SOTUS Thoughts
Jotted a few notes during the SOTUS.
Who is the enemy?
How do we recognize them? How do we define “terrorist” and “extremist?” We need specifics and tools that allow us to circumscribe the enemy as narrowly as possible. Every person unnecessarily categorized as an enemy is a lost potential ally.The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists — evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.
How are we fighting this enemy?
Since 9/11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies… We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated.
What will a defeated enemy look like? When does it end? Or, putting in a positive sense, what does victory look like?
In short, we still need a more specific definition of the enemy, a more explicit strategy for combating him, and clearer description of what defeating him looks like. What does our end-state look like, specifically? What does the enemy’s end-state look like? It is politically risky to make such statements (once you explicitly stand for something, you risk failing to obtain it). That doesn’t make it any less essential to provide a vision that can harmonize America’s actions, pump up the resolve of our citizens, attract allies and isolate our enemies.
