By Dr. David Goetsch
The President of the United States wears several hats, all of them important. Arguably, the most important is foreign affairs. The occupant of the Oval Office is also the leader of the free world, which is what has me concerned. Recent events in foreign affairs bode poorly for the United States and, in turn, the rest of the free world. In fact, they cause me to question whether President Obama is up to the job of leading our country in the crucial area of foreign affairs.
Representing the United States in foreign affairs is like playing three-dimensional chess with an ever-changing set of rules. It is a complex game with the highest possible stakes that demands vision, courage, commitment, stealth, steely nerves, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a thorough understanding of the concept of national interest; ours as well as that of our enemies and allies. Being the leader of the free world is playing in the big leagues where everyone plays for keeps and there is little room for error. Observing President Obama’s performance in foreign affairs so far causes me to wonder if he is really up to the job.
Just a few examples of the President’s performance in foreign affairs so far suggest he needed to spend more time in the minors before jumping to the big leagues where everyone plays for keeps and there is little room for error. Observing President Obama’s performance in foreign affairs so far causes me to wonder if he is really up to the job.
Just a few examples of the President’s performance in foreign affairs so far suggest he needed to spend more time in the minors before jumping to the big leagues. His handling of the Guantanamo issue embarrassed his administration and party. His public statements on North Korea, although on target, are having little effect. Unlike the American public, Kim Jong II is not swayed by speeches, no matter how well-delivered. After Obama labeled a nuclear-armed North Korea a “grave threat,” the unstable dictator thumbed his nose at the President by having two American journalists arrested and sentenced to 12 years at hard labor. In the meantime, North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons undeterred by Obama’s rhetoric. There is a lesson in this if the President is paying attention. Perhaps Obama’s biggest foreign-affairs blunder thus far has been his reluctant response to election fraud in Iran and to the bigger issue of nuclear proliferation in a country that is the poster child for the hate-America movement.
Words alone are not sufficient when the stability of the world depends in large measure on America’s strength and resolve. Teddy Roosevelt knew this when he said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” His big stick was America’s great white fleet of battleships. He put the fleet on display in an-around-the world voyage to back up his words and send a message to our allies and enemies about American strength and resolve. President Reagan followed suit when he said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Then to back up this courageous statement, he threatened to deploy the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Journalists in America scoffed at the idea calling it “Star Wars.” But the Soviet Union didn’t scoff, and the rest is history.
Contrast the boldness, clarity, and resolve of Presidents Roosevelt and Reagan with the tentative, tepid actions of President Obama and what comes to mind is a more articulate version of Jimmy Carter. Even his detractors admit that President Obama is an articulate speaker. If his teleprompter doesn’t break, he can deliver a moving speech. Unfortunately, the world leaders he must deal with are not like American voters—they don’t confuse image with substance. Rather, they have the instincts of a shark for detecting vulnerability. If Obama appears weak or indecisive, our allies will lose faith in America and make the best deal they can with our enemies. In the meantime our enemies will do what sharks always do—encircle their prey and look for opportunities to attack.
By Dr. David Goetsch
Source: Patriot Update
Posted: Knowledge Creates Power
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