I just finished watching the French President Hollande address the French Parliament regarding the terrorist attack on Paris. The entire Parliament stood and joined Hollande in singing the French national anthem. This would include the right, the left, the progressives and the conservatives. They were all unified behind President Hollande, and swore to kick some ISIS ass.
I then turned to watch our President Obama during his speech to the nations assembled in Turkey. As he walked off the stage at the conclusion of his speech, I felt empty inside. I felt I had been given a cardboard box with nothing inside.
I have never been a real big fan of the French. I felt they were okay, but a little bizarre. I have only had a little exposure to the French, but I generally thought they were a little elitist and not particularly friendly.
Today, as I walked from my TV set to my computer, I found myself strongly supportive of the French. I wish them success against ISIS and would do anything I could to help them. I was moved by their devotion to their country and I don't think they gave a flip about what the USA thought.
I'm not completely sure what a magnificent malfunction really means, but whatever it means, I think I felt that way about Obama's speech. I listened to each word carefully. I didn't hear anything. I looked for emotion. There wasn't any. I looked for adhesive to bind the USA together. There was nothing.
I had been given a cardboard box with nothing in it. I feel Europe will address the problem of ISIS. I don't think they care what the USA does. I don't blame them. The USA can no longer lead thirsty horses to the water trough. I think we have become a magnificent malfunction.