Clinton Offers a BOLD Vision for American Foreign Policy

Tellurian

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Fri Apr-11-08 12:44 PM
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Clinton Offers a BOLD Vision for American Foreign Policy

"For me, the depth of her commitment to these issues was evident not only during her moments in the spotlight. It also emerged behind the scenes, as she pushed us off the beaten track to consult people about their everyday lives and struggles. Over the years, in nearly 80 countries, these personal experiences and conversations deeply shaped her policy agenda and explain why she believes we must invest our prestige, power and dollars in human development."

...

Before delivering a keynote address on domestic violence in El Salvador, she spent hours meeting with leaders across the political and economic spectrum - elected officials, heads of nongovernmental organizations, mothers and human rights activists. It was the kind of gathering she always convened whenever she visited a country. Creating a space for honest, open talk, and recognizing the role of ordinary citizens, were distinctive ways she brought people together around their common concerns and aspirations.

What struck me about these numerous visits and conversations was Mrs. Clinton's unwavering commitment to identify and promote strategies with positive effects on people's lives. Wherever she went, she searched for concrete solutions to lift people out of poverty, create stronger communities, and bolster democratic institutions worldwide.

Mrs. Clinton has the interest, experience and credentials to reverse the incalculable damage that the Bush administration has inflicted on America's standing in the international community. We need a commander in chief who understands that American leadership depends on balancing military strength with our nation's heritage as a beacon of freedom and hope.

Christy Macy, director of publications at the Baltimore-based International Youth Foundation, served on the first lady's White House staff from 1998 to 1999. Her e-mail is christy@iyfnet.org.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.hillary11apr11,0,4026731.story

COMPARE AND CONTRAST: Obama's version of Foreign policy:

"Last night at a fundraiser in San Francisco, Barack Obama took a question on what he's looking for in a running mate."

"I would like somebody who knows about a bunch of stuff that I'm not as expert on," he said, and then he was off and running. "I think a lot of people assume that might be some sort of military thing to make me look more Commander-in-Chief-like. Ironically, this is an area--foreign policy is the area where I am probably most confident that I know more and understand the world better than Senator Clinton or Senator McCain."

"It's ironic because this is supposedly the place where experience is most needed to be Commander-in-Chief. Experience in Washington is not knowledge of the world. This I know.

When Senator Clinton brags 'I've met leaders from eighty countries'--I know what those trips are like! I've been on them. You go from the airport to the embassy. There's a group of children who do native dance. You meet with the CIA station chief and the embassy and they give you a briefing. You go take a tour of a plant that the assistance of USAID has started something. And then--you go."

"You do that in eighty countries--you don't know those eighty countries. So when I speak about having lived in Indonesia for four years, having family that is impoverished in small villages in Africa--knowing the leaders is not important--what I know is the people. . . ."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-says-no-to-foreign_b_95357.html

In reading these few paragraphs, quotes of Sen Obama, the reader has no alternative but to conclude how devoid of "experience" Senator Obama is in matters of "real" leadership. When you compare his summary of "visiting other countries" to a first hand account by someone who was with Senator Clinton when she visited foreign countries.

Obama can easily "fudge" his way on the stump explaining to the massses his rendition of foreign policy. When push comes to shove, "Obama is that familiar used car salesman in the car lot down the street with the same strand of overhead light bulbs, after sensing and identifying your weakness, IS pressuring you to buy the car you really don't want to buy." "Buyer's Remorse" ....the all too familiar lament.