| We are in danger of squandering the opportunity and failing the challenge. We are living off the capital -- both the military investments and the foreign policy achievements -- built up by past administrations. Cuts in foreign affairs and defense spending, inattention to the tools of statecraft, and inconstant leadership are making it increasingly difficult to sustain American influence around the world. And the promise of short-term commercial benefits threatens to override strategic considerations. As a consequence, we are jeopardizing the nation's ability to meet present threats and to deal with potentially greater challenges that lie ahead.
We seem to have forgotten the essential elements of the Reagan Administration's success: a military that is strong and ready to meet both present and future challenges; a foreign policy that boldly and purposefully promotes American principles abroad; and national leadership that accepts the United States' global responsibilities.
Of course, the United States must be prudent in how it exercises its power. But we cannot safely avoid the responsibilities of global leadership or the costs that are associated with its exercise. America has a vital role in maintaining peace and security in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. If we shirk our responsibilities, we invite challenges to our fundamental interests. The history of the 20th century should have taught us that it is important to shape circumstances before crises emerge, and to meet threats before they become dire. The history of this century should have taught us to embrace the cause of American leadership.
Seems to me it says that we should build on our (then current) strong position in the global neighborhood, strengthening our alliances, improving our reputation as a global leader, and acting in the interests of the world at large, not just our own, shortsighted interests.
Unfortunately, what we've done is demolished any sense of global leadership we might have presented before, wasted decades of slow progress in foreign policy, promoted war and chaos instead of peace and justice, alienated our allies, and developed hostile attitudes from previously neutral countries.
Bush has singlehandedly thrown our foreign policy back over 70 years to pre-WWII positions. Actually further, since at least then we were looked on as neutral, compared to the imperialistic appearance we now present.
What surprises me most was the names signed to that document. Rumsfeld, Jeb Bush, (not that Shrub listens to anyone, least of all some hick relation) Cheney, and what the hell is Forbes name doing on there? Oh yeah, he was going to run for pressie, huh?
The fact that Forbes and Quayle signed it makes me think it is most likely just more posturing by the Rep party. Typical of politicians to speak big, while all the time having their own agenda already laid out in the smoky backrooms of seedy bars in DC.
In other words, the document has no bearing on reality, other than to show just how easily they lie to us. (Note especially the line about being prudent about exercising our power. Hah.) |
