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I’m a PR chick, which means that my family and friends aren’t quite sure what I do for a living. It’s simple really, I work with media – so when I travel I’m especially interested in finding the pulse of the local media.
One of the first things you notice when visiting foreign countries is how graphic the media coverage is. In North America, we aren’t used to seeing images of mothers crying over their child’s dead body, as we eat our morning cornflakes.
My recent trip to Europe really got me thinking about how other nations perceive Americans. I have to admit, it’s not a pretty picture.
One of the many challenges that America faces, is the fact that George Bush has done so much damage to America’s diplomatic relationships. The truth of the matter is, to the rest of the world, he’s the bully in the sandbox. The one everyone is afraid to piss off, but dreams of kicking the shit out of someday. In this day and age, you can’t afford to be a diplomatic buffoon – I’m sorry, but Americans deserve so much more from their leader.
The world is getting smaller, and like it or not we are all connected. It is going to take a global effort to deal with the real challenges facing the human race. Global warming, over population, degradation of the environment, poverty, war – you get the idea, ....and it's time George did.
One of the first things you notice when visiting foreign countries is how graphic the media coverage is. In North America, we aren’t used to seeing images of mothers crying over their child’s dead body, as we eat our morning cornflakes.
My recent trip to Europe really got me thinking about how other nations perceive Americans. I have to admit, it’s not a pretty picture.
One of the many challenges that America faces, is the fact that George Bush has done so much damage to America’s diplomatic relationships. The truth of the matter is, to the rest of the world, he’s the bully in the sandbox. The one everyone is afraid to piss off, but dreams of kicking the shit out of someday. In this day and age, you can’t afford to be a diplomatic buffoon – I’m sorry, but Americans deserve so much more from their leader.
The world is getting smaller, and like it or not we are all connected. It is going to take a global effort to deal with the real challenges facing the human race. Global warming, over population, degradation of the environment, poverty, war – you get the idea, ....and it's time George did.
8 comments:
Amen.
I'm not really sure if you want my honest opinion or not, so I'll quote some opinions you seem to value.
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line.”
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998.
“We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them.”
Sen. Carl Levin (d, MI), Sept. 19, 2002.
“We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country.”
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.
“Iraq’s search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power.”
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.
“I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force — if necessary — to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security.”
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002.
“We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction. “[W]ithout question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime … He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation. And now he has continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction … So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real …
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003.
“In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.”
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002
NOW THE DEMOCRATS SAY PRESIDENT BUSH LIED, THAT THERE NEVER WERE ANY WMD’S AND HE TOOK US TO WAR FOR HIS OIL BUDDIES??? Right!!!
ummmm......so the US DOESN'T have the means to create mass destruction? Well Bush did say the reason behind his actions was because there was evidence of nuclear weaponry.......they're still looking!!!
" I know it's here somewhere!!"
Bush also ignored the mandate of the United Nations.
Bush could only go by what he was told by the CIA, which the Head-honcho, btw, was appointed by President Clinton and who recently retired and wrote a book about the whole thing.
My point was that not only did Bush think that there WMD's, but so did a lot of Democrats/Liberals. Now, of course, the invasion wasn't about WMD at all but about real esatate and oil...and Bush's desire to "rule" the world...
Suddam was an evil tyrant, but also smart and cunning. I have no doubt in my mind that WMD existed and perhaps still do...I think it's foolish to believe that a man that was so brutal on his own countryman would have been so tolerant to the rest of the world.
The US is always the bad guy, unless of course, the rest of the world needs her.
I forgot to address the comment about ignoring the UN.
Politically, UN approval would be preferable, but practically it is
not a necessity. A UN resolution that specifically authorizes the
use of force in Iraq would likely mean fence-sitting nations
could then justify to their people why they are supporting the
United States’ effort in Iraq. As a practical matter, the war
against terrorism that was declared on September 11, 2001 does
not require any approval. The United States will determine our
own destiny and will not be hamstrung by an ineffectual United
Nations.
Another point:
The UN inspectors are not UN investigators. The inspectors are
in Iraq to ostensibly verify that Iraq has complied with previous
UN resolutions that mandate that Iraq not develop nor possess
various classes of weapons of mass destruction. The Iraqi
regime has maintained that they are in compliance and must
demonstrate that compliance to the inspectors. It is not the job
of the inspectors to scour the entire nation to try to uncover
evidence that such weapons exist; it is Iraq’s obligation to
demonstrate compliance. Given that Iraq has had four years to
make their weapons programs “inspection proof,” it is certainly not surprising that the UN inspectors have not found a proverbial smoking gun.
Returning to the point of Mika's message, I think the idea is that a truly enlightened approach to living harmoniously in the world is to embrace what connects and unites us globally and not focus on the prolific current US government "us and them" mentality. Wouldn't it be nice if that could become the approach versus always looking for any gun at all?
It would be nice, but it's hard when pro-Bushers keep getting attacked...AND if there weren't any Saddams or Hitlers in the world. I don't think Bush has been the best President, but I certainly don't consider him a bully as Mika's blog put it. I'm sorry if the world thinks so, but I'm not sure if Bush's agenda is to please the rest of the world but to do what he thinks is best for the USA and for the War on Terroism.
Peace and love only work if EVERYONE thinks that way... and it doesn't seem to me that liberals are for peace and love unless it's what they believe. I wouldn't exactly call Hillary a passivist.
I am an American. I am a Texan. I am proud to be both. I'm glad that Mika has found her home in Canada where she feels she belongs. I belong here, and am not ashamed or disappointed in my Country, but proud of it!
Wow, I am not as brave as Mika is. I avoid political discussions as much as possible. You go girl.
It's a good thing that we have laws that protect freedom of speech for both of you.
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