An apology is owed

Full Statement from The Honorable Leon E. Panetta issued Tuesday

“President Trump owes an apology to Admiral Bill McRaven and all of the special operations forces and intelligence professionals who planned and executed one of the most important counter-terrorism missions in our nation’s history. The operation to hunt down Osama Bin Laden -- the terrorist responsible for the 9/11 attacks on our country – was a major blow to Al Qaeda and one of the finest examples of bravery and courage I have seen in 50 years of public service. The CIA located the compound in Abbottabad where Bin Laden was hiding. CIA officers briefed Admiral McRaven on the compound in late January 2011. President Obama and his national security team directed McRaven to plan the mission in rapid fashion. Within 100 days, Osama Bin Laden was dead.  The President’s statement criticizing McRaven for not getting Bin Laden sooner is patently ridiculous.  It demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of how our military and intelligence agencies operate and undermines the President’s own standing as Commander-in-Chief.”

Feel good about yourself

Dear friends, 

If you want to feel good about yourself do as I did today: 

I voted!

I took advantage of the early voting opportunity. There were four clerks checking voters in and multiple electronic voting booths. When I arrived I was in a line of about 30 voters; it moved quickly and everyone was courteous. I said “thank you” to the poll workers.

Whether you vote early or on Election Day, November 6, get out and vote. This is our golden opportunity to show the world the best of America. I guarantee it will make you feel good all over.