Now this is the way to do it

Despite Republican calls for swift action, and wannabe-prez hopefuls' scorn for his "passivity," Obama has once again proved to be the adult in the room, moving deliberately and wisely with appropriate caution before storming into Libya, as Bush did into Iraq.

Now we have not only sort of, possibly, maybe UN authorization to take out Sadaam, we have a clear vote specifically to establish not only the no-fly zone but to attack with force Gaddafi's military in order to protect Libyan civilians from their own mad dictator.

Here's what's happening. The Security Council vote was 10-0, with 5 abstentions. No veto, as had been feared. And it specifically authorized air strikes, not just the original no-fly zone.

Italy is providing seven military bases for use by the allies setting up the no fly zone, in addition to the one we have in Sicily. Along with French and British planes, fighter jets from the U.S., Canada, and Denmark have arrived in the area to enforce the no fly zone.

Now, this is the way to do it. No forged documents, no false claims of WMD, no stretching UN authorization that wasn't really final authorization -- no bully, cowboy U.S. swagger. Just quiet negotiations, encouragement of the Arab Nations themselves asking for the UN resolution; then behind the scenes diplomacy -- and we have strong -- and broad -- international cooperation.

Take note, Newt and Sarah, and Michele B., and Johnny Mc, et al. This is the way a president should act in a time of crisis.

Ralph