The Libya Situation

It seems that John Avlon has captured two themes (memes?) which seem to be recurring in the wake of Tuesday's attack on the US Embassy in Libya.  One is that Gov. Romney is unfit for the nation's highest office because, as President Obama stated, "(Romney) shoots first and aims later."  The implication, of course, is that Romney's impulsivity would put the US and its citizens at risk.  The second theme, the one utilized by the Romney camp, is that President Obama is soft on our enemies when he should be strong and that he repeatedly apologizes to the world for the errors of the US.  As a result, the thinking goes, we are put at risk because we are perceived by our enemies as weak.

In Avlon's article Sarah Palin colorfully supports the latter view, stating, "We already know that president Obama likes to 'speak softly' to our enemies.  If he doesn't have a 'big stick' to carry, maybe it's time for him to grow one."
A Facebook "friend" of mine echoes the sentiment, asserting that, "To think that being nice to your enemies will win them over is flawed foreign policy."

But there are many who feel that Gov. Romney's criticism is inappropriate.  Avlon points out that Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush declined to criticize the decisions of then-President Carter during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, expressing their desires to support the sitting President (even though they both wanted his job).  Many in government today, including some Republicans, seem to agree that this is a time for Americans to stand united, not a time to attempt to exploit a tragedy.

Avlon cites an "old adage": "Partisanship ought to end at the water's edge."  Sounds like a good idea.