Local reaction to President's speech

NORFOLK, Va. - At "Off Base," a coffee house modeled after the GI coffee houses of Vietnam, everyone voted for President Obama, but only one person said he supports, or at least understands the President's decision to send 30-thousand more troops to Afghanistan.

"Let's be perfectly clear here, he is basically whose inherited the Titanic after it hit the freakin' iceberg," said Veteran Christopher Jaramillo.

Iraq Navy Veteran TJ Thompson doesn't see it that way. He worries President Obama is trying to occupy several nations.

"That's what we're doing with all these wars, we're setting up small imperialistic organizations throughout these areas," said Thompson.

The President's decision is personal for James Bailey. His stepson, LCPL Anthony Artis just served 16 months in Afghanistan with the Marines. Now, he could serve another tour.

"While they can't scream and yell about what they're doing and not wanting to be there I can; I can say get our troops out of there, I can say when, how long, enough's enough," said Bailey.

President Obama reached out specifically to those serving and their families.

"Most of all I know this decision asks the most of you, a military that along with your families has already born the heaviest of all burdens."

"No, I do not make this decision lightly. I make this decision because I am convinced our security is at stake in Afghanistan and Pakistan," said President Obama.

But it seems the decision could cost him some of his supporters.

"This is a very scary time. I worked for Obama on his campaign. I like him as a person, but to see this happen, it's like I said earlier - damn," said activist Tom Palumbo.