Time to Move On

It was just a matter of time before a full-throated debate was going to erupt as to whether or not the death of Osama bin Laden was going to be a political gift to President Obama.  While this classic Washington insider game rages for the moment, the American people deserve a better reflection on what bin Laden’s departure from this Earth means and doesn’t mean for the future of peace and security for America and our allies.

I have no objection to Obama taking a victory tour.  As Commander in Chief, under his direction, our warriors ensured justice was done, and a mass murderer got what he deserved.

But, the war will continue long after bin Laden’s death.  And his death was necessary because it confirmed our national commitment to hold him accountable for the murder of innocents in this nation.  It was necessary because it should send a powerful message to those seeking to harm our nation that we will be vigilant and merciless to those who attack us and our allies.  It was necessary because it is a reflection of the fact that the Global War on Terror will not be won in ten years – but, may well be the defining conflict of a generation of Americans who were born after the end of the Cold War. 

Bin Laden’s dead. 

And, any American who doubts it will never be convinced otherwise.  I don’t necessarily believe, or care, whether showing his picture is going to inflame those who want to do us harm more than not showing it. I think there is power in sending the message to those who would harm us that we will never rest until they are tracked down and killed – but, I think it’s an irrelevant debate and discussion.

The President made the right decision to terminate bin Laden’s time on Earth.  Now, he must make additional right decisions to make the most of this moment.

Bin Laden’s death makes little difference in the immediate day-to-day lives of Americans who suffer from growing prices at the pump, and an economy that is still not producing enough jobs to get nearly 14 million Americans back to work.

Our national debt and deficit continues to climb, the ObamaCare legislation is making our economy sicker and there is still no credible effort being undertaken to secure our nation’s borders from illegal immigration.

The real debate and discussion must be about what we are going to continue to do to protect this nation.

Above all else, we need to stop the politically correct rhetoric that came aboard with this Administration when they took office.

•  Tough, aggressive interrogation techniques work.  They need to continue to be used.  Terrorists understand one thing and one thing only: The threat of force, and the means and will to use it.

• The prisoners left at Guantanamo Bay are not political prisoners.  They are terrorists.  They intended to do harm to America.  If set free, they will continue to seek to do harm to America.  They do not deserve civilian trials, nor should we make allowances to provide one for them.

• The Global War on Terror is a war.  As uncomfortable as it may be to say it, or to hear it, read it or see it – it is what it is.  War.  And, it is global.  And, we must win it.

We also need to have a stern and blunt conversation with the leaders of Pakistan.  There’s no question they knew where bin Laden was – and to suggest otherwise is an insult to the thousands of American men and women who have fought and bled and died to thwart the forces of terror and evil in that region of the world.

Pakistan must understand President George W. Bush’s words he spoke before a joint session of Congress in 2001, “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

Any nation that harbors terrorists who have done harm against America, or seek to do it harm, are not protected by any rights that America will put above our right to protect ourselves from their evil.

There are numerous Americans that should be commended for their resolve, dedication and professionalism that led to the moment of Osama bin Laden’s demise. 

But, being Public Enemy #1 did not mean, nor does it mean, he is America’s only enemy. 

As much hand-wringing that has gone into whether or not we should show evidence of his death should go into this basic proposition:  He’s gone.  Let him be gone. 

Rather, let Osama bin Laden meet his Maker where his Maker sends those purveyors of evil- to rot in Hell.

And let us, as Americans, move beyond him and the evil he brought upon us and put the focus back on those things we must do to protect this nation from the next terrorist who wishes to do us harm.