I need to be reminded again what Obama did that was so great? Not a word from the White House on this matter in days.

If he did order the Navy to end the situation (rather than turfing it to Gates), then it’s nothing that he should be congratulated for … it’s the minimum expectation of his office. The kudos would seem to be solely for the Navy personnel and the personal bravery of Captain Richard Phillips of the Alabama who once more risked his life by jumping in the water. You can rest assured that if was a cock-up, Obama would have disavowed any role.

If we want to praise Obama, let’s praise him for not immediately closing Gitmo, or precipitously pulling out of Iraq. Let’s praise him for trying to stabilize Afghanistan. Let’s not give him undue credit for steel, nerve or character simply for ordering a take-down on four pirates in an open boat. Let’s seem him actually lead on ending this pirate mess and freeing some 240 other hostages. Then we can offer him praise worthy of the office to which he holds, and not allow him to bask in the reflected glory of the men and women are actually in harm’s way.