How We Got Here
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is Americas forced response to the jihadist networks that have killed, maimed, and tortured Americans for years.  For too long, America’s lack of leadership has emboldened jihadist and rouge nations.  This “acceptance” paved the way for September 11th.

Under President Clinton the jihadist networks thrived.  Clinton sat on the sidelines and watched jihadist literally get away with murder.  His lack of action allowed jihadist networks to grow in size, scope, and capabilities.  Allowing the jihadist networks to blossom resulted in the fall of some countries and government infiltration within many more.

New Sheriff in Town
Let’s be honest, on September 11th most Americans knew they made the right choice by electing George Bush over Al Gore.  America was sick of inaction and complacency.  America was craving a real leader and justice.  President Bush would take action to chase down and punish the terrorist versus being part of the “blame America first crowd”.

Since taking the fight to the enemy, jihadists have sustained huge setbacks.  Driven from power in Africa and the Middle East, remnants of jihadist networks remain but are severely degraded.  Their ability to communicate and operate freely, other than on a very small scale, is non-existent. 

The policies of the Bush administration to stop the money flow and infiltrate their communication networks has hampered them to the point where those who haven’t been killed or captured have resorted to either walking off the battlefield or forced into remote areas with little or no resources to put up an effective fight.

Presidential Candidates
In respect to the GWOT, this is the 2004 Presidential race all over again.  The two leading Presidential candidates are miles apart in wisdom, philosophy, and military prowess.

One will protect America while the other will blame her.  One will continue to eradicate jihadist and fulfill a promise to our friends in Africa and the Middle East, while the other shows moral cowardice by immediately leaving Iraq thus succumbing to anti-American groups such as MoveOn.org and Code Pink.

Putting political affiliation and all other issues aside, one can only reason that it is Senator John McCain who is best qualified to be commander-in-chief.

Sacrifice and Maturity
We all know John McCain as a warrior at heart.  His journey took him from the Naval Academy to becoming a Navy pilot, to eventually being taken as a POW for 5 years.  When offered a chance to be released before others McCain rejected the offer.  He understood duty, honor, and sacrifice.  McCain doesn’t wish to place fellow military members in harms way, but understands the necessity and sacrifices that must be made.

One cannot reject the fact that Obama lacks the understanding and wisdom of the capabilities and needs of a military.  As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he chairs a subcommittee on European relations that includes, of course, NATO and therefore involvement in Afghanistan.  Hillary Clinton and Obama are both on record stating that no substantive meetings have been held.  His lack of participation demonstrates his lack of appreciation for Americans sacrificing their lives in Afghanistan.  To not hold even one meeting about oversight in Afghanistan shows a lack of wisdom and duty.

Cost of the War
Have you noticed since the war began that Obama predominantly talks about the cost of the war? 

Americans need a president to envision an endstate that brings peace to the Middle East and the United States.  They need a President with the wisdom to look at the cost of not winning this war.  They need a President that believes in General David Petraeus and fully supports the great inroads paved, not only by the surge, but shared economic investment too.

It only takes sitting in on a few briefs with the General to recognize he continually asks who is paying for new projects or assuming responsibilities for its administration / execution.  His plan requiring Iraqi investment within their infrastructure has undeniably shown tremendous results.

With water, electricity, food, health care, etc… far exceeding pre-war levels, the civilian populace are now conditioned to a better life.  So much so that they are turning in the jihadist in their neighborhood in order to keep their creature comforts.  Other then Al Qaeda, jihadists recognize they just lose more support and credibility when attacking civilians and their infrastructure.

Yes, wars are costly, but there is a shared economic responsibility and the Government of Iraq now takes the lead for budgeting and spending with their own money.

We need a President who recognizes a strategy that is exceeding expectations and continues to support those executing it.  A President planning on running away now will show the world that America doesn’t have the stomach for war and will further embolden the terrorist.

Do we really want another 4 years of Clinton-esque foreign policies where terrorist run free and without repercussions?

Why I Support John McCain
The loss of Iraq will cause ripple effects thru most of the Middle East and large portions of Northern and Eastern Africa.  The loss of sovereign nations will provide havens for jihadist networks to rebuild and prosper.  The fight will then come to our shores with possible unspeakable consequences due to a weapon of mass destruction.

John McCain knows how to best decide when, where, and how to deploy the military.  He has no problem standing alone when it comes to his opinion on American security.  He leads from the front but will allow the conditions on the ground to dictate America’s success and pullout from Iraq.

Nothing else matters if we lose security and sovereignty.  That’s why I support John McCain.

Semper Fi,

Jonathan Jenkins

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