By John W. Lillpop
In a stunning reversal of previous White House tap dances and diversionary tactics, President Obama stood before the media and actually took responsibility for the lapse in security that nearly cost more than 200 people their lives on Flight 253 .
As reported, in part, at thehill.com:
“President Barack Obama on Thursday took responsibility for a "systemic failure" that allowed an alleged terrorist to board a flight to the U.S.
”The president made the announcement at the White House after his national security team concluded the initial reviews Obama ordered after Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to detonate a plastic explosive aboard a Detroit-bound plane.
"Ultimately, the buck stops with me," Obama said.
"We are at war," Obama said. "We are at war with al-Qaeda."
Given the events of 9.11, Obama’s declaration would seem to be an unneeded rehashing of the very obvious. However, this is the president who eradicated the term “war on terror” from the vernacular and who has apologized for American policies and leaders on Muslim soil ever since his inauguration.
How refreshing to hear Obama discuss a major crisis without blaming George W. Bush.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney seems to have been a powerful factor in influencing Obama’s words, and, hopefully, future actions.
For that, America owes Dick Cheney a huge thank you!
