The big election season has officially opened and the mudslinging, backbiting and out and out lying are in full swing. Yes, I follow this stuff. While I manage to avoid television news in all its various forms I do read some newspapers, magazines and internet articles. I try to balance things out by choosing from sources on both sides of all the questions. And I’m always trying to find the fabled unbiased source as well.
I think it’s our duty to be informed and to exercise our voting privilege. And I’m not above trying to influence folks to vote along with me. That’s called “grass roots politics”. So now and then I’ll post an opinion piece on my blog site which will hopefully be a reasoned attempt to look at an issue or a candidate. In truth, these pieces are as much for me as for my faithful readers. It helps me if I write things out as I ponder voting decisions.
Today I’m thinking about the presidential race and one particular issue that seems to have disappeared this year. This one issue spreads out into others but I’m already losing readers so I’ll try to stay focused. Let’s think about the “War on Terror” and America’s military position in the Middle East, Afghanistan and neighboring areas. During the 2008 campaign this was a big deal. Mr. Obama was making some big promises and some big claims. He claimed to be a peacemaker, a negotiator and a broker able to bring all the warring factions to the table. He claimed that he understood the issues and the people involved. He promised to reduce American presence in that area in a victorious and honorable way. And he promised to do all of this in a transparent, open way without the “usual” bullying tactics of previous American administrations. It seemed that Obama was saying that he was smart enough, wise enough and persuasive enough to end war over in that part of the world. So, let’s think about how that has worked out.
On the plus side the Obama administration has reduced American military presence in the areas mentioned. My research shows that there are about 85,000 troops in Afghanistan, a substantial reduction. It has been announced that all military forces have left Iraq, though the American embassy in Baghdad has about 10,000 troops assigned there along with about 20,000 private security personnel (military outsourcing) in the employ of the government. There are two aircraft carrier battle groups, one in the Mediterranean and another in the Indian Ocean. Each of those involves about 20,000 sailors and airmen. There are also smaller naval contingents in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. So while the numbers are down overall we’re still there and the war goes on. Terrorism continues to be a threat throughout the world with atrocities being committed every day. This includes attacks and threats here in the USA.
How do the folks waging war against the United States, democracy and the other facets of the free world feel about us now, after four years of Obama’s efforts at diplomacy? Do they like us better? Do we have more allies? Have new and enlightened attitudes and leadership come to the fore as old dictatorships fell during various uprisings? And didn’t the US supply arms and advice in some of those revolutions? Are those nations that experienced the “Arab Spring” more receptive to peaceful co-existence or are they on the same radical Islamic path of imposing clerical regimes with an stifling set of twelfth century laws that dissolve eight centuries of civilized progress?
Answers to all of those questions will show that the Obama administration did no better than the previous leadership. In fact in some areas they have done worse, allowing a wider sphere of influence for the truly radical people who have no intention of getting along with western nations.
Well, my personal opinion is that the promises for hope and change in foreign relations have done nothing for the stability of the planet or for the good of America. The administration has been apologetic and ready for concessions. They have snubbed our real allies and made ineffective overtures towards our enemies. I’m not a foreign policy expert but I don’t see any successes. And when it comes to positive American influence in the economy of the world things aren’t looking any better. But that’s another issue.
In future postings I’ll try to examine other issues of interest. Meanwhile, I encourage all of you good and sincere folks to do your own research. Don’t just depend on Fox News, CNN or the big networks to inform you. Dig deeper and examine how things look measured against your own personal values. Then make your choices for candidates at all levels of government. Okay. I’m done for now.
Have a fine day.
4 comments:
OK this is just crazy talk. Informed voters?? That said, this was an informative article as always. I think the problem with the radicals is one that will always be with us to one degree or another. This Muslim Brotherhood has got me a even more concerned. I don't pretend to have the answers and I'm not sure what person in the White House can do to make a difference. I do know we need leaders who say what they mean and mean what they say. I've always been more comfortable with people who, though you may not like, know where they stand.
Good stuff my prolific writing Cuz.
Good write-up Jim. Thanks for making me think back on those statements compared to what has happened.
Good writing, Jim. I enjoyed reading it over coffee. I think a President's perspective changes a great deal when that person actually takes office and is told point blank the real threats facing our country that regular citizens aren't privy to. Maybe that is why foreign policy changes have been as drastic as some would have hoped. These men all turn gray overnight with the stress of the job. Things are spinning so out of control that it must feel like the little boy trying to plug all the holes in the dike. I cannot see why anyone would want the job.
Thank you, Uncle Jim, for your words of wisdom. I look forward to using your insight as I plod my way towards this election. Although the choice is already clear in my mind, it never hurts to reinforce that decision. Can't wait to read more!
Post a Comment