Originally posted by Sestias
Gates will be working for a new boss now, so you can't assume he will continue Bush's policies.
In fact,
this applies to all the choices he has made from the Clinton years and other previous administrations. All the complaining about this not
being "change" is summed up in your sentence. They're working for a new boss, so we can't assume they will continue practices from before.
Originally posted by sos37
You have to to remember what Obama campaigned on most of the time - that he would make it a priority to brings the troops home immediately.
Over 16 months. He said he wanted to
start immediately and bring them home over a period of 16 months. He was always clear that that's what
his
plan was and that he would have to get further informed to know whether or not it would work out as he planned.
So what is your message to all Obama supporters who voted for him based on the Iraq war being their number one concern and wanting the troops brought
home?
I AM one of those Obama supporters who was FIRST drawn to his desire to end the Iraq war. It was my first priority. I still think he wants to end the
Iraq war, but it may take longer than 16 months to get all of our troops out of there. That's OK. I get it. I understand.
I feel great knowing that he
wants to end the war as opposed to Bush/Cheney, et al, whose priority was to keep it going. At least I feel we'll
be headed in the right direction.
And keeping a Secretary of Defense from the other party IS CHANGE. Putting the stability of the situation over personal desires IS change. Putting
Country First IS Change!

It's anti-cronyism. I totally approve of this choice! I think it's the smart (and unselfish) thing to do.
[edit on 26-11-2008 by Benevolent Heretic]