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Obama Talks Terror at Navy Graduation

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2009 12:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama reiterated his wish to close Guantanamo Bay and rein in harsh interrogation techniques in an address today to graduates of the Naval Academy, the Wall Street Journal reports. “We uphold our fundamental principles and values not because we choose to, but because we swear to,” he said. “Not because they feel good but because they help keep us safe.”

Obama also told the newly minted Navy and Marine officers that they were responsible for the nation’s image overseas. The job is “to project American principles and values when you pull into that foreign port,” Obama told the graduates. “For so many people around the world, you are the face of America.” The ceremony marked the third and last of Obama’s commencement-season speaking engagements.

Graduates toss their hats at the end of the US Naval Academy graduation ceremony.
Graduates toss their hats at the end of the US Naval Academy graduation ceremony.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama congratulates Jack McCain, son of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as he graduates at the US Naval Academy.
President Barack Obama congratulates Jack McCain, son of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as he graduates at the US Naval Academy.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama is saluted as arrives at the United States Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Md.
President Barack Obama is saluted as arrives at the United States Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Md.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Robert_Dada
May 23, 2009 12:03 PM CDT
He's an uneducated, inarticulate person. To be ignored for sure.
luluzz
May 23, 2009 7:09 AM CDT
Ask the graduates what they thought of his address. Seems to me he tried to take the pride and strength away from them. Trying to make them peace symbols around the world rather than protectors of their country.
jaguarj
May 22, 2009 9:10 AM CDT
Hey NONUTS..your bitter ignorance is showing!!
 

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