Obama is quoted saying, "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." As I've observed him over the past couple years, I've been impressed by his walk, his progress. He's remained steady and calm no matter what challenges have presented themselves. Not only has Barack matured during his campaign to exude even greater poise and diplomacy, but he's proven himself to be unflappable under fire by his opponents. I think Colin Powell's well-balanced perception of Obama, given during his interview with Meet the Press, stated eloquently what people all over the world are observing about Barack's walk, his talk and his confidence in running mate for VP, Joe Biden:
"...he (Obama) displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge, and an approach to looking at problems like this, picking a Vice President that I think is ready to be President on Day One. And also in – not just in jumping in and changing every day – but showing intellectual vigor, I think that he has a definitive way of doing business that would serve us well."
Powell concludes that segment of his interview by saying:
"I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the ... onto the world stage and on the American stage...."
I choose to put my trust in the leadership of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I trust they will both prove to be trustworthy servants and continue to walk their talk all the way to the White House and for the length of their term(s) in office.
May God give them discernment and wisdom to administer sound advice and judgement in all matters, keep them from harm and from doing harm as they serve the American people and negotiate with world leaders to work toward protecting our freedom, ensuring peace, improving humanitarian and environmental health, and spearheading economic, education and political reforms.
Biden Has Done More Than Look At Russia Across The Horizon, my FIRST article at Huffington Post, so please do comment: http://tinyurl.com/Bidenvs-Palin or www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-fox/biden-has-done-more-than_b_129382.html
I welcome your insights and ideas, and Huffington Post is a place perhaps millions more people will see them and want to participate in this emerging dialogue about what direction our Nation must move in the next four years, to repair the enormous damage internationally during the past 8 years by Bush/Cheney/Halliburton/Rumsfeld/KelloggBrownand Root/Blackwater, and others!
The discussion at the Saddleback church emphasized an important difference between Obama and McCain. Obama has the ability to look at the issues and understand their complexity. McCain demonstrated that his perspective is a simplistic black/white view. This is so much like Bush that I shudder to think of him as president. Perhaps McCain is a maverick, but zeal without knowledge is a dangerous thing. A simplistic bull running amuck, making the policies for the United States is a description of both Bush and McCain, and will lead to more disastrous international and national policy.
The black/white, us/them, good/evil view will only drive the world's parties further apart and deeper into conflict. The foundation of policy making has to start from the understanding that we are dealing-not with devils-but with human beings who, like us, want to live peacefully and with self determination. When we start with that premise we have a far greater chance for succeeding in our goals. A good example of the negative consequences of simplistic thinking is Bush's Axis of Evil. This did nothing to create an environment conducive to positive outcomes but rather spurred on fear, alienation, and hostility between the mentioned parties. McCain will continue this kind of action, while I believe that Obama's deeper view and willingness to hear diverse opinions will enable an environment where all parties will feel like their views and interests will be heard.
A bullying maverick, like McCain, will only destroy the delicate "china shop" of public policy.
Why Every American Should Care About China
The Emerging Superpower Is Forging Relationships Where the U.S. Isn't By BOB WOODRUFF, GABRIELLE TENENBAUM, SUSAN SCHAEFER and MEENA HARTENSTEINAug. 6, 2008
When the Olympics begin Friday in Beijing it will be a "coming out" party of sorts for China.
Beijing hopes this will be a bright spot in what has otherwise been a tough year -- the country was hit by a devastating earthquake and rocked by scandals over tainted food and medicine and toxic toys.
There have been protests, both within China and in other countries, about its human rights policies in Tibet and Darfur.
Even the Olympic torch relay, normally a celebratory event, sparked demonstrations around the world.
Now billions of eyes will be focused on a nation that has become so important to so many, yet remains misunderstood. Many people, perhaps most vocally in the United States, fear China's growing power and influence around the world. But it is unavoidable.
"The rise of China is the single most important geopolitical event of the 21st century," said John Thornton, professor and director of Global Leadership at Tsingua University in Beijing. "And the implications of that rise are enormous."
I recently read an article on "perfectionists" in the current issue of Psychology Today. According to that source, perfectionists, who must always be right and first, are made not born. Often it begins in childhood, inculcated by parents with high expectations for whom second best is not good enough. Perfectionist seek love and approval from high achievement. Eventually, they find themselves in competitions with everyone about every thing. To succeed in that environment they begin to "juice" or over sell their own accomplishments. Later comes fantasies of achievement and experiences they never had. For some, they come believe in their fantasies and tell their stories, as if they were real.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with fantasies that help children grow and develop their imaginations. Neither is there anything wrong with adults fantasies like - "what good would I do if I won $150 Million in the lottery. Trouble comes when you live in the fantasy world - then you are delusional. Hillary Clinton has told us about her delusion about landing under sniper fire in Bosnia, of the principal role she played bringing peace to Northern Ireland, and (I suspect) about her days hunting as first lady and shooting a duck. She needs to lie to try to make a connection with people whowere never part of her background and for 61 years, her actions have shown little concern for.
The media have done a good job debunking the landing under fire myth. (As retired Secret Service let me asure you we would never allow the first family -- or any other protectee -- to land under such rsisks). It has not however widely reported the truth about her role in the Irish Peace process, which I refer to as Hillary as cheerleader. For an excellent recent article in the Belfast Telegraph, use this link: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/columnists/lindy-mcdowell/article3509263.ece
To me there is a real question of mental stability on Hillary's part. I don't believe we can tolerate a delusional President in a dangerous world. If elected she'll be known as Hillary I - The delusional.
For example, put your two cents in about the young journalist in Afghanistan given the death penalty for downloading information that the government considered "blashphemous." This was reported in numerous papers abroad, but not in America. Didn't we bring democracy to Afghanistan? Talk strategy and concern to the media. We know your issues at home quite well, let's hear what you are going to do (and CAN do) internationally. If this case is moved to Kabul, then it's a non-issue. Jesse Jackson was able to resolve issues internationally presidents and ambassadors couldn't achieve. take that lead.
Here's a statement from Journalists Without Borders
How Obama made foreign policy a stronger issue for him and a weaker one for Clinton ...
The following is the statement made by Barack Obama concerning the resignation of Cuban President Fidel Castro:
Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history. Fidel Castro's stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.Cuba's future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It's time for these heroes to be released.If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades. The freedom of the Cuban people is a cause that should bring the Americans together.
Today should mark the end of a dark era in Cuba's history. Fidel Castro's stepping down is an essential first step, but it is sadly insufficient in bringing freedom to Cuba.
Cuba's future should be determined by the Cuban people and not by an anti-democratic successor regime. The prompt release of all prisoners of conscience wrongly jailed for standing up for the basic freedoms too long denied to the Cuban people would mark an important break with the past. It's time for these heroes to be released.
If the Cuban leadership begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change, the United States must be prepared to begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades. The freedom of the Cuban people is a cause that should bring the Americans together.
In the January/February 2008 edition of the Foreign Affairs Journal, Democratic presidential candidate (at the time) Bill Richardson wrote an impressive essay titled, A New Realism: A Realistic and Principled Foreign Policy. The summary for this essay is as follows:
The United States needs a foreign policy that is based on reality and is loyal to American values. The next U.S. president needs to send a clear signal to the world that America has turned the corner and will once again be a leader rather than a unilateralist loner. Getting out of Iraq and restoring our reputation are necessary first steps toward a new strategy of U.S. global engagement and leadership.
You can also read essays from other presidential candidates on the Foreign Affair’s Campaign 2008 site. As a note, I have written my commentary on Barack Obama’s essay awhile back.
On Thursday, December 27, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated during an election rally for her political party in Rawalpindi. Accordingly, Barack Obama has released his statement concerning her death:
I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world.
In the following commentary, I will focus on the unfolding events thus far, a brief historical background of Pakistan as it relates to Ms. Bhutto, and Pakistan policy.
The following is an analysis, Bush's Pakistan policy -- forget 'Plan B,' time for 'Plan C,' made by CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry.
Excerpt:
What's next for the U.S. in Pakistan?That's the burning question President Bush must contemplate as he tries to get some down time for the New Year's holiday.He has a slew of foreign policy challenges to confront in 2008 -- ranging from Iraq to Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea to name just a few.Perhaps none is as pressing on January 1 as the unfolding crisis in the wake of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
What's next for the U.S. in Pakistan?
That's the burning question President Bush must contemplate as he tries to get some down time for the New Year's holiday.
He has a slew of foreign policy challenges to confront in 2008 -- ranging from Iraq to Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea to name just a few.
Perhaps none is as pressing on January 1 as the unfolding crisis in the wake of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
The following United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report, Little respite for Iraq’s children in 2007, describes the current situation concerning children in Iraq.
An estimated two million children in Iraq continue to face threats including poor nutrition, disease and interrupted education. Iraqi children were frequently caught in the crossfire of conflict throughout 2007. Insecurity and displacement continues to cause hardship for many in the most insecure parts of the country and further eroded access to quality essential services country-wide. Iraq remains volatile; however conditions begin to allow for more a concerted effort to deliver assistance.
An estimated two million children in Iraq continue to face threats including poor nutrition, disease and interrupted education.
Iraqi children were frequently caught in the crossfire of conflict throughout 2007. Insecurity and displacement continues to cause hardship for many in the most insecure parts of the country and further eroded access to quality essential services country-wide. Iraq remains volatile; however conditions begin to allow for more a concerted effort to deliver assistance.
It mentions UNICEF funding into immunization campaigns, education, and relief for local communities.
Why Obama fits the bill ...
The Democrats held a presidential debate this past Thursday, December 13, in Iowa. The contenders were Senator Barack Obama (IL), Senator Joe Biden (DE), Senator Hillary Clinton (NY), Senator Chris Dodd (CT), former Senator John Edwards (NC), and Governor Bill Richardson (NM). Former Senator Mike Gravel (AK) and Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH) did not meet the criteria to attend the debate.
The Des Moines Register wrote in Why Kucinich isn't in the Democratic debate?:
Neither Dennis Kucinich nor Mike Gravel had a campaign office in Iowa by the Oct. 1 deadline, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Gravel also did not have any paid staff in the state by the deadline.
This debate was hosted by The Des Moines Register and was shown on Iowa Public Television, although some of the major networks, such as CNN, Fox News Channel, and others broadcast the event. It was moderated by the editor of The Register Carolyn Washburn. As a note, I found this debate to be much more civilized than the previous.
The United Nations deadline to figure out the future of Kosovo has come to an end on December 10. The European Union has failed to produce an agreement. So, the question now is, what happens next? As a note, you may want to read Dr. Mark Elrod’s Countdown on Kosovo.
On Thursday, November 15, the seven Democratic presidential candidates debated the issues in Las Vegas, Nevada at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). This debate was broadcasted on Cable News Network (CNN) with moderator Wolf Blitzer. As the title partially suggests, this debate further spiraled in the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The candidates at this intense debate were Senator Barack Obama (IL), Senator Joe Biden (DE), Senator Hillary Clinton (NY), Senator Chris Dodd (CT), former Senator John Edwards (NC), Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH), and Governor Bill Richardson (NM). Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel was not invited due to the CNN criteria-failure of raising $1,000,000, in which, his campaign has reported $240,000, thus far. In this post, I will highlight the foreign policy issues, as well as, the building rivalry between Senators Clinton and Obama, and why I did not like the quality of the debate.
Recently, I have come across an interesting story by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), EU positive on Balkan entry bids. The European Union is seeking to expand its membership to include western Balkan countries, which are Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia. The main focal point will be the dilemma question that comes with membership. I will also focus on some of the recent and historic events in these countries as it relates to their entry bids. As a note, you may also be interested in reading my two posts related to the Balkans, The Kosovo Question and The Future of Kosovo.
The following is an op-ed by Barack Obama titled, Violence against women, at home and abroad, must cease, for the Chicago Defender. You can also share Senator Obama's statement with family, friends, and others by filling the form.
The op-ed begins below:
On October 30, 2007, seven of the eight Democratic presidential contenders faced off at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was moderated by Brian Williams and Tim Russert. The seven candidates that participated were Senator Barack Obama (IL), Senator Joe Biden (DE), Senator Hillary Clinton (NY), Senator Chris Dodd (CT), former Senator John Edwards (NC), Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH), and Governor Bill Richardson (NM). Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel did not meet the three criteria to participate, which was based on not campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire, polled below 5 percent, and did not raise $1,000,000 for his campaign. Senator Gravel wrote his rebuttal at the Huffington Post, titled Why NBC and the DNC Want Me Out of the Debates.
This debate brought forth the first beginnings of the candidates taking their gloves off and making distinctions from Hillary Clinton. The debate covered several issues from Iran, Social Security, to UFO (unidentified flying object) sightings. This was probably the best debate since the discussion hosted by CNN and YouTube. With 63 days to the Iowa caucus, this intensity came at the right time. If you did not watch the debate, MSNBC has the transcript on-line.
