I am a little unnerved about about all this new global world order talk. There is just something I don't trust about this guy. I'm not convinced he has our best interests at heart.
Obama's Speech in Berlin
- Thread starter rapunzel
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I am a little unnerved about about all this new global world order talk. There is just something I don't trust about this guy. I'm not convinced he has our best interests at heart.
Good point, and understood...I don't think of it as America's needing to be "feared"..I would say we are losing (have lost) a lot of respect in the last 8 years--that is a REAL weakness, and as dangerous as an over-streched military.
I am totally thrilled with traderx's posts, he adds intelligent balance, and I very much enjoy reading his point of view on subjects, always!
I think he had the proper balance of pride and humility...IMO what we need to move away from the "cowboy" approach of the last eight years.
I am not surprised that he would not make huge policy statements or requests in that venue.
I also liked his approach to the idea of a global world...and that we all are "partners" whether by design or default. It is a different way of looking at the world--and I believe many people, especially young people, no matter where they live, understand that we have already moved to this new world, whether we completely understand it or not.
He has a broader vision and a wider approach to solving problems. He looks forward, not back. And, while it may be risky and a bit scary to some or many, IMO it is a better strategy than more of the same.
It was nice to see people waving American flags in another country, especially since they weren't on fire.
Been reading too much of the Left Behind series?
Haven't read that elgordo, but from the description on Wikipedia I don't think I'd enjoy it.
It's just that any time someone starts talking about what's best for the world and how that should supersede what's best for the country, I get nervous. Where should our interests lie? Should we place the good of all countries above the good of our own, or should helping other nations take a back seat to the self preservation of our own ideology? I think taking the former approach ends up decreasing our ability to have an impact because our idiology is what drives us in a direction that allows us to help.
Ah, the old Machiavellian question -- is it better to be feared or loved?
I had to think on that one a while, because I know what you are saying. Honestly, though, what I felt when watching the speech was America's "we will not go gently into that good night" moment. We will not go the way of the British empire, and every empire before. We will not be fat and happy and smug and forget our ideals. We will lead, we will be a beacon of light.
He drew more than 200,000 Germans to hear him speak, to cheer him, to cheer our bedrock ideals. He drew more people than any German or European politician could have.
Contrast that to Bush's trip. We weren't feared, we were jeered. It was the beginning of the end of our time as a world leader....yesterday Germans showed this is the man they view as the potential next leader of the free world. Bush hasn't led the free world, he's alienated it.
I agree -I don't see how having good, respectful, working relationships with other countries is a bad thing.
No kidding. It was refreshing to see people applaud someone from the USA!
JDarg, I agree with you; but I know there are many out there who say he is too risky...55% according to one poll I read...
I think the risk is worth it; especially if we have good, respectful relationships with other countries...and, especially if we are doing something different than what we have had for the last 8 years.
I think the risk is worth it; especially if we have good, respectful relationships with other countries...and, especially if we are doing something different than what we have had for the last 8 years.