May 23, 2012 10:46 PM UTC

Obama Waxes "Exceptionally American" At AFA Commencement

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan

Don Branum, public affairs officer for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, filed this report on President Barack Obama’s commencement address this morning:

President Barack Obama called the Air Force Academy’s Class of 2012 exceptional during his commencement address in Falcon Stadium May 23 for the spirit embodied in their class motto: “Numquam Hesitabimus, Numquam Deficiemus” — “Never Falter, Never Fail.”

The Class of 2012, the Academy’s 54th graduating class, set records for the largest number of graduates who will conduct post-graduate research after the ceremony and the largest number of female graduates in Academy history with 237…

“You are part of the finest, most powerful military the world has ever known. … We will be leaner, but as commander in chief, I will not allow us to repeat the mistakes of the past,” Obama continued. “We need you to be ready for the full range of threats, from nations seeking weapons of mass destruction to the cell of terrorists planning the next attack; from the old danger of piracy to the new threat of (cyberwarfare).”

Obama cited several reasons why he sees the 21st century as another American century: because of the nation’s resilience; its alliances; its drive to lead global affairs and spread the American values of freedom and liberty; but perhaps most importantly because of the spirit of its people — people like 2nd Lt. Edward Camacho, a Venezuela native whose chase for his dream to be a pilot led him to the Academy.

“Edward … said what we all know to be true: ‘I’m convinced that America is the land of opportunity.’ You’re right, Edward. That is who we are. That’s the America we love: always young, always looking ahead to that light of a new day on the horizon,” Obama said.

“It’s that simple yet revolutionary idea that was at our founding and in our hearts ever since: that we have it in our power to make the world anew, to make the future what we will,” he continued. “It’s that fundamental faith: that American optimism, which says that no challenge is too great, no mission too hard. It’s the spirit that guides your class: ‘Never Falter, Never Fail.’ … With your proud service, I am absolutely confident that America will meet the challenges of our time.”

Adds FOX 31’s Eli Stokols:

Obama also implored the cadets to be part of a second “American Century”, laying out a vision for the future and emphasizing his belief – the very belief questioned earlier this month by Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman – in American exceptionalism.

“I see an American Century because of the character of our country – the spirit that has always made us exceptional,” Obama said.

The fact that President Barack Obama had this venue with which to reaffirm the credentials Mike Coffman crassly disparaged…safe to say, it helps you get why Coffman is hiding.