Piece on Public Reaction to U.S. Involvement in Libya

Obama's Speech Fails to Reach the People

By Estefania Souza

BOSTON--President Obama attempted to clarify U.S. involvement in Libya in his speech Monday night. But there was on problem with Mr. OBama's address: many people did not watch it.

"I couldn't find the broadcast, said Gerrit Petersen. Petersen claimed to have looked for the president's speech on television, but was unable to find it.

Still, Petersen has a strong opinion regarding the U.S. involvement in Libya. "It's a complicated situation... but he (Obama) could have done better selling it to the people," said Petersen.
"[This time] we didn't have to be the world's cop," said Petersen, who considers himself liberal but Democrat at times. The U.S. is not acting alone, but in cooperation with other nations of the U.N. Security Council. "It's a multi-lateral effort...supporting rather than attacking," said Petersen.

Richard Lehr, a professor and Democrat at Boston University, was also unable to watch the president's speech. "I haven't thought [much] about it (U.S. involvement in Libya). [But] we have to be doing something," said Lehr.

"As commander in chief, [Obama] has to do something," said Allison Wensley, a graduate student and Democrat at Boston University. She also did not watch Obama speak on Monday, but she stands by his decision. "It wasn't our decision... it's the right thing," she said.

On the other hand, Lauren Seesel, a College of Arts and Sciences student and Democrat at Boston University, said that the U.S. should have waited longer to act. "I don't think they have much to do [there]," said Seesel.

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