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Fox
Joined: 04 Mar 2009
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 Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject: Ms. Huffington Suggests Biden Resign |
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Article here.
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It's been known for a while that Biden has been on the other side of McChrystal's desire for a big escalation of our forces there -- the New York Times reported last month that he has "deep reservations" about it. So if the president does decide to escalate, Biden, for the good of the country, should escalate his willingness to act on those reservations.
What he must not do is follow the same weak and worn-out pattern of "opposition" we've become all-too-accustomed to, first with Vietnam and then with Iraq. You know the drill: after the dust settles, and the country begins to look back and not-so-charitably wonder, "what were they thinking?" the mea-culpa-laden books start to come out. On page after regret-filled page, we suddenly hear how forceful this or that official was behind closed doors, arguing against the war, taking a principled stand, expressing "strong concern" and, yes, "deep reservations" to the president, and then going home each night distraught at the unnecessary loss of life.
Well, how about making the mea culpa unnecessary? Instead of saving it for the book, how about future author Biden unfetter his conscience in real time -- when it can actually do some good? If Biden truly believes that what we're doing in Afghanistan is not in the best interests of our national security -- and what issue is more important than that? -- it's simply not enough to claim retroactive righteousness in his memoirs.
Though it would be a crowning moment in a distinguished career, such an act of courage would likely be only the beginning. Biden would then become the natural leader of the movement to wind down this disastrous war and focus on the real dangers in Pakistan.
The number of those on both sides of the political spectrum who share Biden's skepticism is growing. In August, George Will called for the U.S. to pull out of Afghanistan and "do only what can be done from offshore, using intelligence, drones, cruise missiles, airstrikes and small, potent Special Forces units."
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I have no doubt that Joe Biden is a loyal guy -- the question is who deserves his loyalty most? His "team" isn't the White House, but the whole country. And if it becomes clear in the coming days that his loyalty to these two teams is in conflict, he should do the right thing. And quit.
Obama may be no drama, but Biden loves drama. And what could more dramatic than resigning the vice presidency on principle? And what principle could be more honorable than refusing to go along with a policy of unnecessarily risking American blood and treasure -- and America's national security? Now that would be a Whisky Tango Foxtrot moment for the McChrystal crowd -- one that would be a lot more significant than some lame, after-the-fact apology delivered in a too-late-to-matter book. |
Given Biden's views on the matter, and given it's very unlikely the Administration will act in accordance with those views, do you think he should resign as suggested here, or should he just sigh and go along with it, feeling he did his best? On the one hand, this is just one particular issue amongst the many the Administration is faced with. On the other hand, it's a pretty big issue, with substantial money, American lives, and non-American lives at stake. |
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TheUrbanMyth
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Location: Retired
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| Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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| He should simply resign. Not on principle, but because he is who he is. Besides which given his choice of career, I doubt principles would have anything to do with it at this point. |
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ddeubel
Joined: 20 Jul 2005
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:32 am Post subject: |
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He should stay where he is until he gets what the American people (or 70% of them at least) want. OUT.
At this point, Biden like usual, is the consciousness of the American people. He doesn't need to cowtow to any interest. Good fur 'im. The prez needs that insight and viewpoint.
We haven't seen the last of this debate and though Obama won't take "drastic" action, don't discount him finding a way around the bullish generals and military contractors/lobby.
Great article in the IHT today about this and if I can find quickly, I'll link.
DD
http://eflclassroom.com |
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snoopdrew
Joined: 09 May 2003
Location: Bundang, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 8:10 am Post subject: |
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bad idea... he is more useful being in office than out. Whatever we might think of him when he leaves office is of lesser importance than the honest perspective badly needed now in the afghan policy debate. I'm not going to lose an experienced and knowledgeable man just so he can hold his head up high in his memoirs, long after this is all over.
this call for a resignation is just a distraction for making substantive progress not just on the war, but also on healthcare and bailout funds.
if anyone needs to resign, it's ought to be a few of these republicans, especially from south carolina. |
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