Don't Blame it on Rio

On the occasion of sending US military into harm’s way is typically announced by the president to the American people.  President Roosavelt did so by radio following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces.  Other presidents have done the same throughpout the years.  Below are a few examples of more recent presidential proclamations about use of military force.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

President Ronald R. Reagan:  "At 7 o'clock this evening eastern time air and naval forces of the United States launched a series of strikes against the headquarters, terrorist facilities, and military assets that support Mu`ammar Qadhafi's subversive activities. The attacks were concentrated and carefully targeted to minimize casualties among the Libyan people with whom we have no quarrel. From initial reports, our forces have succeeded in their mission."

President George H.W. Bush:  "Just 2 hours ago, allied air forces began an attack on military targets in Iraq and Kuwait. These attacks continue as I speak."

President George W. Bush:  "My fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger."

President Barack Obama:  "Hello Rio de Janeiro"

This week the US military forces got involved in operations in and near Libya, along with forces from several other countries.  President Obama chose to carry out his travels to Latin America, and on the occasion of the initial operations against Libyan forces, he spoke to Brazilian crowds in Rio de Janeiro.  The American people were not his first priority.