Spencer,
Concerning our phone conversation the other night, you mentioned how you felt like Obama's language during the G20 and elsewhere in Europe was "bashing America". I didn't have a chance to respond and so I'd like to do so now.
I respect your opinion concerning his words. Here is mine.
Obama rebranded America in Europe, where America has had a very bad brand for the last 8 years.
I think he did what is one of the most difficult things for a politician to do: admit mistakes. He was willing to accept American faults.
I feel that it was completely appropriate to show a more human face, thus allowing foreign diplomats to say "Hey, this guy seems honest enough". Such a thought has been void of American leadership for some time now.
Back here in the homeland, Obama now runs the risk of the "talking-down America" problem, or bashing, as you put it. Conservatives will do their best to blackmail him during his re-election campaign. And if it costs him re-election, then so be it. He'll go down with honor having done what few politicians have ever had the guts to do.
My opinion is that it was not bashing. It was honest, smart, humble talk. Good for America. I'm happy about it.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bashing America
Posted by Chris at 5:33 PM
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2 comments:
Chris, You view Obama's apology tour as accepting fault. Obama has not done this. He blames and points fingers to previous administrations and belittles Americans reputation. Sure America has made some mistakes and it is good to admit those and move on but many of the things Obama was apologizing for is only appeasing the world and making his administration look weak.
Look out for it appears as though Obama is serving Carter's second term.
Honestly, I think he is playing way to much to political correctness and not to principle which would make me have more admiration for his efforts in mending international relations. He is afraid to step on toes if it is in out best interest.
Also, he is able to work in a tour to Iraq and Turkey where he bows to the Saudi King (whether he meant to or not it looks very much like that it what he did and that is how the middle east is viewing it) but he can't seem to work in a visit to the Normandy Beach to visit the graves of Americans. He is a world appeaser. He was afraid that it would offend Germany to visit Normandy. Well we don't want to do that now do we. Lets just offend your own people! Barack Obama rejects Normandy trip to avoid offending Germany
His administration only "looks weak" to his critics here at home. The rest of us, including most of the world, views the Obama administration with more admiration than they have any previous American administration for quite some time. Government officials were lining up to shake the man's hand. That doesn't seem to portray an administration that "looks weak".
Being apologetic and recognizing mistakes is hardly a sign of weakness. That's a true principle in all areas of life.
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