Watching (on C-SPAN of course –  why we can’t get the important real news into the mainstream news?) the respectful and thoughtful confirmation hearing of Lt. Gen Karl Eikenberry, likely to become the Ambassador to Afghanistan, I am again struck by how transparently and nobly our system functions in most matters of state.    This position will become one of the key Ambassador appointments in the world, and it appears President Obama has again chosen an intelligent and insightful political moderate to spearhead this complicated diplomatic mission.

There is far too much chatter from both the far left and far right who fret about the personal lives and minor gaffes of our public servants.   Sure there are a few bad apples but on balance we owe an enormous debt of gratitude – especially during these challenging times – to those few who are willing to work so hard to bring peace and prosperity to the rest of us.

General Eikenberry is not only taking on a difficult assignment, he’s taking on what is likely to be one of the most dangerous ones in US Government.    I really appreciate the fact that folks like this are willing to take these risks in an effort to bring peace and stability to the most troubled regions of the world.   I was not a harsh critic of President Bush’s policies, feeling we generally don’t have enough information to make informed criticisms, but I do feel that the Obama team has a much better understanding of the importance of projecting diplomacy as well as power to bring stability to regions where the bad guys have undermined the ability of the people to make their own decisions and lead the lives they choose.

Thanks General Eikenberry, and good luck to you!

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