usaperspective
The recent United States/French joint bombing of Libya was destined to fail before it even began. Regardless of the outcome, the bombing is surely to lead to unrest and further dissidence between the US and the East. NATO responded to the Libyan resistance’s demand to issue a no fly zone approximately three weeks too late. Gaddafi’s forces have been routing his opposition, with little NATO interference up until now. The issue with the United States getting involved now, is that with the resistance all but defeated, the heavy NATO involvement takes the fight out of the rebels hands. What the West cannot understand about the Middle East is that they do not want the United States meddling in their affairs. The rebels wanted to fight this war themselves, with minimal assistance from the West. By failing to heed to the rebels requests when they were issued and by acting now, NATO has the opportunity to handle the situation on their own terms and direct Libyan reconstruction. This is essentially yet another Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of whether or not Gaddafi is deposed, NATO cannot gain the favor of the opposition by taking such an active approach to this conflict.
The disaster in Japan last week reminds us that we are not in control of our planet. Thousands were killed and thousands more displaced from their homes by one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history and its aftermath. We tend to take things for granted, especially all the luxuries and gadgets that make our day-to-day lives excessively easy to manage. But how prepared are we if, God forbid, a similar disaster happens to us? People tend to get caught up in “the act of living” and forget to focus on what truly means the most. Instead of focusing on what Charlie Sheen does today, let’s all take something from this that will allow us to change, even minutely, the way we look at things. Sorry if this comes across as a rant, but I feel its pretty clear our priorities are so twisted that we fail to see the bigger picture despite it being relayed in the clearest way possible.
Every news channel has something to say about the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Libya is in the midst of a civil war, much in the fashion we witnessed several weeks ago in Egypt. Gaddafi is however far more power-hungry than Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and has refused to hand over power, engaging his forces directly with the opposition. I’d like to provide a bit of an overview before I provide my own opinions just to give you a sense of where I’m coming from. Gaddafi is killing Libyan citizens and escalating this conflict to a level of unparalleled proportions and has demonstrated his intent to maintain power at absolutely all costs. Needless to say, this becomes an American issue. Whether you see the connection or not, or just refuse to acknowledge it. Our image in the middle east is already abysmal and keeping our nose clean can really only effectively get us so far. Should Gaddafi be overthrown, the United States government needs to establish close ties with the new regime. This does not call for direct interference or a democratically imposed government. The United States needs to understand that Libya wants to handle its own problems directly. Our interference will only be interpreted as an occupation, as evidenced by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, supporting the opposition in the event of a Gaddafi victory would further divide what is already a rather weak relationship. Do we support the case of right, against a man who is clearly a tyrant in every sense of the word or do we watch our own backs? Only President Obama and his advisors can really decide on this, but whatever the case, the United States can not afford any more enemies in the east. We need to be supporters and advocates of Democracy without telling governments how it is to be done. This is a situation that must be monitored carefully and not pushed aside.
Does the World Cup mean anything outside the sports world?
We are just a little over a week into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the amount of attention being paid to it is pretty remarkable. Outside the bubble we in the United States live in, Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in the world. Countries all over the world put an incredible amount of resources together to best prepare their national teams to succeed on the world stage. Aside from competing on the field, the World Cup seems to be a way for many nations to get together, putting politics aside. The world needs more opportunities to forget about all the problems plaguing it today. Win or lose, citizens of each represented country can each learn a thing or two from the players on the field. The bottom line is that as citizens of this world, we must all find a way to coexist. The World Cup is and has been a step forward in the right direction. How do you all feel about the World Cup?
Do not confuse bipartisanship for bipartisan politics.
In school we are taught about the men and women that have made a difference in society and the world but yet, we are ourselves are not taught how we too can make a difference. We Americans, live in a country that can achieve so much but are blinded by the advancing technology that consumes our weekly paychecks. As the youth of the country, let alone the world, we need to ask ourselves how we can change the world and make it better. Our country’s two main political parties supposedly represent a bit of every American citizen. But where is the American party, a group where the rich are not necessary to have the opportunity to run for office. A party that allows, the average American, the real American, the opportunity to make things right, to step up and make a difference? That party is within all of us, but is pushed aside by the idea that “I am only one person, what can I do?” All it takes is one person to make a difference in the world, if your point is well received you will receive support. As the saying goes, Rome was not built overnight. It takes time to make a difference, to better the lives of not only American citizens but people all over the world. The basic principles of respect, honesty and perseverance can help you achieve the strongest of your goals. Together, our baby steps and small acts of kindness can change the world for the better.
- Hero or Fool
Over the past few years, an unlikely figure has risen to prominence on the political stage. Ron Paul has jumpstarted the Tea Party movement, far before it ever rose to prominence. An avid believer in a small government with no interference in the public sector, Paul has both won over many and caused many more to shake their heads. It was Paul, not Barack Obama who received a record 6 million dollars in donations, all online in one single day. The GOP radical, has been turning heads for years and only recently received the attention many believe he deserves. Paul has opposed every war brought before Congress during his tenure and even opposed offering aid following the devestation of Hurricane Katrina. Is this a man that Americans should stand behind or a man they should ridicule? Many people feel that the Democrat run goverment in place today is far too large and bringing America closer towards socialism. Paul advocates virtually the opposite of what Barack Obama has put into action. The question essentially boils down to individual opinion and it should be interesting to see what happens between now and the 2012 election.
In recent weeks, I have found it quite difficult to manage one blog let alone two. To be the most effective in my blogging, I have decided that I will update only my primary blog Global World History for the time being. The blog can be found at globalworldhistory.blogspot.com
Thank you very much and I hope to see you there!
With the Inauguration of Barack Obama, the United States and its citizens have signaled a new chapter in American politics and history. The nation, inspired by Obama’s call for change and a government that is ready to begin a new chapter in American politics. Obama has the daunting task of re-stabilizing the economy and handling the failed policies of the Bush administration. As I watched the Inauguration of President Obama, I could not help but feel proud and excited about what the future of this great country would be like. Barack Obama proves that the American dream is still readily achievable today and that anything is possible. Obama not only represents change, but also hope that our country will once again be a force of liberty and justice, a country revered by all. Although world peace may be a hopeless idea, we look to President Obama to improve our foreign relations and put an end to the hatred of our great nation from our enemies abroad. We may have a difference in ideals when compared to many of the middle eastern countries but we must put aside our differences and work together for the common good. Obama is sure to have his hands full in the coming years and we all hope (perhaps except for Rush Limbaugh) that he succeeds in reclaiming American glory and stability.
Bush Hurts McCain Candidacy
Posted: May 29, 2008 in Election 2008Tags: Election 2008, George Bush, John McCain, Politics
I find it quite funny that John McCain will use all the help he can get from George Bush but that he tries very hard to not be seen in public with him. Bush does not have much support at all amongst the American public and McCain is afraid that the Bush dissatisfactionwill spread to his campaign faster than the black plague. John McCain, often considered a third term of George Bush, is doing all that he can to seperate himself from the President. I find it rather unlikely that the Democrats will fail at making McCain come across as a direct disciple of George Bush. Relatively speaking, this election is the Democrats’ to lose and they are going to do everything in their power to keep the Republican Senator from Arizona in the Senate. We have all had enough of George Bush’s failed policies and the general misconceptions that have led us into a war we want no part in. Change is something many Americans want, but nothing they will ever likely find in politics. Politicians have agendas, they put on good shows and they are America’s best party hosts and salesmen. While Democrats and Republicans are battling it out, Americans lose. For the sake of our country, we need a President who does not just unite the party he represents, but unites the entire American people and inspires them to accomplish great things.
How Experience Has Failed Us
Posted: May 21, 2008 in Election 2008, National IssuesTags: Election 2008, US Politics
In the history of the our country, we have looked to the most experienced individuals to lead our country and have elected those “experienced” politicians to the nations highest office. In the current election, many argue that Barack Obama lacks the experience necessary to be successful as President of our country. Below you will find the 5 most experienced individuals ever elected to the Presidency and a brief overview of their terms in office. You will also find the 5 least experienced individuals with a brief overview of their terms in office in the next segment.
Most Experienced:
James Buchanan: The 15th President of the United States, Buchanan failed to accomplish really anything during his Presidency. As states were gearing up to secede from the Union, Buchanan argued that secession was illegal but that starting a war to stop it was also illegal. His strategy (or lack thereof) helped contribute to the Civil War. During the Buchanan Presidency, the panic of 1857 caused a huge economic crisis and government revenue deficit. In short, the Buchanan Presidency was a huge failure.
Andrew Johnson- The 17th President of the United States, Johnson became President after the disastrous assasination of Abraham Lincoln. As devestating as the death of Abraham Lincoln was, the Johnson presidency was not much better. Successfully avoiding impeachment twice the Radical Republicans in power. Johnson was initially against awarding amnesty to leading Confederate officials because he felt treason should be dealt with severely but eventually agreed to pardon all Confederates on Christmas day, 1868. Johnson was ineffective at leading the country through reconstruction and experience again failed Americans.
John Quincy Adams: Widely regarded as one of America’s finest diplomats and one of only two Presidents to later serve in Congress, the Presidency of the younger Adams did go as smoothely as he would have liked. His elaborate domestic projects and policies were not very popular with Congress and very few were actually passed. Adams personal feud with Andrew Jackson was arguably considered the biggest highlight of his Presidency.
Lyndon B. Johnson: The 36th President of the United States, LBJ was sworn in as President under the same circumstances as Andrew Johnson following Lincoln’s assasination. The assasination of John F. Kennedy caused an uproar amongst the American public. Johnson did several great things during his Presidency including the nomination of Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court and his work in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, when the Vietnam wore broke out Americans lost trust in Johnson, who claimed he would avoid dragging the US into war during his campaign. In the election of 1968, Johnson was defeated by a large margin by Richard Nixon.
Gerald Ford: The 38th President of the United States, Ford became President following the resignation of Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal. Ford was criticized severely for his pardon of Nixon, as the majority of Americans wanted Nixon to be punished for his crimes. The Ford Administration was forced to address America’s faltering economic issues, something they were never fully able to grasp. However, Ford did just about all he could do taking over the office at such a critical time.
American Perspective 