President Obama, time to make a decision

Let me see if I have the facts straight.

Last May, President Obama removed Gen. David D. McKiernan as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan and replaced him with Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who in September issued a dire report warning that, without as many as 40,000 more troops for the fight in Afghanistan, the mission "will likely result in failure."

President Obama rebutted that he would make no quick decision but take as long as needed to do a broad study first on the issue. Is this about genuine concern, or could this delay simply be a politically driven tactic for upcoming state elections?

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Roughly a month after McChrystal's requests, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel continued to blame the Bush administration for the chaos in the war. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs blamed former Vice President Cheney. Vice President Biden blamed the generals for a bad military plan. And presidential adviser David Axelrod blamed Fox News!

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Two weeks ago, when asked about Obama's indecisiveness about McChrystal's requests, White House Press Secretary Gibbs rebutted, "The president will make a decision in the next few weeks, in the coming weeks. I don't know when that decision will be – it could be before the (Afghanistan political) run off (on Nov. 7), it might be after the run off."

Meanwhile, more U.S. troops died at the hands of our enemies.

Last Friday, the president met with the joint chiefs of staff and discussed the Afghan-Pakistani situation some more and then said he wants another meeting.

It has been almost two months since Gen. McChrystal first warned the president of the dire situation in Afghanistan, and yet our commander in chief continues to delay a response.

Meanwhile, record numbers of U.S. troop casualties mount in Afghanistan.

When our president and his administration go to war against the former administration and Fox News channel, but do not give our generals on the ground the troops that they need to win the war, something is definitely amiss. Instead of a trip to Dover Air Force Base to greet the dead coming home, Obama should send more troops to Afghanistan to protect them from dying.

Instead of a "McChrystal light" alternative that is based upon partisan preferences and a delayed political move to force a Nov. 7 Afghan re-election, Obama should provide immediate and complete compliance to our generals' expert analysis and requests that is based upon the protection of our troops and the success of the mission. So much for Obama's campaign promise, "I will make the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban the top priority that it should be." President Obama, stop riding the fence!

While the White House procrastinates on the protection of our troops, the least we can do as Americans is find a way to support them. I even read recently about Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, who for more than 20 years has honorably served his country, including three tours in Iraq and also Panama and in the Gulf War. Despite his commendable service, however, on Dec. 1, 2009, Lt. Col. Chessani will face a military board of inquiry to determine whether he is guilty of misconduct and should be demoted because of the "Haditha Massacre" – an event now known never to have occurred. You can read more about his military tribunal and donate to his case at the Thomas More Law Center website. Whether it's donating to Lt. Col. Chessani's case, starting a campaign against the delays in Washington or preparing Christmas care packages for our troops, I want to encourage all Americans to find a way this holiday season to support our service men and women, particularly those in the Middle East.

There's nothing funny about war – nothing. But if something puts a smile on the faces of our service men and women, then count me in. That is why I've recently set up with the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Give2TheTroops a way to bless the troops with a copy of my fun and inspirational new book, "The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book," which contains 101 of my favorite Chuck Norris facts and related stories (many military) – released this week and proceeds from which go to help KickStartKids. You can see and read samples of the 101 entries here. And should you want to bless our troops with a copy (or copies) of the book, during your online checkout for the book, you can arrange to have it shipped directly to Give2TheTroops national headquarters via the address below. Give2TheTroops will assure that the books are included in their Christmas care packages, sent overseas and placed into the hands of our service men and women.

Please ship the books to:

Give2TheTroops
196 West St.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Here's one more example of one of my "Freedom" entries from my book:

Official Chuck Norris Fact No. 14

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"Why were no weapons of mass destruction found in the Middle East? Because Chuck Norris lives in Texas."

Let's be honest …

War is never easy, and it can often be controversial. Indeed, as Gen. Sherman said, "War is hell." Still, despite our divergent views on warfare, we all can agree that our servicemen and servicewomen deserve our support and commendation. I am humbled by their courage and grateful for their service.

Thanking our military is why, in 2006 and 2007, I visited our troops in the Middle East. I went to 28 bases and shook hands with nearly 40,000 troops. It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

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When I first arrived in Iraq, some of the troops held up a huge sign that said, "Chuck Norris is here! We can go home now!" I wish that were true.

Even in the severity of war, I was pleased to see that our troops could enjoy lighter moments, even using my name and reputation. I still smile when I think about the special forces unit that had named their vehicle after me. Other units not only adopted my image on their vehicles, but one even had the call sign of "Walker."

While I was overseas, one soldier said that the only way he would re-enlist was if the unit "got Chuck Norris out here." I was told about this while I was visiting the base where he was stationed. When I met him, the soldier asked me to "put him into an arm bar" (twisting his arm behind his back) as he happily signed his re-enlistment paperwork. (I'm a patriot, so what else could I do but oblige?)

I'll be honest with you. I understand why people are against the wars we're in. But I simply don't understand how anyone could neglect to support these fine servicemen and servicewomen. It is not only unpatriotic; it's unjust.

The military is very close to my heart because it turned my life around. Joining the Air Force helped me get on the right path. I still believe it can help others, too. That is why I stand with the majority of Americans who say to all our service members, their families, and indeed all the veterans who have served this great country and the cause of freedom, "We salute you. We support you. And we will continue to pray for you."

They said it …

"It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." – Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

Chuck's Code (Freedom):

Think of yourself as a leader rather than a follower. Your subconscious mind will take it as a fact, and you will act accordingly.

As a family member who has experienced the military sacrifice of a loved one (my brother Wieland in Vietnam in 1970), and as a veteran of the Air Force who was based in Korea, like many of you I understand the costs of fighting for freedom. So let's join together in extending a simple thank you, a letter or an outstretched hand of gratitude to our service men and women and their families. Thanking you in advance for your support.