A couple of nights ago, I was watching an open forum discussion airing on CNN that included five former secretary of states: Colin Powell (Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2005, George W. Bush), Madeline Albright (Jan. 1997 - Jan. 2001, Bill Clinton), Warren Christopher (Jan. 1993 - Jan. 1997, Bill Clinton), James A. Baker III (Jan. 1989 - Jan. 1993, George H.W. Bush) and Henry Kissinger (Sept. 1973 - Jan. 1977, Nixon/Ford). It was a non-partisan discussion that focused mainly on foreign policy. The purpose was to leverage the experience of all of these individuals that have been there done that, and present their views as advice for the next President to think about.
What I found refreshing was that these former secretaries left their partisan banners at the door and had a honest, intelligent conversation about the real world challenges that the next President will need to deal with in the ever changing global climate. They covered various topics such as the recent Russia-Georgia conflict, the Middle East and more specifically Iran, the use of the Guantanamo Bay torture camp, as well as the changing role of America on the global playing field.
On the Russia-Georgia conflict: The consensus was brash actions and sabre rattling is not the solution. Colin Powell was most critical of McCain’s statement “We are all Georgians now” with the response, “One candidate said that, and I’ll let the candidate explain it for himself.” Powell, as well as the rest of the panel agreed that Russia is an important ally to have and it would be irresponsible to jump to one side of the conflict without fully analyzing the situation and understanding the interests of both Georgia and Russia. He even went as far as laying the blame of the conflict on Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, indicating that he was lighting a flame in a room full of combustibles, and the resulting conflict was predictable and avoidable. Interestingly enough, a call to restraint without jumping to the backing of either side was a position that Barack Obama took. John McCain on the other hand, put out his “We are all Georgians” speech without too much thought of the consequences or meaning of his words. Perhaps it’s because one of his closest advisers on foreign policy is a former lobbyist for the Nation of Georgia, that McCain had such a harsh tone. I’ll let the people past judgement on that one.
On initiating talks with Iran: Once again there was a consensus from the panel that the next administration must start dialogue with Iran or other nations that may not hold the US in high regard. They were all flustered with why there currently isn’t any dialogue with these nations, and emphasized that diplomacy and multi-lateral negotiations with the help of other UN countries was the key. Warren Christopher put it bluntly, “We can’t be complacent about the nuclear possibilities in Iran, but nevertheless we cannot afford not to have a comprehensive dialogue to see if it can be stopped because, frankly, the military options here are very, very poor.” Again, seeking diplomacy and a multi-lateral discussion with other UN countries on Iran is a policy that Barack Obama has put forward. Of course, this approach has been ridiculed by John McCain as being naive and never one to withhold an opportunity sabre rattle, McCain is well known for his “Bomb Iran” joke.
On torture and Guantanamo Bay: All members of the panel agreed that the Guantanamo Bay prison camp is unconstitutional and should be shut down right away to signal to the world that America actually follow actions that it preaches. The torture of the POWs there is unethical, and it reduces America’s credence in the free world as well as alienates its allies. This is one thing that both candidates agree on, however, the opinion on the rights and treatment of the prisoners is where Obama and McCain diverge.
Finally, a theme that was persistent during the whole conversation was the acknowledgement that the role of America is changing. The days where America can work solely as a demander of other nations is no longer a reality. As other nations have grown into power, something that should not be seen as a threat to America, it is now more important than ever for America to be a leader and respect the needs and positions of other nations. The need for America to patch up the relationships with their allies are paramount to any foreign policy decision moving forward.
I found it quite interesting that although John McCain is generally viewed to having the advantage and experience in foreign policy, it is actually Barack Obama’s ideas and views that are closely aligned to what the panel is suggesting. Perhaps with everything else, judgement and intellect does outweigh go-with-your-gut instincts and experience. I am looking forward to the debates this coming Friday, and see if Obama can use his judgement and temperament to trump McCain on his strongest suit: foreign policy. It’ll be interesting to watch indeed.
Religion vs Race
Tags: barack obama, george bush, presidential election, racism, religion, smear ads
Sometimes I wonder if we are living in the 21st Century or if we are still stuck in the early 1900s where racial bigotry was still running rampant. What’s the motivation behind this rant, you ask? It’s the ongoing rhetoric regarding democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, and his religious alignment. Barack Obama is a practicing Christian and has been sworn into the Senate with a Bible. However, for whatever reason, many of the American people regardless of the party alignment (Republican, Democrat or Independent) continue to accuse Obama of being Muslim.
Now for the record, I have nothing against Islam as a religion and myself have several Muslim friends and acquaintances. However, I do understand politics and the American people’s fear of having a Muslim Commander-and-Chief, since the sworn enemies of America are Islamic extremists. The America of today, will not elect a Muslim president - that is the reality. However what I do not understand is the ignorance of some of the American people, to falsely accuse Barack Obama of being a Muslim, when he is clearly not. This is not something that is based on opinion, it is fact. The answer is boolean: true or false, night or day, black or white. And perhaps at the core, that is the issue right there: black or white.
In this day and age, it is not kosher to say you won’t vote for a black president, because that will clearly be racist. We are living in the 21st century after all, and the American society is beyond that. No, no instead they say what is politically correct which is, “I can’t vote for Barack Obama because he is Muslim.” When what they really mean is, “I can’t vote for Barack Obama because he is black.” Sound outrageous? Perhaps. But in this day and age of political correctness and innuendos, is it really that outrageous to say something acceptable to hide what your true feelings are? It doesn’t take a genius to do that as Bush has mastered that art form over the past 8 years he’s been in the oval office.
The whole subject of judging a person by the colour of their skin is so ignorant, yet it will be ignorant to pretend that it does not exist. Just like it is ignorant to claim Obama is Muslim and to justify not choosing to vote for him based on that lie. Perhaps that’s how George W. Bush was elected, and look where that got the American people. Eight disastrous years that brought on a phony war and over 4000 Americans killed, a failed foreign policy and alienated allies, an economic crisis of a size that hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression, a housing crisis that is leaving millions of Americans homeless, an exploding annual deficit that will peak to over 500 billion by the end of the year and a national debt that has nearly doubled from 5.7 trillion to over 10 trillion during Bush’s term.
The freedom to vote and choose is a privilege not a right. I accept the fact that people will have differing opinions and those opinions may not align with my own. However, to form an opinion based on a well known facade, and to hide behind that facade because you are too cowardly to admit your true feelings … then that’s just what it is: cowardice. May God bless America and keep it from being the land of the free and cowardly. Amen.