Even the Swiss are FREAKING OUT about the global financial crisis. Not only are we in Switzerland wringing our hands, crossing our eyes, and keeping our fingers crossed that there will not be an international meltdown, everyone is asking how come the Democrats aren't coming out swinging about the financial crisis ? Who are the US politicians who don't believe in reasonable regulation? Sitting here in Europe we know. But what do we hear from the States instead? 'Obama wants to raise your taxes'! THAT is the reaction to the turmoil in the market!
Honestly! This morning I had a conversation in the school cafeteria with a normal looking woman who turned out to be Republican. I had to remind her that the US government now has to intervene in a most intense way to prevent a global economic meltdown (National Security = Well Managed Economy).
While we were on the coffee line and the woman was still captive, I managed to add that a government fixes streets, lights, and bridges and that was good for commerce and general well being (National Security= Infrastructure). And, by the way, if we wanted to continue invading countries we would need an army with non-diabetic, non-obese people (National Security = Healthcare), who could read an instruction manual (National Security =Education). I did not get a chance to remind her that the US should lead on the issue of global warming since it seems to be destroying our cities and continental coastlines (National Security = Climate Change), nor did I presume to tell her that upholding the most precious basic principles of our Constitution would enable us to show the world how a truly vibrant democracy functions (long term National Security= Rule of Law).
That brings me to the Friday debate, a.k.a. Round One: Obama vs McCain.
Focus ? Foreign Policy and National Security.
Sure, hang tough, show 'em you know all 'em foreign dignitaries, what to do with Iran, how to deal with Putin, how to protect Israel, and where Spain is.
But Senator Obama, could you please bring the point back home that Foreign Policy and National Security ARE intimately bound to the core 'Domestic' issues of the economy, healthcare, education, and the environment?
Foreign policy and National Security are not abstract/ egghead/ 'elite' issues concerning only those foolish enough to want a passport, or to be shipped to fight overseas. Foreign Policy and National Security are about interconnected, permanently intertwined global economic realities, no less interwoven peoples, shared air, wind and water.
Of course, be sure to show 'em that you are as tough as they come, and that you would knock 'em dead, and hunt 'em down if they would dare to 'dis us. But please connect the dots for everyone that an America that has a strong economy is the best ally, that an America that leads is a more attractive ally, an America that innovates and inspires is more fearsome to its enemies, and that a strong America is an America economically secure, healthy, well educated and clear eyed about the future, not an America obsessed and fearful of the past. Please let us not forget that under the last Democratic President we had a 230 billion dollar surplus, and now after a disastrous Foreign Policy we have a 205 billion dollar deficit and are also financially bankrupt. We, the taxpayers, are going to have to pay for the errors in domestic and foreign policy judgment of the Bush Administration supported by a Republican congress. Let's not forget the most egregious new flip-flop from McCain, who has been against regulations, but is now for them. That is a National Security issue for me.
So, bonne chance, (as we say here), and don't forget to impress on everyone that Infrastructure, Health, Education, Environment and the Economy are primary National Security issues. And go Knock 'em dead !