As a naval officer for thirty years my job performance was graded annually by my superior and captured in a Report of Officer Fitness or more commonly refereed to as a “FITREP.” Over time both the numerical grade and written remarks so inflated that it was difficult for one to distinguish between a “water walker” and an also ran. One consequence of this was that there were occasional officers who actually believed what was written was true reflection of their job performance. They would diversely be called officers who considered themselves to be a legend in their own mind.
When President Biden recently spoke to the United Nations General Assembly to review his foreign policy achievements while serving as America’s Commander-in-Chief I had chuckle. For a foreign policy “expert” let’s review what took place during his watch. Russia invaded Ukraine after he uttered the ineffectual warning “don’t;” HAMAS terrorists sponsored by Iran invaded Israel killing American citizens and holding others hostages; China influence has now dominated the continent of Africa; America’s Armed Forces have both a recruiting and combat readiness shortfalls and is doubtful is we would prevail in a full-scale conflict with either Russia or the Peoples Republic of China. Iran is close that ever to having nuclear weapons due to our dithering. In short, a sad state of affairs brought to you by the Administration who was elected in part to restore our hegemony on the world stage.
The launch of a Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean towards Guam was not by accident but a not-so-subtle signal that when weakness is detected China will take advantage until it becomes apparent that escalation is not worth the risk. China also for the first time in history has three operational aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean which was once the exclusive domain of the United States navy.
Yes, when I heard President Biden address his peers, I could not help but think that like some of my former naval officer peers he indeed is a legend in is own mind. What is even more worrisome is that Kamal Harris has NO foreign policy experience. Let’s hope we will be in a stronger position after 5 Nov but only time will tell ….
2 comments
“The launch of a Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean towards Guam . . .
I guess you don’t know about the Chinese nuclear sub that sank while tied up to a pier. So much for Chinese military superiority. Their naval vessels still are not competent at underway replenishment, which is something the US Navy perfected before WW II.
What mind? He lost it a long time ago.