Mr. President: Take Some Advice from John Wooden

President Obama met with some sailors yesterday and again defended his indecision on his strategy in Afghanistan.

I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm's way. I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," Obama said to loud applause. "And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt

It's now been more than two months since the General, Stanley McChrystal, requested about 40,000 more troops for the war in Afghanistan. The president has yet to give the general the troops he requested. When criticized, the president constantly reminds everyone the gravity of the decision. No one doubts that this decision is of vital importance. Unfortunately, in war, very difficult decisions must often be made without the benefit of time.

John Wooden used to follow a philosophy that should help the president here, "be quick but don't hurry." Everyone agrees that this decision must be made carefully, but it also must be made quickly. John Wooden used that philosophy to great success in basketball and the president must stop delaying and make this decision as well.

The war continues while the presidents mulls his "solemn decision". That's unacceptable. Wars are fluid and decisions can't be made at your own pace. They must be made at the pace of the war. In that respect, it's no different than basketball. Wooden's philosophy is simple and it applies here. The president must start to be quick while not hurrying. Right now, it appears as though he simply doesn't want to make a decision.