Waiting For Obama: The First Global Election

Nothing could be more accurate today than the political chant from Chicago in 1968: "The Whole World is Watching." The level of interest in the upcoming U.S. presidential contest is incredibly high, greater than at any time in post-Cold War history. This is due to the rapid decline of America's reputation abroad during the Bush administration and to the hope that Democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama will restore America's image not with public relations, but with new internationalist policies.

In the past month, I have seen this phenomenon first hand. I have traveled to Syria, Peru and Bolivia as a speaker in the State Department's public diplomacy program. In each country, I heard from US embassy staff about how a record number of foreign journalists have requested travel to the US to cover the elections. I met with some of these reporters during my trips. I also encountered the same interest among students who attended my university lectures -- and of course, business and government leaders wanted to know in detail what an Obama presidency might mean.

In Syria, for example, students at the elite public policy school at Damascus University were fascinated to learn that Obama's middle name is Hussein, and that his mother's second husband was a Muslim who took young Barack to live for years in Indonesia. These young Syrians seemed amazed that the United States which many in the region see as the Great Satan would actually nominate such a person to be president -- and the thought that he might be the next president of the US was almost beyond belief. Of course, I got the not unexpected questions about whether Obama too would would be under the thumb of the Jewish lobby -- but overall, a sense of hope and optimism seemed to prevail. Almost every Syrian whom I met felt that Obama might bring a new beginning to US-Syrian relations, and perhaps usher in a genuine and wider Middle East peace.

In Peru and Bolivia, students not surprisingly were focused on their own region. They wanted to know if Obama would pay greater attention to Latin America -- perhaps rekindling the spirit of JFK and the Alliance for Progress. Government officials asked tougher questions about Obama and the Democratic Party's commitment to the global trading system, and whether US special interests might force Obama to close US markets to foreign goods. They also wanted to know what a President Obama might do about about drugs in Latin America, and about the danger that some states, perhaps even Bolivia, might come to be dominated by narco politics and anti-democratic groups. Of course, they were curious about Obama's offer to meet with Venezuela's populist leader Hugo Chavez, and about how US-Cuban relations might change under Obama.

As a Democrat and former US ambassador, I made it clear that I did not speak for the Obama campaign (I supported Senator Clinton in the primary), but that I knew and respected him, that he had studied at Occidental College where I hold a chair in diplomacy, and that many of my friends serve on his foreign policy team. I told audiences that my students at Occidental, inspired by Obama's success, recently completed a memo for the next president entitled Rebranding America (available online at: www.oxyworldwide.com) and that copies were sent to Obama and his team, as well as to McCain and his. Many students seemed intrigued about how they could "rebrand" their own nations.

In every talk and interview abroad, I made these basic points:

• There are significant differences between Senator McCain and Senator Obama on the two most important issues of the campaign: the economy and the war in Iraq. In the past two decades, US foreign policy has become highly partisan and emotionally charged -- politics no longer stops at the water's edge as it largely did during the Cold War -- and it will matter a great deal, depending on which candidate is elected. If Obama becomes president, he will first focus on responsibly removing American troops from Iraq -- one of his key campaign promises and a signature commitment of his political career. He will also have to manage and ameliorate the economic distress of the American people. On both these key issues, Obama and McCain are light years apart.
• The world beyond Iraq will not (and cannot) be ignored. Obama will be able to multi-task because he will have a reservoir of talent on call. All of his foreign policy advisors -- notably Anthony Lake, Susan Rice, and Greg Craig -- are experienced hands from the Bill Clinton administration. As I told foreign audiences and journalists, one of the secrets of the campaign is that all of Obama's people are Clinton people -- and this is a good thing. Under the leadership of Tony Lake, the Obama campaign has a assembled a top notch group of professionals. On the Middle East, there are pros such as Dennis Ross, Martin Indyk, and Robert Malley, among others, to call on. They are among our most experienced negotiators. On Latin America, there are not only the usual advisors from the Council on Foreign Relations, but also younger scholars such as Russell Crandall from Davidson College, a leading expert on drug wars in the region. As President, Obama would have an impressive stable of very senior officials whose services he can engage. For Secretary of State or Secretary of Defense, think Senators Biden, Kerry, Dodd or Mitchell, and former General Wesley Clark. Think former President Bill Clinton as special envoy to the Middle East (perhaps in tandem with former British PM Tony Blair). Think Nobel Prize winner Al Gore as special envoy to renewed global warming talks. Think former Senator Sam Nunn as special emissary to Putin's Russia, or former Centcom commander Admiral William Fallon as special emissary to Iran. And still on the bench to be deployed would be Richard Holbrooke, Madeleine Albright, and Strobe Talbott. The point is that President Obama would have a wealth of talented and experienced Americans at his disposal -- an arsenal of "smart power", the envy of any nation and any leader.
• Globalization is not Americanization -- but it does require American leadership to work more fairly and effectively. Democrats are not economic nationalists or isolationists -- but they understand that a sustainable globalization requires activist government inside each nation, as well as greater international cooperation. In my lectures at foreign business schools, I started off by explaining the good news and the bad news. The good news is that contrary to the beliefs of some anti-American voices, there is no American Ruling Class Committee in charge of pushing globalization on an unwilling world. The bad news, of course, is that no one is in charge of the global economy. We still live inside national borders, but the post-Cold War economy is global and is not constrained by international borders, nor are the environmental and social consequences. This is the central political problem of our age. It is vital for the US to lead, but not dominate in making globalization more equitable and more environmentally friendly -- both within our borders and for the entire world. Senator Obama seems to understand this challenge, although his economic advisors are less diverse than I would expect. He has some talented younger economists such as Austan Goolsbee from the University of Chicago, and he has brought in the predictable Clinton pros like Robert Rubin and Larry Summers. He still needs to reach out to other international economists who combine progressive views with practical experience -- experts such as Sebastian Edwards at UCLA, Martin Carnoy at Stanford, Dani Rodik at Harvard. Manuel Pastor at USC, and Jamie Galbraith at Texas. I also tell foreign business students and foreign business leaders that it is not simply a matter of waiting for Obama to come to power. They can start working for better economic and social policies in their own countries, and arguing for new regional initiatives in the Middle East and Latin America. If Obama comes to power, they will be ready with home grown initiatives to present to him and his team.

I have no idea if my public diplomacy -- I also spoke last year in Kazakhstan, Chile and New Zealand, and I go to Australia his fall -- is having much impact, but my message is always clear and simple: I come in peace and bring fraternal greetings from progressive Americans. Barack Obama seems to embody this message, and to carry with him in the upcoming presidential contest the hopes not only of Americans, but of citizens in almost every country of the world. It is a heavy responsibility, and not to be taken lightly. If Obama can prevail, and can govern with strength, compassion and political wisdom, then he might turn out to be the first truly global president.

The whole world will be watching.

Comments

[Hare]

The only qualm I have with Obama and why I am so hesitant of his success is expressed clearly in this article. Those that advice him are same old, same old. The old guard doing things the wrong way. He needs new blood to see and work differently. The Global perspective demands a different view this old people don't have. Like old people they are they don't even want to change. If he continues with them his policies will fail, the Middle East will continue the way it is and we the people will see no benefits from putting him there as our president. He can be the first Global President only if he surrounds himself with those that put the Globe and its people first. I know Clinton's people are not the ones to do that. I hope we are not the fools and simpleton believers we once were.

[CHARLIESBABI]

Do you people not realise what is happening? A global president? A one world government? An Obamanation? Do you not realise that this is all leading up too what is prophysied in Revelations? where no man can buy or sell save he that has the mark of the beast! And that is the number of a man! I do not believe Obama is the anti-Christ, but i do believe he could be a fore runner of him! We have been hearing of these so called chips that you just scan when you go to the store, a so called cashless society, now all of a sudden Obama comes along offering change, and hope for the Whole world and people are starting to say things like a global president, Well in Revelations it says that he will fool the nations with his persuasive language and propises of peace, and when he is in power he will bring only death and destruction! So as one preacher said, if you are with the majority, you are probably on the wrong path, Because it says straight and narrow is the path to heaven but broad and wide is the path to damnation. Obama has scared me from the get go, and now even more so! It is so obvious that he and Michelle are anti-American, I cant believe more people cant see thru him!

[MaeScott]

Please, if you looked in Rumsfeld, Cheney, and GWB's hair you'd find sixes.
Talk about an anti-christ, everything this administration has done has been for profit
The mass movement of billions of our treasure ( money, lives, jobs) into the hands and pockets of the "have mores". Katrina and now Iowa tells us lots about the character of the Bush Admin.

If you're looking for the anti-christ, you've stared at him/them for the last 7+ years.

[Jazzbeau]

Revelation????

Bwaaahaaahaaaahaaa!!

You really should take your medications regularly!

[Kwaayesnama]

Do you ever wonder why so many people are getting on the Barack Hussein Obama bus?

Could it be that this nation is becoming colorblind and does not care if a good person is black, white, red or tan?

Could it be that the American people don"t care if a person worships as a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, or Jew?

Could it be that people remember the scandals of the Clinton And Bush years?

Could it be that the American people know that if it was not for the Clinton"s filth and scandals that Al Gore would be completing his second term in office.

Could it be that the American people remember Bush and McCain looking into our eyes and saying, believe me there are weapons of mass destruction?

Could it be that the American people are shell shocked that over 4,000 precious lives have been lost fighting the wrong war in the wrong country against the wrong enemy?

Could it be that the American people realize that Carl Rove politics brought our nation to where it is today?

[MrKINOKO]

Yes to the 'nth power. It's an amazing change, a sea change, both from within our borders (actual change) and with the perceptions of America abroad (perceived change). Anyone who doesn't see it, or doesn't understand it enough to, if not support it, then to at least sit back and let it happen, is unpatriotic...in my book. How could some people honestly not want change and prosperity of the soul of the U.S..... other than the WarPigs and profiteers like C*heney/C*linton/B*ush/R*ove, et al? Even in tiny Iceland, people are fascinated with not only O*bama, but the possibility that America will actually break out of it's perceived racist shell, and they are actively talking about it.....no more seeing Americans as "cowboys", which believe it or not actually influences the ways people act in some nations (ie: Jamaica, where emulation of the American cowboy mentality is an indirect reason for much of the violence there...along with scams like the IMF).
So....to anyone who is not on the O*bama bus, but is roller skating behind Hanoi John's "Straight talk express"...I have to ask you...who is putting the $1,000 a day's worth of gas in that monster? You are....every time you pay your taxes, and every time you buy a Budweiser. And when will you realize the "Express" is a bullet-riddled HUMVEE, leading our kids off to Valhalla? let's become part of the World again.

[realistic2008]

In reading your piece I have concluded that your assessment of the situation in the Middle East and Latin America is not purely diplomatic from the stand point of midguided geo-politics.
Mutual respect and good will, which have lost their standings, are paramount to good relations and an orderly existence, president Obama must generate a climate of tolerance and use the economic and cultural power of the United States for the benfit of humanity and not only for US corporations.

[mjc]

I recommend to all of you David Brooks op ed piece today: The Two Obamas (NYTimes op ed 06/20/08). All you "progressives" out there will be looking for reasons why the world is going to stay the same AFTER OBAMA or even IF OBAMA LOSES. While Obama is quite bright don't even think his love bucket is going to be able to stand the strain of all the hopes of guys like Derek and Carrisima, Bjorny, or RAYINNJ filling it.

[gadfly55]

So you trot out the same old same old Clinton professionals, and pretend this is change, you people are still in the last century with your notions of the superiority of your systems. American power has failed as a military force to effect beneficial change on a global level, except throwing billions of people into antagonism to American financial and cultural influence. Start with the assumption that America is an exhausted power with money flowing out from its center and being channeled and directed to its effective diminution as an economic titan. Education, training, technology, and fluid finances have shifted power to the people with talent, detemination, pride in proving they are ancient civilisations with stronger values tested by history. The Anglo-American axis has been in decline in fact since 1932, appearances to the contrary which derived from false posturing of nuclear destruction and easy control of markets after the catastrophe of destruction from the war.. New York and London have had it too easy, and it has made them greedy and weak. American foreign intelligence has proven its incompetence relentlessly, and this article is more of the same. God help Obama if he is fool enough to rely on these people, but his movement will not succumb to the usual complacency of incompetents re-assigned. The Fool prophesises in King Lear, III.2, the realm of Albion has come to great confusion. The world awaits real change in attitude and respect.

[stonejaxx]

Yes, it's change. Obama is 180 degrees from Bush - Cheney and has an impressive platform with great humanitarian focus.
American power has failed? What power? economic, agricultural, financial,educational, technological, pharmaceutical, space exploration? Hardly a spent power. On the other hand, I concede that Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz recklessly abused the military as the defining force fin foreign policy instrument.
Shifting power to the talented? We live in a global economy fueled by the exhange of information over the internet. This began with the industrial revolution and continues with the informtion age and the hot spots of innovation from Silicon Valley to Boston. In spite of difficult economic times, these communities continue to innovate and contribute .
A global economy fosters a global workforce and there is no question that many countries are benefitting from their new found roles. What continues to attract citizens from all over the world are our universites and job prospects. This has only helped to strengthen America but also those who have come.
I conclude with the question, why so glum? Hardly a perfect country that has gone through some tough times in the past 7.5 years, but it is still moving with much to offer the world. Which is where Barack comes in. We are out of sync with the world and we need a better distribution of resources in America.. He's smart, charismatic and a true leader. Wait until he hits the White House.

[Hare]

Right now Obama is better that Bush in all accounts. Anything is better than Bush. The problem is to what degree. Has Obama sold his soul to these devils that control this country. Is his ambition so much to make him blind. I hope not. I hope in change

[Quitcherbichin]

""The whole world IS watching"...and waiting with baited breath. An Obama victory would begin the process of sending the enemies of peace and equitable prosperity, not to mention preserving our resources and fighting climate change, scurrying back to their rats nests. Victory for Obama -- and the world -- in 2008!"

I hope the world gets over it when McCain wins.

[provoice]

It is not likely that the world would get over it if McCain wins.

It is more likely that the world would consider the U.S. even more of a pariah than they already think, and organize to help bring us down even lower than the neo-con have brought us already.

Oh, and that's BATED breath.

[Warmenuf]

"Baited breath" suggests someone who has been eating earthworms.

[thebeerdoctor]

It certainly is strange that Derek Shearer names so many questionable people as virtuous. His praise of the Chicago economics school is laughable, except for those on the bottom, who experience the austerity their so-called free market reforms require. I guess that he does not grasp that neoliberalism is just as evil as neoconservatism . Barack Obama is quite the ruthless politician. First the Reverend Wright had to go under. Then the church where Obama took his children. Then any possibility of any kind of justice in the Middle East, with that disgraceful AIPAC speech. Then, you might as well forget about labor, his chief economic advisor is a Wal-mart apologist. Public financed campaign? Forget that too, he knows where his bread is buttered.

[jericho4119]

So who actually is virtuous in your world? What names would you have preferred?

[janvoght]

sounds like you didn't fare too badly the last eight years....you probably wouldn't mind a third bush term huh?

obama '08

[Bjorny818]

Hey 'Beer Doctor'
You've had way too many cases :-)
The World IS watching. I have friends in many South & Central American countries, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Scandinavia, Lebanon and S Africa. They all feel that OBAMA has the right ideas when it comes to foreign relations. He'll talk to everyone... as it should be.
This article is not so much an opinion piece, but rather a reflection of what Mr. Shearer has observed, or did you not get that?

[kcender]

Okay, let's cut to chase, save all the money that is fixing to spent on this boondoggle election. Let's just go ahead and crown Obama as President of the whole world. NOT!!!

The guy's resume shows he never held a real position. Raised by white folks, Mom and grandparents. He was not raised as your typical black American.

He talks well, gives great speeches and votes present on important bills before congress. That is a NON Vote so he is not representing his constituents with crap votes like that. Co_sponsored most of the legislation he lays claim too. In other words someone else did the work and gave him the glory.

Never ran a business, has always been a dreamer. Granted we do need dreamers but not as our President in these coming turbulent times.

We have two poor choices and we as Americans cannot be concerned with who Syria supports in the Presidential Election in the United States.

It is time for the American people to do some soul searching and demand that our government Wake UP before the America we know and love is sold out again by a slick talking politician. Hold them accountable. Throw them all out and start over, using the Constitution as written by our forefathers as our guideline. Put morals back in the US Government, Schools and homes. Stop sending jobs overseas to pay dividends to investors and greedy corporate fat cats.

KCENDER

[peterdangit]

1) Nobody's crowning anybody, chill...
2) You need to go do some research about Obama before you start spewing crap out of your month. You know what research is right? Repeating Republican spin is not research.
3) We never like when others are looking into our kitchen, but we sure don't mind taking over other people's kitchens.
4) Wishing for X or Y without a real plan to make that happen, and worse not being willing to give and take, is just talk. Yeah sure, I wish everybody would a saint, no more crime, no more corruption etc.

[razajac]

kcender sed: "It is time for the American people to do some soul searching and demand that our government Wake UP before the America we know and love is sold out again by a slick talking politician. Hold them accountable. Throw them all out and start over, using the Constitution as written by our forefathers as our guideline. Put morals back in the US Government, Schools and homes. Stop sending jobs overseas to pay dividends to investors and greedy corporate fat cats."

I was following your views quite nicely, then this last paragraph reminded me of the importance/necessity of being grounded in reality; that righting the American ship of state means grabbing a real wheel, following both the best-methods (Constitution) and genuine decency...and it hit me. Not so much that Obama fills that bill, as much as the fact that *someone; some actual person* has to show good faith signs that he or she understands all this; understands that the issues you raise specifically in this last paragraph are the issues of the day.

Who says that Obama isn't aware of these issues?

Perhaps most importantly, who says that, to the extent that Obama isn't aware of these issue, his administration won't show a refreshing permeability to input by parties interested in these issues?

Actual, real people have to do all this. Who do you have in mind?

[MrKINOKO]

Great...just what we need this election season...another guy with 99 questions, but not one answer. Way to go, kc*nd*r. I wonder what your "resume" shows? Harvard educated Attorney? State and US Senator? Political and public organizer? Multi-million dollar author? Or....fries station, drive-thru, and 55 gallon drum? Why must these frustrated people always insist on dragging all signs of light down into their own personal black holes with them?
As for running a business...seems to me like Hanoi John has done all of 3 things for work in his life.

1. Did approx. 8 years in the Navy (six of which he was in prison).

2. US Senate...with one of the highest absentee rates in Congressional history (look it up for yourself).

3. Marry a rich woman.

He is NOT an Attorney, a war hero, a successful business owner, or even a well-educated professional politician. Hell, if I'm not mistaken, he was born off-base in Panama, which means he is INELIGIBLE FOR PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE. Wonder when that will be vetted?

So in summation...another post submitted above with no solutions, just gripes. No change, no hope, no nothing but complaining and engaging in political fantasies which cannot and will not happen, ad nauseum. Way to go. Thanks for killing my Hope and Change high......

[Jazzbeau]

"He is NOT an Attorney, a war hero, a successful business owner, or even a well-educated professional politician. Hell, if I'm not mistaken, he was born off-base in Panama, which means he is INELIGIBLE FOR PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE. Wonder when that will be vetted?"

A president must be a natual born, not naturalized, citizen of the United States. Those born overseas to citizens of the United States are, in fact, natural born citizens of the United States. Ergo, John McCain is NOT INELIGIBLE on this basis.

Although I agree with you about the other shortcomings you mentioned, and more, he is a natural born citizen of the United States and, thus, eligible to be POTUS, at least by that criterion.

[hosshoss777]

Part 2
Which reminds me, don't forget that Obama wants to chase Osama Bin laden after Iraq calms down. He's on record saying that so it amazes me how some can see him as a some kind of peace candidate. I wonder if Obama is aware of the Bush-Clinton-BinLaden-CIA connections or if he really believes that Osama did 9/11 all on his own?



The Currency Empire's holy trinity of USA-UK-Israel which seems to be mostly centered in the worlds largest financial center, that would be London England, indeed has a stake in this election. But rest assured that either way its bets will all be covered. Frankly, the economies of Russia and France and the whole EU are more aligned and coordinated in London than most would believe.

[peterdangit]

Bin Laden is not a country; no need to invade a whole country to kill a man, there are smarter ways...

[hosshoss777]

Part 1
Wow! The disconnect between the author who writes as if he believes that the American election offers a real choice, a chance to take a new path and the commenters who seem to know that a global force actually controls all the agenda and that this election is just a distraction of window dressing is truly striking. No, you can see the individualist firebrand Barack Obama melting right before your eyes. Soon McCain and Obama will be debating not who can get the troops out of Iraq but how America can responsibly fulfill it's obligations to it's only true ally in the Middle east, Israel.



The reality is, our America is just one nation in a Banking-currency group that is intent on seeing it's financial prowess and power remain dominant and unchecked in it's current hegemony. This Banking Currency Aristocracy is the ruling class so many of us would like to pretend doesn't exist. Our FED is simply an instrument in this cabal along with the Bank Of England and the World bank and of course the financialization of commodities markets and most surprising to some, Drug Cartels. You will also find that the CIA, MOSSAD and British Intel all take their marching orders from this group and not "elected" officials so much. Fact is, this is where the 9/11 investigation broke down and became strangely silent.

[Mycall]

Alot of information. I'm taken a back by just how self-serving alot of this sounded. I mean the content is good, but this guy sure doesn't miss many opportunities to pat himself on the back.

[sw1ng]

I found this article interesting. I was excited to see the Oxy Worldwide report. Too bad it comes off as naive and/or dishonest.

For instance, here is the assessment of the "problem" in Iraq:

"Iraq is without a doubt the most significant international issue facing the United States
today. After a swift removal of the previous Iraqi regime, the United States has found its
attempts to democratize Iraq hampered by a multifaceted insurgency, and has been
caught in the middle of Sunni vs. Shiite civil conflict. The last eighteen months have
proven to be a watershed period in Iraq: a new strategy introduced by General David
Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker helped significantly deteriorate al-Qaeda in Iraq
and assuage some of the violence between Sunni and Shiite groups, as well as attacks on
American servicemen. However, there remains much work to be done."

How about the "problem" that we invaded because Bush and co. wanted to, lied and suppressed evidence to make it happen? What about the problem that so many US contractors took billions of dollars and accomplished hardly any of the reconstruction work they were hired to do, leaving many Iraqis without power, clean water, etc? Or the problem of the incredible ill will we acquired by killing so many civilians? Not to mention the turpitude of the acts themselves and it's deranging effect on the soldiers who committed them.

[DCMata]

This article brings excitment- the possibilities of change in our Country's economy and foreign policies- by true intellects- not warchickens (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfelt, Lieberman)

McCain's Viet Nam- service was commendable- he missed the war under sad conditions- he can not now- make Iraq & Iran the fight he missed.

Cindy McCain...We all love America and show it in different ways- Michelle Obama loves it as much as you- let's not get silly over this!!!

[Bella Liberty]

Everyday what ever Obama voicing is nothing new. Including president Bush and every former white American president knows that. Just talking with Osama Bin Laden or using the appeasement policy is couldn't restore any American image. Actually American image is super power status and which also is nothing wrong and still going strong in this universe. Also current American Internationalist policy is super power policy and changing the new internationalist policy would be beneath the super power dignity and that would be super power sunset time. Obama and all media should know that current US suffering from unprecedented economic downturns is nothing concern with current super power Internationalist policy. Obama and every American should know that since more than 224 years America is rich and super power nations in this universe, with its constitution and Internationalist policy, also every American and media should know that, America is rich and super power nation in this universe more than 224 year since before Obama.
Do all Americans think Obama is clever than all historic white American presidents in history? Do you all think, Obama is clever than historic drafters of super power constitutions. If you all have high philosophy and great knowledge easy to find out that Obama could not lead to America with a high profile, he is just voicing and if he is elected that would be heading to worse and super power sunset time.

[eanderso]

One more time, this time with more "whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?"

Can't wait for your next post. Your readers could find more clarity on an ingredient label for Twinkies.

[LinusBern]

I have no idea if Obama is smarter than all other presidents, or really what he intends to do. I do know that the 'policy' you espouse of "America is the greatest and f@%k the rest of the world" has been put to the test for the past eight years and left the US at its weakest point in decades. If you want to hasten the end of empire you so dread, continue sending your treasure off on foreign wars, continue indebting yourself to your global competitors, continue isolating yourself from your allies, and continue uniting your enemies.

And what kind of moron thinks Obama is the first president to think of using diplomacy anyway? Clinton in N. Ireland, Reagan with Gorbachev in Reykyavik, Carter with Sadat and Begin, Nixon in China. Ad Nauseum!

[Header]

I wish there was a "Flag as incoherent and stupid" icon.

This makes about as much sense as Bush saying "The best place for the facts to be done is by somebody who's spending time investigating it."

Please edit your work. Thanks.

[letsbepeaceful]

I suspect that bella is not a native English speaker

[MrKINOKO]

HUH? WTF are you even saying? Wow...first time I've had absolutely no idea what a post actually said...way to go, HP moderators...lol.

[Miguel]

Derek is clearly a true-believer, not unlike the drug dealer taking his own drugs, to use a strong but apt analogy. Can anyone seriously believe a government which state-sponsors mass-murder of an entire city as did Syria's, would ever listen to weaklings it considers itself superior to? Would they be any more humane than were Hitler's astonished generals (as they realized the hopeless incapability of the West) before they attacked Poland? Those Syrian students had Better Have asked about the Jewish Lobby like they did or they'd find themselves hanging from cranes as happens in Iran.

The only places where the controlling legal authorities have to answer such questions as, "How many bulldozers does it take to bury 40-50,000 murdered human beings quickly?", are marxist regimes (Stalin, Mao, HO, Pol Pot, et al) or their cousin totalitarian regimes of the Middle East. My Middle Eastern students confirm the unimaginable cruelty of these regimes, first hand. Some of these magic thinker, wanna be Ivy Leaguers out there had better put down their pot pipes and run outta gas late at night in a bad part of Cleveland to get a reality check on what it's really like out there, first hand.

To imagine that Clinton failureistas or that Gore buffoonery have any real on-the-ground conceptual capabilities in their respective areas, means you're living in a computer generated fantasy bubble of your own creation.

[DCMata]

Miguel....What "off the wall" comments these are- you are indeed living in an ugly fantasy world.
Meds would really help bring you out of this fantasy!!

[Miguel]

DC, I hope you're glad you DID Not live in the murdered Syrian city or in the murdered Iraqi village which more than one of my Middle Eastern students have told me of, re: Saddam's gunmen mass-murdering. Not a very fancy "fantasy" as you call it, in fact not a "fantasy" at all. Those 'other people' people get to die, while you get to "feel good" as your fantasies keep you unhooked from the brute reality under which those "other people" have to live . . . as pol-glitterari spout bureaucratic pie-in-the-sky unrealities for your perusal.

Your attempted condescension w/your meds remark does nothing re: the brotherhood of cold-eyed cynics getting 'other people' killed with a clear conscience.