Shock & Awe: The War Against Oil!
President Obama’s Oval Office speech last night seemed familiar. As if a speech writer had called up the President’s stock al-Qaeda speeches and done a find-replace. Delete “enemy,” insert “oil.”
A side-by-side comparing last night’s battle lines to the battle lines used in speeches about, um, actual battles!
“But make no mistake: We will fight this spill with everything we’ve got for as long as it takes.”—Oil Spill Address
“But make no mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home.” —State of the Union Address, Jan. 27, 2010
“We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused. And we will do whatever’s necessary to help the Gulf Coast and its people recover from this tragedy.”—Oil Spill Address
“We are at war against al Qaeda…And we will do whatever it takes to defeat them.”—Statement about Failed Christmas Day Bombing Attempt, Jan. 7, 2010
“[S]adly, no matter how effective our response is, there will be more oil and more damage before this siege is done.”—Oil Spill Address
“One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege....Today…ordinary life is beginning to return.”—...Oops. This was actually President Bush. Back in 2007. Getting a bit harder to tell these guys apart.
I presume all this talk of a “battle plan” was meant to project strength. And it’s true that Americans love a good fight. But as much as we’d like to nuke the oil well, we all know that the oil is not, um, alive. Would that it were! We could perhaps negotiate.
Parkeren Schiphol said on August 12, 2010 at 9:03 am
Good news! I like Obama. He is not a man from waiting, but a man from action.
coach designer handbag said on August 24, 2010 at 5:10 am
To some extent he is a great leader
War said on September 03, 2010 at 5:55 am
Wow…that was a sure giveaway!! Does President Obama’s official writer think that the viewers are all fools to just sit and listen and not realize that his speech (certain phrases of his speech, at least!!) has been lifted off from others given earlier? I am truly sorry for our President who is being taken for a ride by people who should help him to do his work well!! I hope they realize their “slip-up” and do a better join next time - let them not forget that they are working for the President of the United States!!
Parkeren dichtbij schiphol said on November 26, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Obama is a better president than Bush, however Obama also makes mistake like the late respons regarding the oil disaster! Besides that I think America must improve its way of living. Such a big country but no responsiblity for this earth and enviroment.