Throw your bags... anywhere

The President is sending additional American troops here as you may have seen on the news or read below. I hope they enjoy the luxury accomidations. Guys, sorry but due to the faltering economy, the Army has had to cut back on room service and the pool is temporarily closed. Doesn't it look exactly like your local Holiday Inn!

Thank you Mr. President

Below, are President Obama's remarks following his decision to send 17,000 additional troops to help in the fight here in Afghanistan.


For Immediate Release February 17, 2009
"There is no more solemn duty as President than the decision to deploy our armed forces into harm’s way. I do it today mindful that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan demands urgent attention and swift action. The Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan, and al Qaeda supports the insurgency and threatens America from its safe-haven along the Pakistani border.


To meet urgent security needs, I approved a request from Secretary Gates to deploy a Marine Expeditionary Brigade later this spring and an Army Stryker Brigade and the enabling forces necessary to support them later this summer. This increase has been requested by General McKiernan and supported by Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs and the Commander of Central Command. General McKiernan’s request for these troops is months old, and the fact that we are going to responsibly drawdown our forces in Iraq allows us the flexibility to increase our presence in Afghanistan.


This reinforcement will contribute to the security of the Afghan people and to stability in Afghanistan. I recognize the extraordinary strain that this deployment places on our troops and military families. I honor their service, and will give them the support they need.


This increase is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires. That is why I ordered a review of our policy upon taking office, so we have a comprehensive strategy and the necessary resources to meet clear and achievable objectives in Afghanistan and the region. This troop increase does not pre-determine the outcome of that strategic review. Instead, it will further enable our team to put together a comprehensive strategy that will employ all elements of our national power to fulfill achievable goals in Afghanistan. As we develop our new strategic goals, we will do so in concert with our friends and allies as together we seek the resources necessary to succeed."

Another successful mission

Today we took another shipment of medical supplies to the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital. I honestly believe the supplies we are taking there are actually making a difference. Unlike my first trip there, this time I did not see one child with old, nasty bloody bandages on their wounds. The dressings seemed to be fresh, clean and new. I can only attribute that to the donations I have been receiving from many of you loyal readers. THANK YOU!

I was told this latest shipment of medical supplies will be enough to hold the hospital over for the next three months. While that's wonderful news, I want to be able to supply the hospital for the next year. Wow, I'm starting to sound like the Red Cross or PBS asking for more and more and more donations.

Anyways, enjoy the pictures posted above. I love seeing the smiles on these kid's faces. If you sent me a box, can you find it in one of the pictures? It's sort of like Where's Waldo... but with boxes.