The World versus Obama
The next two years do not bode well for the United States in relation to the rest of the world.
There have been lots of ominous developments abroad lately: the Chinese order for us to butt-out of their dispute with our ally Japan over contested territory; the Japanese dust-up with the Russians; the inexplicable twitter birthday wish sent to Ahmadinejad; the latest terrorist attempts originating from Yemen that perhaps have connections with earlier foiled attacks—along with the usual rumblings from North Korea, Syria, and Iran.
I would imagine that after 21 months a general impression, fairly or not, has been created that the U.S. is either unwilling or unable to offer its traditional allies the same level of support as in the past, as America seeks a more multilateral, UN-orientated approach to problems at precisely the time when regional autocracies seek adjustments and advantages in the perceived void. Now with Obama in a holding pattern after the midterm rebuke and considered wounded, I would imagine we will see a very different 2011, perhaps analogous to the annus horribilis of 1979, when the world sized up the therapeutic proclamations of Jimmy Carter between 1977-8, then and finally let loose—the Chinese invading Vietnam, the Soviets into Afghanistan, its surrogates expanding in Central America, the rise of radical Islam and fall of the shah, the taking of the American hostages in Iran, the boycott of the Olympics and on and on.
Just as Obama now seems petulant and miffed that voters did not appreciate his new statist agenda and impatiently and ignorantly pushed back, so too abroad Obama will become disappointed with the world that did not rally to his singular outreach, but instead interpreted his reset diplomacy as weakness to be exploited rather than as magnanimity to be appreciated. And looming behind all this is the specter of massive cuts in the U.S. budget and an anticipated curtailment of U.S defense posture abroad.
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Jul '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Can you imagine what Putin, the martial arts practitioner, thought when he saw Obama throw out the pitch at a White Sox game with a motion that can only be described as girly-girly? I'll tell you what he thought: This is a soft, weak man. The Arabs put it another way: This is a weak horse. What the Iranians thought is now clear. Likewise, the Israelis. The British and French were alarmed enough to bury centuries of rivalry and enter into their own defense pact. The Poles probably spit when they utter his name. And here at home the Republicans have taken his measure. Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen, the descent will be a rocky one.
Aug '10
Re: The World versus Obama
"It's better to be a dog in a peaceful time than be a man in a chaotic period" (寧為太平犬，不做亂世人
So the Chinese say. From a practical and materialist standpoint, we're in real danger of every kind of loss, life, liberty, ability to pursue happiness, to prosper, and raise a family.
On the other hand, as Churchill said, "It's when the dark comes down that the stars shine." If we think of ourselves as warriors for freedom, we're living in the greatest possible period. A new American Revolution and Great Awakening is happening, and we have a fabulous opportunity to distinguish ourselves. The rewards are very great.
Re: The World versus Obama
That is very similar to the Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times." Prof. Hanson's prognostication is very frightening. I have believed we've been on the brink of world calamity for some time now. The brink could last many years before we go over the cliff and then look back at the sign posts so clearly ignored.
The history of weak, conciliatory, appeasing leaders is not good: Chamberlain, Carter. There are historians on this site much more able to write the list than I. As happy as I am about the House sweep, I fear dark days ahead with a leader so soft to begin with and now so repudiated. Hypothetically I'd prefer to live in France. That Sarkozy has some cajones and I bet he can throw out a pitch...and he's French!
(Incidentally, I think Obama would be the type of guy who was boastfully proud he didn't do well in P.E. He's that much an elitist.)
Edited on November 4, 2010 at 6:31pmJul '10
Re: The World versus Obama
First Bully:
"Hey, Barry! Get off yer girly bike and get your skinny butt over here!"
Second Bully:
"Ooooo...nice bike helmet, sissy..."
Barry (bowing):
"I...I...just wanna say I'm real sorry about all the bad things my country did..."
First Bully:
"Give me yer lunch money..."
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
What do y'all make of Obama's 34-ship guard for his India visit? Supposedly, it's in response to a sea-based attack on Mumbai in 2008. But is an entire fleet necessary to combat pirates or terrorists? From a civilian's point of view, it looks as if they're preparing for an invasion force.
Aug '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Next Chinese order to the US ?
We'll take one Hillary Clinton as president. It's okay, we've already paid.
Edited on November 4, 2010 at 9:30pmOct '10
Re: The World versus Obama
That does seem strange. Anyone have the back story on this?
Regarding the thrust of VDH's commentrary; I prefer a strong Congress to a weak President. Let's not forget who has the power to declare war.
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
All I can say is, the secret service will have its hands full this weekend. It's Diwali in India. We may not have the second amendment, but there will be a ton of fireworks going off across the nation this weekend.
Berean, I think Prof. Yoo would disagree on that.
Oct '10
Re: The World versus Obama
VDH's observations are particularly sharp when read in the context of his Monday evening speech in San Diego, "Why War Won't Go Away." I hope that a recording or video tape of it might appear somewhere. All Ricochet-ers would have enjoyed its erudition and style.
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
What happened on Tuesday will only make Obama look weaker to overseas eyes. The guy cannot even push back against the Tea Party. Now that he clearly cannot move the country or control the House, what leverage does he have over tougher rulers with mischief on their minds?
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
River, you're spot on with the Churchill quote and your comments thereafter. Chris Christie is the man for the job!!
Edited on November 5, 2010 at 2:12amSep '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Brother Hanson's analysis is spot on as usual, and that scares the bejeebers out of me. There is blood in the water and I fear the sharks will soon be circling.
Who are our stars? Where is our Washington, Lincoln, or Reagan? I keep looking for someone who can LEAD us. Chris Christie has the right attitude, Mitch Daniels has a great track record economically, but are they willing and politically able to rise to the top by 2012? How would they perform on the world stage?
Save us Obie Wan.
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Aaron (and anyone else who might not have seen follow-up stories on this topic yet) - the "34 warships" rumor originated in India and has been debunked by a Pentagon official.
Aug '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Seems to me his worshippers overseas are unmoved by the results.I actually saw an editorial in an Irish newspaper yesterday list the order to close Guantanamo as one of his many achievements!In fairness the same paper had a supportive opinion piece about the Tea Party-a collectors item indeed! As for the enemies overseas, I'm with Prof Hanson as usual. PS Any chance Obama will do an apology tour around the South and Midwest to explain to his base that it was his arrogance and aggressive promotion of his unpopular agenda that lost friends for the Democrats and that he's going to change his ways?
Aug '10
Re: The World versus Obama
That Obama is a Jimmy Carter v2.0 (only worse) is no surprise.
It deeply troubles me that so many Americans were duped into voting for such a razor thin resume. I'm beginning to believe that our problem is much bigger than Obama. We're dealing with a generational failure of which Obama is merely a symptom.
May '10
Re: The World versus Obama
Jason Hart
Aaron (and anyone else who might not have seen follow-up stories on this topic yet) - the "34 warships" rumor originated in India and has been debunked by a Pentagon official. · Nov 5 at 10:31pm
Thanks. I should have been more skeptical. Sorry.