Amb. Rice Sounds Eerily Bushesque

“Actively countering a clear and present danger,” says Rice, that’s what we’re doing in Afghanistan, regardless of the reality that there are less than 100 al Qaeda in that country, with the Taliban embedded in the consciousness of that country. With Rice claiming there is symbiosis between the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, a remarkable assertion that sounds like a melding of the Pakistan reality for practical purposes, but something that conflates reality of two quite different situations, even if they’re tied together geographically. The escalation of troops now also having the purpose of dismantling al Qaeda in Pakistan, an absurd suggestion, even as the CIA covert “war” rages under the radar.

In what can only be described as a defensive and formidable performance with Rachel Maddow, Amb. Susan Rice makes some of the most Bushesque statements that have been uttered from a Democrat in recent memory. Coming off Pres. Obama’s speech that was also eerily Bush-like, invoking 9/11 and other terms to conjure frightful memories, including that plots have been foiled, while breezily invoking fear, the case being made for escalation in Afghanistan is remarkably un-Democratic and most assuredly anti-liberal.

None of this surprises people who have followed Obama closely during the primaries, but renders many promises pulverized on the altar of presidential imperatives.

The humanitarian mission in Afghanistan having disappeared, replaced by hard target dates of withdrawal, which contradict Rice’s claim of “clear and present danger.” The New York Times is reporting both Afghanistan and Pakistan are “rattled” by Obama’s draw down plan. They aren’t alone, as it’s putting Obama’s prior policy on its head.

Whether it’s Rice’s rhetoric or Pres. Obama’s on defending the new strategy, none of it gels with the withdrawal plans. That is unless you take into account the 2012 election cycle.

No doubt the American people understand and recognize Amb. Rice’s words, which could have been said by a Bush official, but that doesn’t make them inspirational or anything for which liberals should identify. That Amb. Rice is adept at making her case is a credit to the Administration, but that it sounds like what came before the Obama administration, policies that the voters one year ago rejected should give everyone who voted for Barack Obama pause.

Disturbing rhetoric from an Administration that promised “change,” but is delivering anything but.

Segue to Jon Stewart.

TM NOTE: I’ll be out most of the day today. This afternoon in the 3-4:00 pm hour, I’m scheduled to be on MSNBC, though we’ve been trying to coordinate schedules for months, so let’s hope we can make it happen today. Stay tuned and don’t forget to post In the News any developing stories.