At the VFW National Convention in Phoenix today, President Obama focused on the war in Afghanistan, saying the conflict is “fundamental to the defense of our people.”
The insurgency in Afghanistan didn’t just happen overnight. And we won’t defeat it overnight. This will not be quick. This will not be easy.
But we must never forget. This is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again.
He said part of the strategy includes helping to secure polling places for this week’s presidential elections.
Obama also touched on Iraq, saying the U.S. must keep its commitment to turn security over to Iraqi forces.
He promised to cut waste in defense spending, using as an example a presidential helicopter that would have cost billions.
“Among other capabilities, it would let me cook a meal while under nuclear attack. I’ll tell you something. If the United States of America is under nuclear attack, the last thing on my mind will be whipping up a snack,” he said.
He also spoke about veterans’ health care, promising to make the Veterans Affairs system work more efficiently, with shorter backlogs and wait times. Part of that will include switching to lifetime electronic records to reduce paperwork.
“I know you’ve heard this for years,” he said, “But we’re gonna be able to do it.”
He spoke about investing in the best equipment and training, increasing troop levels and reducing stop-loss, even in a recession.
These are major investments, and these are difficult times. Fiscal discipline demands that we make hard decisions — sacrificing certain things we cannot afford. But let me be clear. America’s commitments to its veterans are not just lines in a budget. They are bonds that are sacrosanct — a sacred trust we are honor bound to uphold. And we will.
