After standing idly by for three weeks waiting for the world to step up, Obama launches Tomahawk attacks, stating that he "cannot stand idly by"

Bold, decisive action. That's what I think of when I contemplate the presidency of Barack Obama. Not Motown parties, not golf, not pickup basketball games, not NCAA brackets, not fundraisers, not vacations, not pontificating about the benefits of public sector unions, no, none of those things.

Just bold, decisive action.

President Obama said today he authorized U.S. missile strikes on Libya as part of a "broad coalition" seeking to protect Libyan citizens from attacks by dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

"This is not an outcome the United States or any of our partners sought," Obama said from Brazil, later adding: "But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy."

Obama, who is starting a five-day tour of Latin America, also said he is "deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it," and "it's not a choice that I make lightly."

Using the word "coalition" five times in a three-minute address, Obama said, "we are answering the calls of a threatened people, and we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world."

Obama also repeated that he will not use ground troops in what has been dubbed "Operation Waffle Ditherer".

Okay, I made up that last part.

Although my operation name is probably a little bit more apt than "Aurora Dawn", considering as how the mad despot of Libya has been slaughtering people for three weeks now.