If you've listened to any Democratic presidential candidate, you've likely heard them bemoaning the fact that we aren't liked throughout the world, that we need to elect a Democrat for the world to like us again. Based on this article, I'd say that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown disagrees with that notion:
Mr Brown told the audience at Mansion House the UK had to work with "all those who share our vision of the future", including Nato, the UN, the EU and the US.This follows French President Nicolas Sarkozy's gushingly pro-American speech to Congress. Forgive me for being skeptical of the Democrats' talking points but I don't see alot of evidence that we aren't respected. Forgive me but I don't see the need in being liked as being more important than being respected. In fact, being respected is infinitely more important than being liked.He said: "It is no secret that I am a life-long admirer of America.
"I have no truck with anti-Americanism in Britain or elsewhere in Europe and I believe that our ties with America, founded on values we share, constitute our most important bilateral relationship.
"And it is good for Britain, for Europe and for the wider world that today France and Germany and the European Union are building stronger relationships with America."
All it takes to be liked is to do what others tell you to do. Being respected often means doing things in our best interest despite knowing that we won't be liked for doing what we have to do.
If the day comes that Democrats figure out the difference between being liked and being respected, then they'll be worthy of running this country's foreign policy. Until that happens, they shouldn't be entrusted with that responsibility.
So PM Brown's comments constituted his "liking" and "respect" for a particular U.S. political party? I view his comments as his "liking" and "respect" of the U.S. in general. This goes beyond just the executive branch. PLUS, I'm sure that PM Brown understands the U.S. political process well enough to know that this administration will not last forever, and that he will soon be working with another, be that Republican or Democrat.
There is something to be said for "sticking to your guns" on particular issues. Abe Lincoln was a perfect example of someone who possessed this quality, and he ultimately earned people's respect. However, the issues at hand must be reviewed. Some of the world's worst despots earned people's respect by doing what was in their best interest, regardless of whether others liked them or not. I won't name names because I don't want people accusing me of trying to draw a connection between our current administration and these despots. But, we - all of us regardless of our party affiliations - must SERIOUSLY consider what it is that our political leaders are standing firm to. Is it truly in our best interests when we look beyond TODAY!!! And please don't provide me with jibberish about national security and al-qaeda in Iraq - this is still yet to be proven, except for the fact that we know they're there NOW. STANDING FIRM??? Don't forget, with all of the Executive powers that our current administration has "stood firm" to and effectively implemented and exercised, that these powers could be exercised by Democrats in the future. The election is a long way off still, but let's face it, the Democrats are leading all the current polls for the next presidency. This concerns me.
ABSOLUTE POWER CURRUPTS ABSOLUTELY!!!!
Posted by: Mixed at November 15, 2007 01:25 AM
I think your wrong in thinking that once socialist(D) figure out the difference between being liked and respected, then they "may" be ready to lead the country.
First they have to figure out how to do ANYTHING other than serve themselves and struggle to grab power and control. Then they may be worthy of standing in the shadow of a republican.
Posted by: TRMarchesano at November 15, 2007 07:56 PM
