of Hayward lumberjacking and Real World MTV fame) responding to constituents in a press release today:

“Over two months ago I said that I was willing to withhold judgment on the President’s decision to establish a no-fly zone in Libya with a broad, international coalition, provided that the Administration clear up the vague and murky mission. I expressed concern at the time that this mission had the potential to become an open-ended use of American forces. Further, I noted that at a time when we are $14 trillion in debt and borrowing upwards of $1.6 trillion on an annual basis, we literally cannot afford to spend resources on a mission in Libya that is not limited or clearly defined.

“Unfortunately, my concerns have not been addressed. The American People, through their elected representatives in Congress, deserve to have a say in the policy of this nation. At a time when we are already at war in two countries, it doesn’t make sense to engage ourselves in another unless the mission and benchmarks are clear. If the president wants to use American military resources in this way, he has a duty to come make his case before Congress to get authorization. He has not. Therefore, until a compelling case is made and permission is sought, I do not believe we should continue American involvement in Libya.”

Again, the President would be wise to get out in front of this, imho, since people are talking about it, instead of just responding defensively as if the Republicans have him on the ropes.

If we look back in horror and disgust at what GWB did to overthrow Iraq's leader and the associated costs to the country, then doesn't President Obama understand it's not wise to pursue the exact same course of action with another dictator that America has now decided we want nothing more to do with?

At the very least, if he's been convinced to take us down that path again, put something together to make the case to the American people -- a "progress" update, if you will, addressing what's changed on the ground and why we're still committing resources to that regime overthrow.

Not sure myself how exactly he's going to make that case, but trust me, people haven't forgotten and why let junior pols like familyman Duffy fill the void?

ps.
Here's the Memorial Day story I wrote for our local paper, fwiw:

Under cloudy skies, a crowd gathered Monday in Almena' s Shadyside Park for the annual Memorial Day tribute to celebrate the holiday, honor the dead, and remember what this day means to all Americans.

Featured speaker Chief Staff Sgt. Vince Ashton, retired after 38 years in the Air Force and a member of VFW Post 8512, began his speech noting that the holiday's roots date back to the Civil War when the graves of soldiers in Arlington Cemetery were adorned with flowers, hence the term Decoration Day.

"Divisions between the northern and southern states prevented it from being honored nationally until after World War I. Today,the problem is public apathy. After the Civil War, most American families had a personal connection to a death in uniform. Now, only a handful does.

"Americans are not touched personally by on-going conflicts overseas. The vast majority has no direct connection with the war or any of the fallen. However, wartime is when Memorial Day is most vital. It is the time when 1 percent of our population is bearing the burden. Our defenders feel their sacrifices are unappreciated. Memory is the key character of our nation and is necessary for both historical and moral understanding.

"As our society moves farther away from the realities of war, it is necessary to remind the public of what the few have done for so many. This is what Memorial Day is all about. However having said this, I feel I am preaching to the choir.

"Almena, you have not forgotten! See the beautiful monument, the solemn ceremony commemorating our local fallen. Last summer, the Moving Vietnam Wall visited us. Over 6,000 people viewed the setting and marveled at how Almena came together for this presentation. Every Veteran's Day, the children and teachers present a program honoring our veterans. After the program the children line up to shake the veterans' hands, saying, 'Thank you for your service.' What a beautiful lesson in patriotism for the children and for all of us."

Ashton concluded his remarks: "Thank you Almena and God bless you in all your endeavors. I am grateful and honored to be a part of this community. May God bless the United States of America. Home of the free, won by the brave."

After wreaths from each branch of the service and the Ladies Auxiliary were laid at the monument, the names of those local veterans and service members who died in the past year were read aloud by members of the VFW Post. A flag representing each name was placed on the ground in markers that formed a cross and given a final salute. The Post 8512 honor guard fired three volleys in memory of the fallen, and Bethany Wohlk of Almena played taps on her trumpet.

VFW Post member Lowell Wohlk read a poem during the ceremony about an old soldier observed and remembered at Christmastime by none other than Santa Claus: "Soon round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on Christmas Eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, 'Santa, don't cry. This life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my Country, my Corps.'... I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, 'Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."

Pastor Clint Hoff of St. Matthew Lutheran Church gave the benediction, and the crowd assembled was then invited over to the church basement for fellowship, spaghetti and meatball dinner, salad, lemonade, coffee and bars -- all prepared and served by the Ladies' Auxiliary. The VFW post is undergoing renovations this year, and the church next to Shadyside Park stepped up to offer a site for the annual gathering.

Although the skies were overcast at 11 a.m. when the ceremony began, and thunder was heard in the distance while the speakers were paying tribute, what appeared to be a threatening storm passed overhead with no significant observable rain fall. Exiting the church after the hearty meal and fellowship with VFW Post members and their families, it turned out to be a warm afternoon as community members dispersed to go home, pursuing their individual freedoms as they saw fit that Monday.

"Home of the Free, Won by the Brave" ...

ADDED: Yes, I'm aware of that pro-Christian tint, here in the Heartland. It is what it is, but I wouldn't assume any exclusion to the people gathered, or the demographics represented. If you read it as anti-Semitic, or anti-minority, that's more on you. Things can be different -- traditions, rituals -- based on where you live. That's America too, our regionalism and not needing to genericize everything to be overly inclusive and politically correct. (meaning, had we a Jewish soldier in the Post here, or any other who objected, I don't think they would have placed his flag in a cross-shaped formation).