I read the article in the hope of finding an intelligent and informed criticism of the President's response to the situation in Libya. Instead, what I found was a poorly written article taking cheap shots and parroting right-wing political spins.
This is absurdity at its finest, and it's obvious to me that Seidel is not looking at the bigger picture here. Just for moment, forget about "the reputation and image of the United States," forget about "the world superpower other countries turn to in times of international crisis," and look at the situation.
We are already in two other countries in the Middle East, and waltzing into another country without the support of other nations, and without a plan is suicide. History has repeatedly shown us that interfering in other countries' political turmoil is a tricky business.
In my opinion, the civil unrest in Libya must be handled in such a way that preserves as many Libyan lives as possible.
I don't want to be the country that barges in and makes things even more bloody.
I want to be a part of the international community that steps in and says, "Stop."
Unfortunately, Seidel's observations are not new and fresh; they're simply a regurgitation of what right-wing political pundits are saying right now. "Oh look! He's an ineffective President! Vote Republican!"
These pundits are not saying these things because they're concerned about Libya. They're saying it to make you angry so that maybe you'll vote their way.
As an optimist, I believe that Seidel did not make these points with a political agenda; I believe that she really is concerned about Libya.
But when listening to the rhetoric of any political party, one must consider the meaning and desired function of their words, especially before spitting them back out as your own opinion.
Furthermore, it is my belief that journalists should be well-informed and make intelligent observations about any situation.
Seidel's observations about the President's NCAA bracket and his golfing are not relevant to Libya in the slightest and are so trivial that I found myself thoroughly disgusted by her own disconnect from this very important issue.
The situation in Libya is a serious matter, and I'm appalled that the editors would allow such menial politicizing to be published when people are dying in the streets of Libya.