The Diane Rehm Show

I'm glad the Obama administration stopped talking about a "war on terrorism" altogether. Perhaps the media could take their cue and not use language like "terror groups" which is always going to be subjective (i.e. Shabab see themselves as freedom fighters, Somalia's government see them as terrorists). If there is a specific security threat to the ... See MoreUnited States that needs to be addressed, I hope that Obama can address it on a case by case basis without getting into inexact, fear-inducing rhetoric like the "terror" label. There was far too much of that leading to disastrous consequences under the previous administration.

In defense of the media though, I should note that this NYT article on the Somalia attack does not once use the terms "terror" or "terrorism." They just objectively describe the suicide attack that occurred:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/world/africa/04somalia.html

The Republican guest today was a dramatic improvement on the CATO Institute guest yesterday. Please try to keep guests who are going to discuss issues and not just repeat talking points on your program. It makes for a much better show.

I hope you're wrong Ms. Remmell. I wish our 24/7 media would let this subject drop from sight. Why publicize flaws in our President's security? The number of threats of harm against the President have increased dramatically since Jan. 20. Why give the hate-mongers a roadmap!

How did the couple leave? did anyone think it was strange for them to walk out? Surely they didn't sneak out. Did they leave by the same route? If I were to walk off an airplane before the flight, I would encounter scrutiny. The social secretary has a staff of professional experienced workers. NONE of them made sure their production schedule included the list stations? Unbelievable.

How is the healthcare reform process doing against the goals of: relieving American industry of the burden of healthcare cost so they it can compete against competitors who don't carry that cost, eliminating healthcare as a driver to bankruptcy, and covering everyone to greatly simplify the administrative burden of health care billing?

Definition of true political courage - the willingness and the ability to dis your political base if it is determined to be in the National Interest. Obama has the right stuff and demonstrates TRUE political courage!!

I have wondered if the white house had talked or was talking to Greg Mortenson - he knows as much as anyone about what the peoples needs and wants are for Afghanistan.
I thought is was quite possible that Greg did not want it advertised he might lose the trust of the people.
I do hope though that the white house did talk to him.

Would love to have Greg and Rory Stewart (Places In Between, Prince of the Marshes) on your show together maybe. Both know Afgan people where the rubber meets the road!! Would give a great ground-level perspective in all this.

Very true..... agreed 100%

Awesome read. I just couldn't put it down and now I wish to see more efforts similar to Greg's and less of the current debacle.

I was thrilled to hear Greg Mortenson on Marketplace News the day after Obama announced 30,000 more troops going ot Afghanastan. There is also a Three Cups of Tea book for children - very appropriate for the true meaning of Christmas.