When are we going to learn that we have to learn? When are we going to see that we can't keep trying the same tired old approaches? America is the greatest country in the world, and has by far the greatest potential for good than any other nation. When will we realize our true potential?
Barack Obama has learned from history, and in the course of supporting and following his campaign, so have I. The United States of America has been enormously effective since the end of World War II in leveraging its position to spread its influence and its democratic ideals around the world. I've been on the scene myself for most of that time, and, perhaps in honor of my recently-"celebrated" 60th birthday, it's time to take stock of our progress so far. We may want to study our report card results in Foreign Affairs over those 60 years, and ask ourselves if we can do better. What do you think our grade should be? A++? C-? F?
The foreign policies of the current administration are finding fewer adherents. But how different are they, really, from those of other presidents in our recent past? What are the morals of the story of American involvement in Iraq during that time?
Hillary Clinton's recent elaborations on her view of foreign policy actually strikes me as rather hopeful. You can read her remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations here: http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20071101faessay86601/hillary-rodham-clinton/security-and-opportunity-for-the-twenty-first-century.html
For me, Hillary's views as expressed above represent an evolution in thinking even compared to her husband's presidency, and I can't help thinking that's a very good thing. The Bush Administration policies represent a regressive version of this approach, and generate more visceral reactions of disagreement. But as we consider our place in the world and our expanding sense of responsibilities, isn't it time for each of us to take these questions to heart and gain a better sense of the stakes involved? If these are serious times, we need to make some serious effort.
Hillary Clinton's document above provides us with an extensive look at her ideas on foreign policy. The following link on this site -- http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fpccga -- provides some equivalent, but I would like to see more details. Of course, Hillary's document is a little verbose, it might be added. But for all the admirable principles she endorses, her words and her votes often seem problematic when viewed in that essay's context. If this represents some of the new thinking in foreign policy, might it not be important to support a candidate who is consistent in support of that new direction?
I am confident of Barack Obama's consistent leadership with regard to his views on foreign policy, and I look forward to more opportunities to highlight the great importance of this evolution in thinking that is embodied by his campaign. As tensions rise in the world today, due in no small part to American activities, the magnitude of these concerns cannot be overestimated. The great promise that Obama's campaign represents is nowhere better on display than in a sober review of our impact on this globe, and our thoughts on what might be, if we have the will and courage.
We have large challenges ahead. I am deeply concerned for the prospects should we fail, but I'm inspired by the opportunities they present. I believe Senator Obama has reflected deeply on these matters, and I enthusiastically support the new era of hope he envisions for America and the world.
If we are to meet these challenges, we have to learn, grow and develop. Old ideas that are no longer effective, and perhaps were never truly in all our interests, must be discarded if we are to be all we must be.
This election offers us the chance to turn the page and open a new chapter in American leadership. The disappointment that so many around the world feel toward America right now is only a testament to the high expectations they hold for us. We must meet those expectations again, not because being respected is an end in itself, but because the security of America and the wider world demands it. This will require a new spirit – not of bluster and bombast, but of quiet confidence and sober intelligence, a spirit of care and renewed competence. It will also require a new leader. And as a candidate for President of the United States, I am asking you to entrust me with that responsibility. -- Barack Obama
This election offers us the chance to turn the page and open a new chapter in American leadership. The disappointment that so many around the world feel toward America right now is only a testament to the high expectations they hold for us. We must meet those expectations again, not because being respected is an end in itself, but because the security of America and the wider world demands it. This will require a new spirit – not of bluster and bombast, but of quiet confidence and sober intelligence, a spirit of care and renewed competence. It will also require a new leader. And as a candidate for President of the United States, I am asking you to entrust me with that responsibility.
-- Barack Obama
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