"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

Ok...

What? Is he going to create a whole new department? Just as well funded? As the whole 5 branches of the military?

Just as powerful? As the United States Military? Does he mean that they'll have trident submarines?

Could some of the drooling, koolaid drunk Obamariti that frequent The Fray please tell me what on Earth this loon is talking about?

Good question. Did he really say that? Regardless of how radically socialist the guy is, I thought he was intelligent...that just sounds moronic.

Do you have a link?

I was at that speech. He wasn't talking about weapons as a measure of power.

I know Bush had discussed some sort of auxiliary type network of docs, EMTs, police, and fire to organize in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack, but that seemed to go by the wayside with the color threat chart.

If this is what Obama is referring to, something of that sort would be helpful.

Obama is pretty clear about his intentions here.

He was saying that all our problems cannot be solved militarily, that we need a civilian "security" force, as well. He was specifically talking about programs such as Americorp, Peace Corps, and others.

He obviously did not mean "powerful" in the sense of military might; rather powerful in the sense of ability to influence.

He was calling Americans to public service, to express patriotism in ways other than watching fire crackers.

Seriously, where is the problem with calling in a greater investment in public service?

You people are pathetic looking for constrovery whereever you can, especially when there clearly isn't any.

I agree that this would be a great idea, particularly if it could be tied to some form of educational assistance. It might actually get some Americans out of their isolated, self-absorbed cocoons.

The key is that if the state and local governments administer it, it must be adaquately funded by the Feds. There should almost be something barring unfunded mandates.

Read Obama's speech. It was about the power of involved citizens at many different levels.

sonfan1969:

I agree that this would be a great idea, particularly if it could be tied to some form of educational assistance. It might actually get some Americans out of their isolated, self-absorbed cocoons.

The key is that if the state and local governments administer it, it must be adaquately funded by the Feds. There should almost be something barring unfunded mandates.

Good idea. That should join the Dem's attempts to mandate pay as you go rules for congress.

When you take it out of context like that it sounds like brownshirt fascism. lol

my two cents: what do you really think is more effective at deterring ANY kind of crime 1)having a culture of awareness and connection, where people get to know their neighbors, and trust in municipal, state, and federal authorities because they and their neighbors were involved in their position.

OR

2) having a population increasing their isolation, putting up walls that block trust, becoming so cynical with politics that they don't participate, shunning their neighbors due to ethnic, religious, or economic differences, and failing to see that ALL power is with the people.

Sure, that state is protected by tanks, subs, and privacy-pilloring wiretap networks - at GREAT expense - but is that really the only way? And isn't that fertile ground for home-grown terrorism?

Seriously, Obama has a much better grasp on this stuff than some of you guys give him credit for.

That would have been an example of Obama going to extremes to get the coveted Dick Cheney endorsement.

KHpoliticalinnuendohere, well said.

WHAT KIND OF LIBERAL WIMP WOULD EVER SAY:

"What is clear to me is that there is a need for a dramatic increase in spending on civilian instruments of national security -- diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic action, and economic reconstruction and development"

GUESS WHO

<link>

What a left wing pussy! I bet Dick Cheney was spinning in his grave.

Well that's sure confusing. I thought we were supposed to mistrust and disagree with anything ever said by anybody associated with the Bush Administration...