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Iron Mike

31 July 2008 - 7:49pm

Quote:

Neocon diplomacy is basically finding new ways to get the message out that the US is superior, which always goes over so well with the rest of the world…

Not that I agree with your characterization of Neocon diplomacy, but I do suggest it's a fact the US truly is superior to much of the world and it's exactly that fact that much of the world resents. For many of those countries, knocking the US down a peg or two, inflates their national self-esteem and is much easier than rising above their own national problems.

Thank you for the article in Foreign Affairs. I thought it was pretty good, though you failed to explain why you took issue with points he made to which you take issue. Clearly you do not like the League of Democracies, because the UN is so incredibly effective? Frankly, I like a candidate with vision who can articulate change, instead of just calling for it.

Quote:

America needs a president who can revitalize our country's purpose and standing in the world, defeat terrorist adversaries who threaten liberty at home and abroad, and build enduring peace.

Ooooh....scary stuff indeed! And you PROMISED to show me how President McCain has no commitment to diplomacy. I'm still waiting, but grateful you provided McCain's own words on the subject.

Quote:

Defeating the terrorists who already threaten America is vital, but just as important is preventing a new generation of them from joining the fight. As president, I will employ every economic, diplomatic, political, legal, and ideological tool at our disposal to aid moderate Muslims -- women's rights campaigners, labor leaders, lawyers, journalists, teachers, tolerant imams, and many others -- who are resisting the well-financed campaign of extremism that is tearing Muslim societies apart. My administration, with its partners, will help friendly Muslim states establish the building blocks of open and tolerant societies. And we will nurture a culture of hope and economic opportunity by establishing a free-trade area from Morocco to Afghanistan, open to all who do not sponsor terrorism.

<gasp> He's going to use ALL instruments of national power to facilitate peace and defeat terrorism? UNTHINKABLE! But wait, there's more...

Quote:

We must also revitalize our public diplomacy. In 1998, the Clinton administration and Congress mistakenly agreed to abolish the U.S. Information Agency and move its public diplomacy functions to the State Department. This amounted to unilateral disarmament in the war of ideas. I will work with Congress to create a new independent agency with the sole purpose of getting America's message to the world -- a critical element in combating Islamic extremism and restoring the positive image of our country abroad.

Yes, I can see how terrifying it is to have a president with vision, fortitude, and a commitment to correcting years of miscommunication of our country's intentions.

...Now if he will only drill for oil in Alaska and abandon the stupid "Cap and Trade" policies that failed in Europe, I might be more supportive of him.