Dems And Convention Coverage Ignore National Security

Jennifer Rubin's column in the Washington Post offers her take on the ISIS murder of a priest in France and how the Democrats at their National Convention in Philadelphia have failed so far to acknowledge terrorism.

The recent spate of horrific terrorist incidents in Europe, including the gruesome slaughter Tuesday of a priest in France, underscores the degree to which the Islamic State has become a daily menace for our allies.

... Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) put out a statement: “This is the face of evil. To invade a sanctuary open to all—a place of worship and refuge—to kill and terrorize innocent people who devoted their lives to the teachings of Christ lays bare the barbarism of radical jihadism.” He continued: “I am outraged for the families of the victims, for our ally France, for the Catholic Church, and for humanity. This attack joins a lengthening string of jihadist attacks around the world, and it should steel our collective resolve to defeat ISIS abroad before they attack us at home and put an end to this madness.”

Democrats, as Republicans pointed out, on Monday night entirely omitted mention of the “Islamic State” or “ISIS.” They do so — and remain silent on the latest monstrosity — at their peril. Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Tuesday, Hillary Clinton mentioned the topic, but only briefly: “We have to protect ourselves against terrorists. To do that, we need to lead other countries in stopping ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other radical jihadist groups. We shouldn’t leave that to the rest of the world to figure out on their own — that won’t keep us safe.” Perhaps she or someone on the podium tonight will find time to make a more complete statement of American determination.

The media covering the convention did not find it odd or did not choose to cite the Democratic National Committee’s silence on national security, but then foreign affairs ordinarily gets subsumed in horse-race political coverage of elections.

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/07/26/dems-and-convention-coverage-ignore-national-security/?wpisrc=nl_popns&wpmm=1

Why Was Michelle Obama At The Oscars And Why Didn't She Mention The Military People Behind Her Used As Props

Jennifer Rubin at the Washington Post wants to know, as do I and millions of others, why did Michelle Obama appear at the Oscars?

It was the average too-long, unfunny, over-produced Academy Awards TV show, and then, after suffering through the 10-hour (well, it seemed like it) show, there was the first lady. In a ball gown. With military service personnel in dress uniform behind her.

She declared of the Best Picture nominees, “They reminded us that we can overcome any obstacle if we dig deep enough and fight hard enough and find the courage within ourselves.”

Alas, none of the films nor her aides reminded her to mention the military, not those personnel behind her nor those serving overseas, an odd omission for the White House that nevertheless was pleased to have them arrayed behind her like, well, set decoration.

She did have time to give a crumb to the gay community, applauding the movies that inspire us ”no matter who we are or what we look like or who we love,” adding that “they are especially important for our young people.” (Except when they contain gruesome violence, traffic in stereotypes or use gratuitous profanity, I guess.) Real heroes, such as our servicemen and servicewomen, inspire us, too, I would think.

... No one, it seems, gets within a mile of the White House with any sense of restraint. No one there would dare suggest nearly half the country didn’t vote for him and doesn’t much like him and might want to be left to their small daily pleasures. (Greta Garbo said it best.) And no one there is apt to explain that the White House, the military and the first lady (not this one in particular) are institutions bigger than the Obamas and their e-mail list.

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2013/02/25/why-was-michelle-obama-at-the-oscars/