HERE"S MY POINT

Fair is Fair, Mr. President

By Ron Fitzwater

I know that many of you out there think I'm a big old Right-Wing-Republican-Conservative, and I admit that I am more conservative on many things than I am liberal, but I like to think of myself as, well, an American first, a Marine second and then everything else.

I guess if I had to design a template for my political philosophy, based on the administrations I've seen or studied in my life, it would be a combination of Clinton's economics, Reagan's foreign policy and Washing-ton's optimism.

Still I'm considered a Righty by a lot of my normal complainers. Oh darn.

So it may seem odd that this week I am actually going to praise and compliment the President for getting something right.

Last week, the President spoke before a gathering of Marines and Sailors on my old stomping grounds at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. and he did very well. Believe me, a large herd of Marines can be a tough crowd, especially when you make them have to dress-up and stand out in the cold.

But the President did do very well and talked plainly to not only the people he now commands, but also to the people of Iraq and the world.

He did use nice imagery, as well, to project to the people in the world who don't like us much; the President backed by a bunch of Marines talking to you should get your attention.

The point of the speech was to talk to Iraq about what the future of U.S. involvement in their country is go-ing to be, but he chose to do it away from the White House. Just like the signing of the Stimulus Bill in Den-ver, the President demonstrated that he plans to govern from the whole country, not just by sitting in Wash-ington. This unique conduct may be smart on his part. He was a popular candidate traveling the country, why not stick with what works and campaign for your policies to gain public support. Interesting tactic, and it seems to be effective.

He wanted to let Iraq know that the days of American protection and guidance are coming to an end and that they were going to need to get their act together and prepare to run their own country. He also wanted the troops who serve under his command to know that although the job isn't done just yet, operations in Iraq are nearing an end.

"Let me say this as plainly as I can: by Aug. 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," the President an-nounced to slowly increasing applause. Marines don't applaud until they are told it's alright.

"And under the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. We will complete this transition to Iraqi responsibility, and we will bring our troops home with the honor that they have earned," he added.

That makes the time of his withdrawal about three months longer than he had promised during the cam-paign, which some in his own party are complaining about. I think it shows that he listened to his Generals and the intelligence folks and was flexible enough to adjust his plan. He will get them out, but as safely as possible. It takes a lot of work and planning to un-occupy a country.

I can't complain about his decision, and I am glad my boys will soon be done with this mission. I'm not crazy about the build-up in Afghanistan, but I understand it. I just hope my kids get a break for a while.

Could this be a break-through? Could I be moving into the Obama-lane of the political expressway?

No.

He will do much I like and much I don't like, just as every president in my life has done, but last week he did well.

Fair is fair, so if I want to complain, I have to give credit where it is due.