Did you know that the kids in high school don't know what today is? Do you think it's just an oversight that they aren't being taught about our Nation's history or is it something more sinister than that?
Oversight? No. Obama doesn't even know what this day stands for. He thinks it's just another day to go out and apologize to the world for the sins of America. He'll probably bow to the leaders in Asia like he bowed to the leader of Saudi Arabia. And give a speech about how the real problem with the world is America and it's selfish citizens.
It's not a new idea... Win the minds of the youth and soon you'll own the keys to the castle..... Unfortunately or maybe not, a Castle built atop weak soil will not stand errect for long.
Not too long ago I had a local College professor preach to me the wonders of Socialism and actually pointed to Cuba as a shinning example....
So I suppose you subscribe to the Georgie Bush "Screw your own culture, we don't care, if you don't want to do it the US way, F*** you" school of sledgehammer diplomacy?
I prefur the Ronald Reagan "Speak softly and carry a very big stick" diplomacy!!! Some folks need different kinds of motivation, diplomacy from a position of strength not weakness.
Ronnie got it from Teddy Roosevelt who was a great president. I hear ya and it has worked to make the US the power that it is. IMO GW walked over the line with this bullying/condescending/arrogant/ugly american/F you brand of diplomacy. I think Obama is trying to do some serious damage control. Allot of damage was done by this GW policy and the US and world community relationship is seriously strained by it.
I understand this view but fear that excessive action in the opposite direction may have results just as bad as the previous administrations results. Balance needs to be established and if it means we're not as popular overseas for a while longer, but manage to stabilize our own nation and take care of what needs to be done, then so be it. Just don't concede and compromise so much that we become a push-over of a nation and show conclusively to the rest of the world that we really don't have the determination or resolve to do what's really and truly right.
I agree with ya Ken, I really do. Obama had a s**t deal coming in and he is going to have to walk a very fine line as you so eloquently stated. Show we aren't complete buttheads but we aren't gonna be pansies. Tough act
Sorry but rejecting all recommendations today and saying that it could be weeks yet before he comes to a decision while people are dieing and our allies await what he is going to do before they commit to do any more..or less, is anything but strong leadership abroad..... The roque leaders displayed complete disrespect for our country at the UN and this will do nothing to dispell it. Even that nut case in Libya had the gall to give a hero's welcome to a convicted terrorist and murderer and Iran even celebrated the hostage taking years ago..... Please...the apology tour did no good, and weakened our position in the world...
Theres no easy answers. Suppose thats why you and I are debating this on a MINI forum. Not good or bad but I can speak only for myself that I doubt I am going to change US policy. I don't agree with what GW did with his sledgehammer diplomacy and Obama's foreign policy is not exactly stellar. As far as the rogue leaders..they have been pulling their crap for centuries, always will regardless of the current US foreign policy. I agree with you on Libya hailing the lockerbee bomber as a 'hero'. Despicable act to kill 100's to make some point that has nothing to do with the people who senselessly gave up their lives. Made me think though on the perspective of "terrorist" and "freedom fighter". Thought back to the founding of our country. I am certain there were many in Britain that considered Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, John Hancock, etc, etc "Terrorist" while our version of 'history' is that a group of brave men stood up to the tyranny of a monarchy. I am in no way saying these senseless acts have any ethical ground or sayign that George Washington and crew were "terrorist" but just suggestiong it is all in perspective and culture. To many in the arab world the US is evil because we back Israel which goes against every fiber of the majority of the arab world. Is it right to support Israel? Is it right to hate the US and Israel for existing? All based on tribal tussles from centuries ago played out today. I am really going off on tangents but do you know the diff in the muslim world between Shiites and Sunni's? Believe in the same prophet, subscribe to Koran, etc. Only diff is that several centuries ago the Caliph of the muslim world died and two groups had a disagreement over who would suceed the deceased Caliph. Pretty petty huh? Tell that to a Sunni all these centuries later. Man it's amazing we haven't eradicated one another yet
Tangents? Drifty was the term we used in the US brown water (Bassac River) Navy. A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The last and most significant sentence from the VA web site, read it for yourself, History of Veterans Day - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
The history of these people and their beliefs is exactly why trying to reason with them and make nice ain't going to work unless your holding a big stick and they KNOW that we are prepared to use it.. I'm all for the US to stop trying to police the rest of the world but these folks HAVE PLEDGED TO DESTROY US.. They have in no way backed off, so if they want to kill each other within their own borders, let them have at it, but when they attack us and take it outside.........BOOOOOOM! PS: Did anyone notice the annoucement this morning that the defecit increased by ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX POINT FOUR BILLION DOLLARS in October alone?