USA. Washington D.C. 2009. The National Mall in Washington, D.C., after Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20, 2009.
An estimated 1.8 million people attended and it was one of the most watched events in the
history of television. The day was frigid but sunny. As the crowd started leaving, a strong wind
whipped up, blowing dust and garbage around the Mall.
Several months later President Obama announced an escalation of the war in Afghanistan. In a
speech to cadets at West Point he laid out his reasoning and his concerns.
“Al Qaeda and the violent extremists who you’re fighting against want to destroy. But all of you
want to build, and that is something essential about America. They’ve got no respect for human
life. You see dignity in every human being. They want to drive races and regions and religions
apart. You want to bring people together and see the world move forward together. They offer
fear. You offer hope.
“We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth that we will not eradicate violent conflict in
our lifetimes. There will be times when nations—acting individually or in concert—will find the
use of force not only necessary but morally justified.
“I make this statement mindful of the creed and lives of Gandhi and King. But as a head of state
sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone. For make
no mistake: evil does exist in the world. A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler’s
armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda’s leaders to lay down their arms.”