The Politics of Benghazi

We're learning more and more about the details surrounding the terrorist attacks on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. As things continue to unfold, it seems pretty clear that, at the very least,  facts were suppressed and misreported.

Initially, we were all fed a load of bullshit about the attacks being a spontaneous reaction to an anti-Muslim internet video ("Innocence of Muslims"). As it turns out, the attacks, which left four people dead, including a US Ambassador, were pre-planned and orchestrated by Islamic militants. In the past few days, we have learned that any mention of terrorism was intentionally left out of the initial press briefings. Hmmm, I wonder if the pending 2012 Presidential election had anything to do with that? After all, an al-Qaida attack on a US service post certainly wouldn't be good for Obama who claimed that he had al-Qaida "under control".

Now in Obama's defense, he did mention the phrase "acts of terror" in at least two subsequent speeches shortly after the attacks. However, during the press briefings, we continued to be fed the bullshit about how this was not a pre-planned attack.

And right on cue, we had to listen to even more nonsense from Hillary Clinton and press secretary Jay Carney about the You Tube video and how Americans are tolerant of Muslims, blah, blah, blah........Wait a minute. Wasn't it America who was attacked? Then, why are we apologizing?? I really wish these people would grow a set of balls and instead of professing America's "tolerance", tell the world that we're not going to "tolerate" people blowing up our shit!

And then there's the issue of how Obama responded when he was first informed of the situation. The latest word is that, although military troops were prepared to go into Benghazi, they were instead told to stand down.

Now, I don't want speculate until all the facts are revealed and digested. However, I find the politics of the whole thing interesting. Although, the initial bait-and-switch explanation of the You Tube story was reckless, it at least makes a little sense politically. After all, Obama was going into the final stretches of a tight Presidential election against Mitt Romney. If Obama was found to be negligent in his handling of the Benghazi situation, it would have likely cost him crucial votes going into Election Day. So, in my opinion, he did what most politicians do and put his political career ahead of his country. If it turns out to be true, he should be held accountable. However, I seriously doubt that he will.

Now, when the dust finally settles, someone will inevitably have to be the scapegoat. Again, I expect politics to weigh heavily on who gets picked for this unpopular distinction. Assuming that Obama will refuse to take responsibility, some people have speculated that Hillary might be the "fall guy". However, this seems very unlikely if she intends on running for President in 2016. If Hillary is the Democrat's best chance of winning the White House in 2016, it's makes little sense for them to throw her under the bus now.

And speaking of elections, it was recently reported that the IRS was targeting conservative groups around the 2102 election time-frame. Although, this is scary and disturbing in itself, the timing of this revelation can't be ignored. Feeling the ever-increasing heat from the Benghazi situation, some view the IRS announcement as another smoke and mirrors trick by the Obama administration.

Talking with different people, over the past week, I've gotten some interesting responses about Benghazi. One of my liberal friends (yes, I have some) told me that he thought Obama should be impeached over this fiasco. I was shocked, as this particular guy has stood up for Obama for everything, including Obamacare,  to this point. However, another person that I spoke to felt that this is nothing more than a witch hunt by the Republicans to smear the Obama administration. A couple of people even took a slap at George Bush, saying that Benghazi was a pin prick compared to the people we lost as a result of the war in Iraq. They're certainly entitled to their criticism but the bottom line is Obama is president now.

Hopefully, before long, we'll find out what really happened on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi, Libya.

kw