WASHINGTON (SR) - President Obama reacted Thursday to published accounts claiming military morale in Afghanistan is plummeting, saying morale has improved under his administration.
"Like a parent who doesn't care, my predecessor was quick to entertain every whim of the commanders in the field, giving them a false sense of empowerment but in reality degrading overall morale by denying these commanders and their forces the character building and sense of accomplishment that can only come through adversity and need," Obama said in a recorded statement played for reporters.
"My administration has brought the one thing the U.S. military needed most, and that thing was hope," the President continued. "Additional troops and armament may have a place in war, but the most powerful force we wield is hope. I can tell you, I've never seen more hope from a commander and his troops than what I'm seeing now from Gen. McChrystal and his brave forces struggling to contain the enemy in Afghanistan."
Obama concluded by saying, "I've met with many of our brave warriors and I've yet to see one not smiling when he or she shakes my hand - it's obvious their morale has never been better, ever."
My comments: Well, there you go. Let's toast our courageous Commander-in-Chief and all the brave men and women in uniform with a delicious peach margarita!
Gen. McChrystal hopes for reinforcements, Obama gauges troop morale
