<p>President Barack Obama will deliver Tuesday's address on Afghanistan policy at 8 p.m. Eastern time from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the White House said Wednesday. </p>
<p>The setting allows the commander in chief to talk directly to future officers as he announces a troop buildup in the eight-year war.</p>
<p>Barack</a> Obama plans Afghanistan speech at West Point - Mike Allen and Kendra Marr - POLITICO.com</p>
<p>Lots of cadets slept through it, as we saw from the many camera angles…</p>
<p>I think many cadets actually looked rather upset, which is understandable considering he basically said that he was sending them all to Afghanistan.</p>
<p>[A</a> Lonely Kind Of Courage | The New Republic](<a href=“http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/lonely-kind-courage]A”>A Lonely Kind of Courage | The New Republic)</p>
<p>I disagree. The cadets were not upset by the news one bit (and one must understand that they probably were in those seats for a solid 4 hours prior to the speech). These cadets all volunteered to go to West Point when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were raging; if they are upset that they might go to Afghanistan, they should never have applied. Secondly, part of the announcement was that this “surge,” if you will, was only to last 18 months, which means that only the class of 2010 (and possibly 2011) would be touched. Many of the plebes were 9-10 years old on 9/11, just think about that. This war has been a constant for almost a decade costing the lives of thousands of great young Americans, many of whom sat in that same auditorium just a year or two ago., Any cadet that applied thinking they’d stay out of harm’s way is a fool. They all know the gravity of the situation they are in.</p>
<p>Cadets sleep anywhere, it’s not a sign of disinterest or being upset at all. After 4 years of sleep deprivation, it kind of happens.</p>
<p>ScreamingEagle - well said. My son was in his seat 3 hours prior to the speech, some cadets were there longer. Put a tired cadet in a comfy seat for more than 5 minutes and they will nod off. I have also heard that many of the pictures of sleeping cadets were taken during the hours prior to the speech and then broadcast as though it was during the speech.</p>
<p>Here is another article of interest on the subject of cadet demeanor.</p>
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<p>From: [Reporters</a>’ Notebook: President Obama’s visit to West Point | recordonline.com](<a href=“http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091203/NEWS/912030318]Reporters”>http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091203/NEWS/912030318)</p>
<p>Screaming Eagle and WAMom,</p>
<p>Thanks for these posts. Now I wish the pundits would read them and report appropriately.</p>
<p>Thanks to Ann, WAMom, and ScreamingEagle for the thoughtful responses and related links. Reporter’s Notebook gave us some interesting observations from those present. Security issues contribute to extended periods of waiting, same at USNA. Elizabeth Samet’s narrative is thought provoking–will share it with my ensign. Many of us watching and hanging onto every word of the President’s speech were moved by the interaction between the president and enthusiastic cadets. Were the firsties seated in front?</p>