CNN

Liberal= Socialism

Texas (Teacher): nuff said

Proud American behave yourself. Don't let negative people upset you so. They are not worth the ill feelings.

To: No Hillary = No Obama, WIlly Brown, Mike, Syracuse NY and TCM
I will repeat again... You create your own experience in life. If you focus on the negative, more negative is what you will perceive. Focus on the positive, and you might be surprised at what comes your way.

To everyone else: We are 'One Nation Under GOD, Indivisible', so, let us stop the name calling, because it does not change one iota.

Peace and lots of love! GOD loves you, but hates the sin.

Obama has said he wants to do many different things,it just depends on who,wanting to hear what.

These people are Not prepared to protect us.

Proud American: You are surely no American. Oh wait, of course you are. You have got to be a Conservative. Can't wait for the funeral and burial of that party.

yellow dog demo.......The rest of us (nearly 70 – 75%) are hopeful and still believe in the American way and that we should all be included – not just the elite few – just because you make the most money and have the best of everything doesn't make your "right"!

Your chosen one only won the election by just over 50% of the vote,,, not 70-75% and now that your chosen one is already showing that he lied on some of his change issues part of the just over 50% flock are already moving back to the right.

Don't show your inability to distort the facts so blantantly. ROFL

how is that for a troop movement

they deserve a hero's welcome, they were badly lied to, get them out of there and gracefully exit

he is an idea, send in the CIA

TCM: Why don't you get a job? I only get on this site once a day and no matter what story I read, there you are. Seriously, get a job. I'd say you'd make a good janitor, but I don't want to insult the fine janitors in this country. You are completely nuts!

Mike, Syracuse NY: Are you nuts? News flash! Bush was possibly the worst president ever. He pretty much blew up the conservative movement, aided by Sarah, John and good ol' Rush. Let President Obama have a chance to fix this. If you don't like it, find out where your ancestors came from and go there. I promise you, the rest of America won't miss you!

Willy Brown: Put a sock in it! After 8 years of W, you and all of your ilk should get on your knees and thank your lucky stars that anyone would even want to fix this mess. Oh, and LIBERAL is not a dirty word anymore.

No Hillary = No Obama: Change your signature for Pete's Sake. We got Obama and out of the goodness of his heart, he gave the hag a job. Just remember dummy, he fails, he messes up, we are toast, so you had best hope he is very, very good. I suspect that you think that W did a wonderful job because all of your kind are sick, sick, sick!

Iraq is a mess because of bad cowboy disease. Idiots got their gunbelts caught in their jock straps. Finally we will have a president who doesn't get his jollys from sending our young to fight wars that never should have been fought and then expect them to act act like diplomats. He will work with educated generals to get this thing over with.

Looser Bush didn't have the guts to really serve so why veterans flock to his rear is a mystery. I guess because he talks tough.

Change we can count on, for sure....
"Once in office, Obama is expected to ask commanders to develop a plan for a 16-month drawdown, as he promised during his campaign for the White House."
A year ago here in Iowa during the caucuses, a candiate promised to bring the troops home two weeks after inauguration. Since the war was the most important issue at the time, this candidate won the democratic caucus. The media picked this candidate up and made him president elect.
The other candidates knew better, the winner lied, saying anything to get elected. Now the PEBO asks for a plan, never had one. Hangon for a rough ride.

Oh, shoot... pay for it!

Well, at least my soldier is due home next week from the hell hole known as Mosul, Iraq. He comes home with shrapnel in his shoulder, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, the Order of St George, and other awards. He is bringing his troops home in one piece which is the most important thing. I hope someone will investigate the way the no-bid contractors have been gouging our military members for services (such as $75 per month for internet service). I agree with everyone else.....there is NO victory to be "won" in Iraq. The lives of our military should not be triviialized to a sporting game. But then, this has been Dubya's Folly from Day One. What a horrid legacy.

Willy Brown... there is not much more Obama could possibly do to destroy our military and kill our young men and women for a senseless cause! You need to get yourself a day job... you suck at this! Obama will end this senseless killing and resolve the issue of the middle east as best he can.... Bush's private war needs to come to and end! And the ridiculous amount of money that Bush has spent will be able to end! I'm sick of this lower taxes on the rich and borrow money to fight a senseless war! Pfffft... And our children and grandchildren will be pa

GET OUR TROOPS HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

@ Mike Syracuse.....Here's a news flash for you, the situation in Iraq has not been a war since basically Dumbya declared "mission accomplished", it is an occupation, now listen closely, here's the part you can't get through that thick skull, YOU CAN NOT "WIN" AN OCCUPATION, EITHER YOU STAY OR YOU LEAVE. THERE IS AND CAN BE NO VICTOR IN AN OCCUPATION!!!!!

Geez....did Faux Noise (the white folks who brought you the "terrorist fist jab") kick all of their right wing idiots off of their hate blogs and they all ended up here?

Obama already looks like he's under seige and he hasn't even taken office yet. What do you expect from someone who became President by spewing empty phrases?

Bambi Obama will do what all democrat in office do. They cut all funding to the military and redistribute the money to socialist entitlement programs for illegal aliens and the lazy who refuse to work so for the next 4 years starting Jan 29th the Military will be on hold until get defeated in the next election.

Actually, Patrick, Bush's "greatest achievements" in "getting rid of the Taliban" in Afghanistan has not been achieved at all. Taliban forces have been making a resurgence in recent months and have, in fact, recaptured territory. The Taliban-led government may be out, for now, but the organization itself is still very much alive and well. BTW, Osama bin Laden, who was actually responsible for the 911 attacks, is still alive and not in prison.

Please clarify how either Bush's Iraq or Afghanistan debacles have been successes.

"The Monday meeting was polite, one official said, but also interesting and intense. A second official described the discussion as lively, and said it ranged further than originally anticipated...."

Polite, interesting, intense, lively and ranged further than anticipated!

That's what come from electing someone who is intelligent and not afraid to use his God-given brain!

Iraq has no simple answers: and maybe no one solution but at least smart people are discussing the options! Much better than a president ya'll can sit down and have a beer with...

The current administration was never clear in the last 8 years.
Wait until Jan 20 and let the New President do what's necessary
Hey, by the way.. i haven't posted for a while.
Are McCain / Palin supporters still weeping like babies...

Define"residual force".......

@ TED VON TOL......... FROM YOUR MOUTH TO GOD'S EARS!

PEACE!

@ BJ........ WHAT AN IGNORANT STATEMENT......... AND WHEN YOU ARE PROVEN ............WRONG........ WILL YOU WRITE AN APOLOGY TO PRESIDENT OBAMA?

IT IS IGNORANT STATEMENTS LIKE BJ'S THAT GIVE THE REPUBLICANS SUCH A BAD REPUTATION AS HATE, LIES, FEAR AND DIVISION MONGERS!

this is boring

BJ January 7th, 2009 3:45 pm ET
How soon after Jan 20th does Obama send US troops to Gaza to protect the Muslims from Israel?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You're a bloody fool, mate. You're scared to death of 'the Muslims' aren't you? You bought into the Conservative Doctrine of Fear…like a coward and a fool who doesn’t want to or is incapable of thinking for himself.

@ Patrick

I will give him credit and I have often vocally and here on the blogs been outspoken in my support of the war in Afghanistan. My problem is, like the wrong war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan was ill concieved and poorly planned with no "exit strategy". That coupled with the Iraq invasion taking precedence over the "real" war is the cause of many demcrats anger. We support the war (by we of course I mean only myself and those democrats who have told me the same thing) in Afghanistan and wish it had been properly supported and carried through.

thanks for listening.. and for a change and because of your mostly reasoned comments this one will not recieve my signature sign off

How soon after Jan 20th does Obama send US troops to Gaza to protect the Muslims from Israel?

Ted should have elected me.

WMD was just and excuse for Bush, to do what he wanted to do anyway. Revenge was the reason so many lives have been lost. Remember bush said "he(Sadam) tried to kill my daddy."

I read people say – leaving democracy in Iraq. Guys, look around you. Palestinians had free and fair election – who did they elect? Hamas, our best friend. Pakistanis had free and fare election and now they shoot at our solders chasing Al-Qaida. As soon as we withdraw from Iraq, they will have free and fair election and elect Muqtada-al-Sadr their president. Then we will have triumph of democracy there.

Thanks!

CNN, why did you blocked my comment?
It was a hopefulland positive comment and I read a lot of
whining and hatefull comments on these blogs.

So again:
Change is comming!

In 8 years from now:

- there will be a Palestinian state
- peace between Israel and Palestine
- Jerusalum will be a world religion city like the Vatican
- Iran will become democratic under pressure of the Iranian people.
- Extremism and terrorism will die and so will Al Qaida.

America, trust your new President, he will be historic!

I love and respect Barack more every day and no, I don't think he is
the Messiah..

Now, CNN, post this comment please
Ted, The Netherlands

Barack will do the right thing he is smart and has great listening skills unlike Bush who wouldnt listen and was a my way President I trust Barack Obama and Joe Biden will do the right thing with the wars and more importantly LISTEN LISTEN Iknow your all use to Bush with his my way Presidency but get over it Barack is no george Bush for one thing he is a hell of alot smarter and more Intelligent then Bush was and will ever be

MIKE IN SYRACUSE YOU CANNOT WIN A HOLY WAR

Logical January 7th, 2009 11:49 am ET
Iraq was never winnable … my dear …
Define Victory!!!!

A democratically elected government able to defend itself from it's enemies both internal and external. This is achievable. It's acedemic anyway. Obama won't ignore the advice of the Joint Chiefs. He can't take the risk that their right. He'll cite conditions on the ground and say things have changed since he made the promise, and before you know it, he'll be doing what McCain said all along.

doesn't matter
Obama promised to have the troops home 16 months from now.

To Logical: Not only is Iraq winnable we are currently winning. I don't know why anti-war activists keep stating "define victory" like that's your rallying cry. I'll define it for you right now. The definition of victory in Iraq is leaving behind a democracy, that no longer tortured their own people, bringing Saddam Hussein to justice, is an ally in the middle east to the United States, isn't a terrorist safe haven, and does not have WMDs.

It looks like we are well on our way to achieving success in Iraq. And we should all be glad that they didn't have WMD. If they did they would have used them on our soldiers, let's all be glad the intelligence was wrong.

Let their be no mistake. Whatever your opinion of the war in Iraq; one of Bush's greatest achievements was the war in Afghanistan. Getting rid of the Taliban is something all of the world can celebrate. Of course no democrat will give him credit for it but it was a great achievement. Yes, the job is not finished and the Taliban and Al Queda are trying to make a comeback but removing them from power was a must after 9/11.

End this war PE BO. End it now.

Greg,

What 'CIA Intel' that said Saddam had WMDs? Their intel said that there may be a possibility they had WMDs but the source was not reliable and they had other intel saying there definitely were not any WMDs. Remember the 'yellow-cake' intel Bush said he had? The truth is out there but you just refuse to see it.

Five Stars ... Commander in Chief January 7th, 2009 11:50 am ET

You're an idiot, if you think the general will just do what Obama tells him to do. If he doesn't think it is the right thing, he'll quit.

I nominate Obama's buddy from Chicago, Minister Farrakhan, to take over for the excellent performance of the war.

TONY, Theres no kind of loser like a sore loser....your hatred of Obama keeps my heart warm. Try not to crack a molar during the inaugeration!!! Sit back and watch a REAL man get things done.

The way I see it Obama has already had a decision made for him with the Iraq Security Agreement. It is apparent that there are more troops needed in the other forgotten war in Afghanastan which is most likely where the troops taken out of Iraq will go. It isn't hard to see what is going to happen. Sure Obama promised a timeline for troop withdrawl and there will probably be a significant number of them coming back this summer when they are ordered out of Iraqi cities and onto their respective bases but even he can't "put an end to the war." As far as both wars go I think it should be left up to Petraeus and other military officials to decide what needs to be done in the future.

WHEN BUSH IS GONE AS WELL AS SOME OF HIS PEOPLE AND BARACK TAKES OFFICE , IT WILL ALL COME TOGETHER. AND DON'T FORGET ADM. JONES IS WORKING ALONG SIDE OBAMA.

Larry in Houston January 7th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Be-tray-us wants to spend hundreds of billions, over a 100 year span.
______________________________________________________
You are an idiot!

Be a litle bit patience fooks.

I garantee that there will be a dramatic change in the
Middle east politics when Barack is in charge.
There will be a Palestine state within 8 years and a lasting
peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.
Jerusalem will be, like the Vaticaan, a world religion city
for Muslims, Christians and Jews. Protected by those three
partys. And than, finaly there is no place for radicalism and terrorism.
Iran will become democratic and Al Qaida will die a silent death.

Be hopefull and support your next President Barack Obama. He will be your greatest President in history!
I love and respect that man more every day.

Ted van Tol, The Netherlands

The American people and the military is firmly in support of the Obama administration
___________________________________________________
Wrong!!!!

brad January 7th, 2009 11:39 am ET

It really amazes me that people are already judging Obama, and he isn't even in office. To be honest I have never seen a PE work so hard before coming in.
_____________________________________________________
All PE's do the same thing, working so hard before coming in...please. Of course people are judging him, people judged Bush and Clinton before they took office. Why should it be different now?

I think it's time to send in the Israel Army!

Obama is finally facing reality- No chance of getting out of Iraq/Afghanistan in the near future. The earliest maybe five or six years and still have a strong presence in both countries.

OBAMA had better keep his promise regarding ending teh war in Iraq. Four years is not all that long and he can be voted out just as easily as he was voted in!

Newport News, VA
That kind of thinking got 2 million people killed when we pulled out of Nam.

Larry in Houston

HA HA HA HA!!!!!
You are so dumb. Give me a quote of when the general said that.

When did you become the spokesman for them to say that they don't want freedom?

I love all the anti obama posts...you guys are just bitter because he won.And nothing he ever does will be good enough for you..

I guess is time to move!! because President Obama is here to stay!

YES WE DID IT!

afghan is a disaster.

neither the very stupid mccain knew that or the non-verbal obama.
both are being fooled on this issue.

afghan is quicksand for the USA.

it will be obama's VIETNAM.

dr.mimi de la cruz January 7th, 2009 11:56 am ET

THE MILITARY IS USED TO WORKING FOR THE BUSH

"STRAGEDY" & MAY NOT HAVE INCLUDED SPECIFICS,

OR LEAVING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS.
===========================================
Still trying to spin that. You are pathetic. What McCain was talking about was making a decision based on conditions based on conditions on the ground and you know it. what is funny to me is that you will deliberately present a falsehood and act like it is true. want to argue that point, post his comment. You will look like a fool.

Boy, there's a lot of psychics on this board – they all seem to know exactly what Obama's going to do. Where were your psychic talents when bush was leading us into this boondoggle?

Too bad these hatefueled cynics weren't even a tad bit curious or inquisitive when bush was leading us into a bogus war. Now they want to criticize the president elect BEFORE he even takes office? You were too busy following the bush sheep lockstep. Grow up – Give the PE a chance – at least let him get into the white house. Obama's got horrendous tasks in front of him cleaning up Bushs messes – Lord knows there's enough of them.

@ Greg PA Bush had reason. No mater how you left wing nuts try ti twist it. Cia intel said Sadam had wmds, that is reason.
_____________________________________________________

actually there were reports from other agencies, as well as disageeing reports within the cia, that said they did not. the UN inspectors, ON THE GROUND, said they did not have WMD these were all dismissed. Finally even if they had them there was NO evidence that they could have used them against any American targets, ALL intelligence agencies agreed there was NO ties between Saddam and Al Queada or any other recognized terrorist groups.

I stand by my statements

obama-mama

Did Ed say something untrue? He must have hit a nerve.

OUR POOR SOLDIERS. THIS GUY IS GOING TO TURN THEM OVER TO THE ARABS. I HOPE THEY GO AGAINST ANY ORDERS HE GIVES.

"Closed door meeting?? I thought Mr Obama was Mr Transparent.

But I guess that was just another campaign promise he can't actually keep."

Since Obama wasn't there, and is not yet empowered to order anyone to do anything, your statement makes no sense on any level.

Greg from PA: It was long determined that Bush and Cheney knew that Saddam did not have WMDs. They tainted the intel to bolster their desire to take America to war with Iraq. Get your facts correct.

Long-term: Split Iraq up. Let them figure out when they all want to be ONE country under one government. If they want to be 3 separate entities, so be it!!! If we approach it this way, we'll be out of there in a heartbeat. You know your territory. You know your people. You know your allegiance. Foreigners cant get in unless they are authorized in your regions. Provide them help to combat extremists, but that's about it. there will be less violence because they are only legal to stay within their areas unless they get a special permit?

Afghanistan: I feel like for every individual you've blown up, there's four more, meaning it will never end. Are you willing to build a look-alike Wall of China? Fry anyone crawling up the walls? It helped China. It may help Afghanistan.

Mark Cross Junction VA January 7th, 2009 11:42 am ET
Of course not when Obama wants to send our troops to the gaza strip to protect the muslims, that continue to fire rockets into Israel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
'the muslims' – who are these 'muslims' to whom you are referring to? Are all 'muslims' the same to you? To you, are all 'muslims' also 'arabs' or 'terrorists'? President Elect Obama is sending American Troops to the Gaza Strip? Do you know where the Gaza Strip is? No Google. Did you care about Israel before all 'muslims' suddenly became 'al qaeda’ terrorists'? If you saw a Koran outside an airport, would you cancel your flight?

that's funny...a seasoned, experienced US Army General having to re-explain the wheel to a total greenhorn who could care less about our military members...hey Obama...why again, did you refuse to visit the wounded soldiers on you ONE overseas visit? Oh, that's right, the media couldn't photograph you in the moment...shallow.......

Agree Greg, but did anyone ever wonder what happened to all of Saddam's missles? Ever wonder why Iran suddenly has all this technology. Ever added 1 and 1? Hmmmmm.

Yeah Ed, because highly sensitive matters like this should be open door meetings? Yeah, I'm sure that would be smart.

Yup, the elites have their way as usual. BO isn't stopping anything. It was just a nice campaign promise early on. He has to dance to their tune now.

I wonder if any of the generals who retired in disgust under Bush will (can they?) come back to the military. I'm sure many of these were among our most competent military leaders.

Short-term: We cant win Iraq or Afghanistan. It's too late, but we can only contain them. These people need to fight for their freedom. WE can arm them and tell them to fight for it and give them the necessary little support to not let the extremists win. For Afghanistan, what is their source of income and source of loyalty? If you know these two answers, then you'll know how to win.

On the other hand, if you truly want to win, then, as Americans, we have to make them our PERMANENT homes and live there and die there. Do you want to live with the camels, bathe in the sand? Gotta fight them live fighting the Native American Indians. Otherwise, follow short-term route... let them fight and do enough to help. They've got arms and legs..

Heck, what's mid-30's woman, telling everyone to do.. deuh.. I"m unemployed so I can post all I want. When I get a job, you wont see me anymore, so dont fear..

Dr. Delacruz, please do not comment on things that you know nothing about. Have you served in the military? A strategist in military planning? Didn't think so. Tell you what, after 11 years in the service I'll give you a small sample of something I've learned. if you bow down to political pressure in a military setting, you LOSE. Look at the example of Vietnam. We tried to win a military battle in a political pressure cooker. It doesn't work. So all of you mamby pamby cry baby, tree huggin, don't know anything except what CNN tells you, arm chair military commanders need to shut up. Let the General do his job. It is what HE knows how to do.

Bush didn't listen up front and that caused enough problems over there. If Obama doesn't shut up and listen we will be right back over there very shortly after withdrawal because we didn't finish the job.

Logical

sustainable peace in lraq.

everyone is in a holding pattern until the real leader gets into place - then watch out! I feel that real progress will be made and for the right reasons......I see the usual anti Obama bloggers are still in business - keep up the good work-your sour grapes are showing!

The rest of us (nearly 70 – 75%) are hopeful and still believe in the American way and that we should all be included – not just the elite few – just because you make the most money and have the best of everything doesn't make your "right"!

boered1
Bush had reason. No mater how you left wing nuts try ti twist it. Cia intel said Sadam had wmds, that is reason. Acording to you left wing zealots bush should have used his esp to determin that was incorrect.

Ed: Somebody should shut a door in your face.

Closed door meeting?? I thought Mr Obama was Mr Transparent.

But I guess that was just another campaign promise he can't actually keep.

carlo January 7th, 2009 11:26 am ET

The Obama haters in 5,4,3,2,…

Bush got us into this with his lame WMD arguments.
================================================

When Intel people say they have them what should bush have done. If you are so smart then what would have done on 9/12?

Botom line Obama lied when he said 16 months. McCain said situation on the ground, and that is what Obama is doing. Why are you not mad? You carlo suported his 16 month plan and voted for obama based on that. Obama played you like a fool. Given your coments I would say that is not hard considering you can't think for yourself and just fallow loony left to the end.

Newport News, you're right, I totally agree.....And they ARE 50 years Behind us, for sure !

THE MILITARY IS USED TO WORKING FOR THE BUSH

"STRAGEDY" & MAY NOT HAVE INCLUDED SPECIFICS,

OR LEAVING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS.

Maybe Obama will finally "get it" after a few sessions with real men. Gen Petraeus and the officers of our military are the real leaders of our nation. They protect us and prevent our enemies from invading our home shores. Osama needs to keep his preening on television and stay out of our national security arena. He wouldn't last an hour on a battlefield, much less leading a company of fighting men and women.

Cue ignorant name-calling remark from "Proud American" in ... oh wait, it's already there.

the answer to this one is simple : Obama wants us to get OUT as soon as e can., so we can STOP spending wasted dollar in Iraq...

Be-tray-us wants to spend hundreds of billions, over a 100 year span.

Why do we do this, when they don't really want us there in the first place.....Those people are 50 yera behind us, and do not know what freedom is, and don't really care if they ever have freedom..

Larry C.
Houston, Texas

NEL E BEL you ARE AN IDIOT The PRESIDENT ELECT said that if he had incontestable information about attacks being launced from pakistan or incontestable information of Bin Laden's locating he would strike in Pakistan he never said, no matter how much you radical rightwingers try to twist it, that he would invade Pakistan. the ONLY President EVER to invade a forgien country without cause has been bushie

finally the article never said Obama was not able toi ado anything it said the joint chiefs could not reach an agreement and that such an agreement would have to wait until Obama was in office. you see bushie is not supporting the drawdown and he is still CinC and so the Joints Chiefs, understandably, do not want to make any decisions that will get changed immediately after Obama takes office this is really an article saying "The joint Chiefs of Staff are delaying any decision until Obama takes office"

idiots

Whatever decision is made, all I know is that we need to get out of Iraq. We are wasting money in that country when the war has already been won. The Iraqi people are free and no longer live under Saddam's regime. That's VICTORY!!!! Now get the hell out and let's focus on Afghanistan.

Obama nuts blaming everything on Bush in 5,4,3,2....

here we go, all the Obama nuts are starting to build in their excuses. Well, of course he won't live up to any of his promises because Bush made it impossible. Its always somebody else's fault.

Give it up. He knew what he was getting into and gladly accepted it. Now stop your whining.

600 billion over 5 years to free 57 million people from tryanny.

600 billion in one year on roads and tax refunds for people paying no income tax.

One of these is a great cause..

Mike, Syracuse NY January 7th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Iraq turned into a mess because Bush didn't listen to the advice of the military on numbers of troops needed up front. Hopefully Barry won't make the same mistake just to keep a campaign promise. If he pulls out too quickly and Iraq collapses, Obama will be forever remembered as the President who lost Iraq.
------------------------------------
Iraq was never winnable ... my dear ...

Define Victory!!!!

We can only contain the problems, but it will not be solved until teh appearance of the Anti Christ and the Return of Christ, as indicated by Revelation. Only the Anti Christ can forge a peace treaty among the Arab world and Israel. He will be a leader, coming out from EU. W serves a purpose to get rid of Saddam, to stabilize the regions. Obama serves a purpose to rebuild America to provide a more effective and transparent govenment with accountability, so the AntiChrist can rule the one-world government. All I can say is, it will not end anytime soon.

This could actually be positive for Obama. With a tenuous agreement and mounting pressure from Iraqi's and the world to end these foolish wars, Obama could exert some power and get out of Iraq by 16 months or sooner.

The progressive MSM loves those leaky liberal military official don't they..., a danger to us all..

Of course not when Obama wants to send our troops to the gaza strip to protect the muslims, that continue to fire rockets into Israel.

Good, they are waiting for the new President to decide whether they go with Petreaeus or the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I am sure Obama will come down on the side of the Staff since Obama is now the "decider"!.

Things will work out. These types of planning sessions are necessary so that the pros, cons, what-ifs, etc... of each policy matter under discussion can be thoroughly reviewed so that the best decisions can be implemented.

Luckily, we now have bright man as president who is concerned about respecting his subordinates in the military. There will be no false crusades launched under the Obama presidency. The military will not be pushed to the breaking point to achieve ideological fantasies. The National Guard units will not continue to have to be burdened with foreign deployments. I already feel safer for my friends and family that are currently in the armed services. The American people and the military is firmly in support of the Obama administration.

Virginia January 7th, 2009 11:21 am ET

Looks like this is one thing Barack has no control over, unless of course he fires the Joint Chief's Chairman and appoints someone from Chicago…….
______________________________________________________
Wow looks like your 6th grade education is finally paying off. Idiot

It really amazes me that people are already judging Obama, and he isn't even in office. To be honest I have never seen a PE work so hard before coming in. Great sign if you ask me. Now that he has access to so much more info on this war, economy and so on, I expect him to adjust or change things. Whatever the case is it isn't going to be pretty thanks to you know who. The most I can expect from Obama is just laying down the foundation. If you are seeking an overnight success story then you shouldn't be writing on this.

People, read "Audacity of Hope". If we do not help Obama's team and think in a positive direction AND pull together we can all go to Mexico and pick lettuce for 10 cents an hour. I've been a republican for over 40 years but Reagonomics and the ultra rich friends of the Bush's have destroyed the middle class in this country. If Obama and his team does not have our support and we pull together, you can all move to Mexico and pray you get a job picking lettuce!!!! Give Obama and his team a chance!!!

IF SPREDING THE FIGHT INTO PAKISTAN IS THE PATH TO SUCCESS AS THE BRILLANT ONE HAS SAID HE WILL ONLY MAKE AL-QUIDA/ TALIBAN GANGSTERS LOOK LIKE HERO'S. WE NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT A MODERN DEMOCRACY IS NOT THE HEAD CHOPPERS AND WOMAN AND CHILDREN KILLERS WHICH THEY ARE.

I feel really bad that Obama has to come into office with this mess that stupid started.....Unreal.

The Obama haters in 5,4,3,2,...

Bush got us into this with his lame WMD arguments, not Obama. Trillions spent in Iraq, almost 5000 U.S. soldiers dead, and that was Bush, not Obama. Just remember that before you start bashing.

Iraq turned into a mess because Bush didn't listen to the advice of the military on numbers of troops needed up front. Hopefully Barry won't make the same mistake just to keep a campaign promise. If he pulls out too quickly and Iraq collapses, Obama will be forever remembered as the President who lost Iraq.

Interesting, it sounds like decisions will be made based on conditions on the ground. Where have I heard that before? Not from Obama.

Looks like this is one thing Barack has no control over, unless of course he fires the Joint Chief's Chairman and appoints someone from Chicago.......