The Clarion
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Volume 75, Issue 12 SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935 Dec. 4, 2009
President Obama addresses nation
President Barack Obama addresses the United States about the
ongoing conflict in Afghanistan
by John Climer
Managing Editor
Earlier this week, President Barack
Obama addressed the US and the global
community about what some would
consider his most important and difficult
decision yet: to send more troops to the
ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
In this issue...
NEWS:
Security Report 2
Message from AD 2
Student Q’N’A 3
SGA Beat 4
Bookstore Survey 4
OPINION:
Origin of Candy Canes 5
Santa Claus 5
ARTS & LIFE/MISC.:
5 Dollar word 7
Comic by Karam Boeshaar 7
Comic by Dabney Farmer 7
SPORTS:
Women's Basketball 6
ODDS AND ENDS:
American Hero 8
Your Horoscope 8
The President spoke at the Eisenhower
Hall Theatre at the US Military Academy
at West Point in New York. He began his
speech by commending the efforts of the
soldiers attending the event and the soldiers
serving in Afghanistan.
The President then moved on to address
why the conflict began, recounting the
events that occurred on the morning of
September 11,2001 and recounting the zeal
displayed when, “Congress authorized the
use of force against al Qaeda and those who
harbored them...”
As he continued, the President gave a
brief timeline of the events of the war, stating
that, “Within a matter of months, al Qaeda
was scattered and many of its operatives
were killed. The Taliban was driven from
power and pushed back on its heels.”
He continued, saying, “...the situation
in Afghanistan has deteriorated. After
escaping across the border into Pakistan
in 2001 and 2002, al Qaeda’s leadership
estabhshed a safe haven there.”
The President then addressed the key
issue of
his speech,
saying,“... as
Commander-
in-Chief,
I have
determined
that it is in
our vital
national
interest to
send an
additional
30000 US
troops to
Afghanistan.
After 18 months, our troops will begin to
come home.” He continued, saying, “I
do not make this decision hghtly. I make
this decision because I am convinced that
our security is at stake in Afghanistan and
Pakistan... It is from here that we were
attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that
new attacks are being plotted as I speak.”
President Obama went on to address that
the ongoing conflict in these countries, “...
is not just America’s war... Because this is
an international effort. I’ve asked that our
commitment be joined by contributions
from our allies.”
The President then put forth one of the
strongest statements in his speech, saying,
“The days of providing a blank check
are over... we will be clear about what
we expect from those who receive our
assistance.”
Addressing the monetary costs associated
with continuing and escalating the conflict
in Afghanistan, the President stated that
estimates for, “Our new approach in
Afghanistan is likely to cost us roughly $30
billion for the military this year.”
As the President concluded his speech,
he recounted that, “... when this war began,
we were
united -
bound
together
by the
fresh
memory
of a
horrific
attack...
I refuse
to accept
the
notion
that we
cannot
summon that unity again... we are passing
through a time of great trial... our cause is
just, our resolve unwavering.”
afQHahi-stan ma^