Please President Bush Start Listening
Ken Hughes
October 04, 2006
I’m not talking about listening to the self anointed pundits here at home I’m speaking of listening to world leaders opinions. I think we would have a better chance of influencing world opinion if we were willing to listen to more of what the other nations leaders have to say. It isn’t necessary to agree with them at the outset but we should at least listen. American policy tends to lean to our old like minded friends for conformation of our policies, that’s obviously not working. There’s always another side to every argument that should be heard it’s an obligation we have so please listen to what they have to say Mr. President.
The world spent the 20th century forming international policy at the point of a gun. The 21st century seems to be starting the same way, it’s not just America that’s become mired down in military conflicts it’s the world in general. The world’s reverting back to tribalism, what once were nations are separating into regional ethnic divisions.
What had been formed to hold us together as civilized societies the United Nations has failed miserably it’s perhaps created more divisions than anything it’s done, their peacekeeping is a joke.
Contrary to popular beliefs Democracy is spreading across the world, its not going as fast as we’d like and it isn’t a carbon copy of America’s democracy more elections are being held each year in countries that have been ruled by totalitarian governments for generations. It’s a slow but positive movement we must be patient so as not to scare it off.
It’s time for America to shed the timidity, cast aside this attitude of not offending others nations, forget political correctness and show some leadership. At this point in world affairs only America has the ability to lead effectively. Showing leadership means being willing to discuss with anyone without preset conditions that would guarantee a position which will assure in Americas ultimate outcome. The President should have confidence enough to meet one on one and duke it out. Intentional or not Americans shows its arrogance the rest of the world resents that needs correcting. Direct conversations will go a long way toward accomplishing that.
The world doesn’t hate America they’re jealous, they’re jealous because they don’t understand how this country became the most powerful nation on earth in a mere 225 years. By their standards America has no history, they have no culture what they do have they’ve taken from the rest of the world. America’s robbed the world of its intellectual capital and then allowed those same immigrants the freedom to pursue their dreams and create most of the modern technology that we rely on.
Bravado and intimidation is fine in a sporting arena it does little to impress the neighbor hood.
President Bush has two years to change the course America’ taken in world events. The hard line isn’t working and a soft line will result in surrender. The time has come for President Bush to intellectually challenge those world leaders who oppose us. Hold a dialog and do so in full view of the world’s public. Don’t allow the Media to do the interpretation let the public decide once they’ve actually seen what goes on as opposed to what their told goes on they’ll surely have a better understanding what America’s all about.
If America can force its advisories into a dialoged in public view then we may get some answers and they will as well understanding what is expected from both sides.
Richard Nixon’s trip to China changed the world. Ronald Reagan’s many meetings with Gorbachev changed the world again. Between these two men over half the world’s populations were freed from communist domination. Mr. President why not give it a try it again?
This isn’t a panacea it’s just a suggestion for another way to get along in the world without all the killing. There’s to much talk of peace and not enough being done to achieve it. There’s ambivalence among Americans to the threats coming our way, lets not wait to act until it’s too late.
I’m going to get creamed for this article, please think before you speak. This would be another opportunity for America to change the course of history. Thousands of years of conflict haven’t produced much in the way of peace.
Thousands of years of diplomacy haven’t done much better discussions would at least give each side an opportunity to voice their objections and opinions.
The world spent the 20th century forming international policy at the point of a gun. The 21st century seems to be starting the same way, it’s not just America that’s become mired down in military conflicts it’s the world in general. The world’s reverting back to tribalism, what once were nations are separating into regional ethnic divisions.
What had been formed to hold us together as civilized societies the United Nations has failed miserably it’s perhaps created more divisions than anything it’s done, their peacekeeping is a joke.
Contrary to popular beliefs Democracy is spreading across the world, its not going as fast as we’d like and it isn’t a carbon copy of America’s democracy more elections are being held each year in countries that have been ruled by totalitarian governments for generations. It’s a slow but positive movement we must be patient so as not to scare it off.
It’s time for America to shed the timidity, cast aside this attitude of not offending others nations, forget political correctness and show some leadership. At this point in world affairs only America has the ability to lead effectively. Showing leadership means being willing to discuss with anyone without preset conditions that would guarantee a position which will assure in Americas ultimate outcome. The President should have confidence enough to meet one on one and duke it out. Intentional or not Americans shows its arrogance the rest of the world resents that needs correcting. Direct conversations will go a long way toward accomplishing that.
The world doesn’t hate America they’re jealous, they’re jealous because they don’t understand how this country became the most powerful nation on earth in a mere 225 years. By their standards America has no history, they have no culture what they do have they’ve taken from the rest of the world. America’s robbed the world of its intellectual capital and then allowed those same immigrants the freedom to pursue their dreams and create most of the modern technology that we rely on.
Bravado and intimidation is fine in a sporting arena it does little to impress the neighbor hood.
President Bush has two years to change the course America’ taken in world events. The hard line isn’t working and a soft line will result in surrender. The time has come for President Bush to intellectually challenge those world leaders who oppose us. Hold a dialog and do so in full view of the world’s public. Don’t allow the Media to do the interpretation let the public decide once they’ve actually seen what goes on as opposed to what their told goes on they’ll surely have a better understanding what America’s all about.
If America can force its advisories into a dialoged in public view then we may get some answers and they will as well understanding what is expected from both sides.
Richard Nixon’s trip to China changed the world. Ronald Reagan’s many meetings with Gorbachev changed the world again. Between these two men over half the world’s populations were freed from communist domination. Mr. President why not give it a try it again?
This isn’t a panacea it’s just a suggestion for another way to get along in the world without all the killing. There’s to much talk of peace and not enough being done to achieve it. There’s ambivalence among Americans to the threats coming our way, lets not wait to act until it’s too late.
I’m going to get creamed for this article, please think before you speak. This would be another opportunity for America to change the course of history. Thousands of years of conflict haven’t produced much in the way of peace.
Thousands of years of diplomacy haven’t done much better discussions would at least give each side an opportunity to voice their objections and opinions.
Print
Email
