Printable View
Our futures are now tied together.
I only hope you can live up to the challenges that will face our nation.
Personally, I'm proud of this country and it's ability to finally rise above racism and elect an African/American President.
The Democrats have been given a big mandate and with control of congress and the executive branch, the expectation is that their agenda will create the results we see come the next election.
John Bolton: Letter to the next president
By John Bolton
Last Updated: 12:01am GMT 04/11/2008
Congratulations, Mr President-elect, on your victory. After the longest presidential campaign in our history, you now have 77 days to prepare to govern. While foreigners might see eleven weeks as an eternity, you know only too well that it is precious little time to select your top advisers and then subject them to our cumbersome FBI and ethics screening of their backgrounds, their finances, their potential conflicts of interest, and whatever skeletons are hanging in their closets.
Then, of course, they need to learn the intricacies of their respective responsibilities, and, for many, begin the Senate confirmation process, which may take months. Time is already growing short.
The current economic turmoil will consume a significant amount of your Transition Team’s time and effort, and properly so. But in the wider world, our adversaries and even our friends are actively considering how to advance their interests as your January 20 Inauguration approaches.
You will have four full years of foreign-policy issues and problems, such as the rise of China and India, the decline of the European Union, and the role of Russia, but I suggest the following as priorities in your first Hundred Days:
You are the decider
Although President Bush tried to make this his mantra, his Administration was plagued in its first term by incoherence in national security decision making. Crisp decisions were not made, strong differences of opinion among Cabinet Secretaries were not resolved, and policy too often oscillated between conflicting options with no consistency or direction.
Ironically, the Bush Administration’s second term erred in the opposite direction, almost eliminating differences in advice to the President until there was really only one voice in his ear at critical points. You must avoid both pitfalls, and you must make that clear immediately. You must resolve disagreements among your advisers, and not allow drift, and you must insist on discipline once you make a decision.
If anyone disagrees with this approach, you may invite them to do the honourable thing and resign, or not sign on in the first place. Iran Tehran’s ruling mullahs have no intention of affording you a “honeymoon”. They will move quickly to test your resolve both on their rapidly progressing nuclear weapons program and on their massive support for international terrorism.
Nearly six years of European diplomacy has failed to slow Iran’s nuclear program. Five UN Security Council Resolutions demanding that Iran halt uranium enrichment (and imposing risibly weak sanctions) have had essentially no effect.
Russia in particular is using Iran as the sharp tip of the spear to disrupt our policy throughout the Middle East. Moscow will watch what you do just as intently as Tehran. Any new President will be advised to engage in at least some renewed diplomatic effort. But do not be fooled. Insist on three months of intense, good-faith negotiations, and we will soon find out if Iran is serious.
If not, which I believe to be demonstrably the case, suspend negotiations quickly. Then, ratchet up efforts on the only options, unattractive though they are, that have a chance of stopping Iran from acquiring deliverable nuclear weapons: regime change or the targeted use of military force against Iran’s nuclear program.
If you wait longer, you will surely have the worst of all worlds: Iran with nuclear weapons, and an even greater threat of nuclear proliferation as other Middle Eastern states draw the appropriate conclusions from its success at thwarting our non-proliferation efforts.
North Korea
We are kidding ourselves if we think North Korea will ever voluntarily give up its nuclear weapons program. Even during the campaign, as the Bush Administration was squandering our negotiating leverage, North Korea continued to try to proliferate ballistic missile technology.
As with Iran, there is essentially no chance that Pyongyang will be talked out of its nuclear weapons. Moreover, with the world in near-complete ignorance about the state of Kim Jong-il’s health or plans for regime succession, even more uncertainty surrounds the intentions of this prison camp of a country. Expecting that the long-running Six-Party Talks will “solve” the North Korean problem is a delusion.
Instead, you must deal directly with China as the highest priority in our bilateral relationship, and insist that we act together to eliminate the current regime in Pyongyang and is nuclear program, and ultimately reunite the Korean Peninsula.
China needs to understand that leaving the North with nuclear weapons is not an option, and that their inaction will have an increasingly negative impact on our bilateral relationship. Beijing alone can change North Korea, and it needs to get started.
America’s Image
Do not let global “public opinion” about the United States, from Albania to Zimbabwe, dissuade you from doing what you think is right for America. Your job is to defend and advance our interests and values, a task which invariably will displease our adversaries, and even many of our friends, especially those who wish we were, well, more European in our behaviour and attitudes.
What we must do, however, is more effectively advocate the policies you will be pursuing. Failure at both the political level in Washington and abroad, and at the level of the career Foreign Service, made the Bush Administration one of the most tongue-tied Presidencies in our history. We should try to shift international public opinion to support our policies, not modify our policies to try to satisfy international public opinion. The State Department will not understand this distinction. You must.
A final word
Many U.S. and foreign commentators have been quick to tell us that America is in decline, and that our role in the future will not be what it once was. They will be correct only if you fall prey to their pessimism.
And if you do, rest assured that they will shortly turn critical of “American isolationism,” just as they have been critical in recent years of “American unilateralism.” You will never satisfy them. Defend America and its friends, and the rest will take care of itself.
My blog entry for today:
Barack Obama will be our next president of the United States of America.
This has been an exiting night, and I feel like I was part of something amazing. I know not everybody is happy, but the people have spoken. Senator McCain gave a great speech tonight, and he reminded me why I voted for him over George Bush in the 2000 primary election in Oklahoma. The man I saw tonight was the man that I rooted for to win this years republican primary. Senator McCain has dedicated his life towards a better United States, and his speech showed it.
Obama also gave a great speech tonight, and I pray that the decision I made today to cast my vote for this man was the right one. Tonight has given people hope. Hope that there truly are no barriers in the United States, and that the only thing that can hold you back is your own doubt in yourself. Hope that people of all backgrounds, all status, and all walks of life can come together and be a part of this nation. Hope that together, we can make a difference.
Like I said this morning, I don't claim to know what God's plan is. But I made the decision to vote for Obama. I made the decision that I felt God urged me to make. And now I will continue pray for this country, its leaders, and its people.
And I hope that supporters of McCain can come together, that supporters of Obama can come together, and simply pray for this great nation. Not liking your president does not make this country any less grand. I did not like particularly care for President Bush after his 5th or 6th year in office, but I still believed in this country.
Always remember that our president does not make this country great, but that the United States of America is great because of its people. We have the chance to pick a new President every 4 years, but "we the people" will always be what truly makes America what she is.
Props to McCain's concession speech. A class act.
I have no doubt that Obama will do what he thinks is best, in his own view. Just as every President does, for better or worse.
I am still amazed that he never once used his mixed race for more than a very brief talking point. Unlike the media who ad nauseum last night could not just let it be, with the exception of probably a large number of Black folks (not be racist, as that is not the intention), most people voted for him or against him because they either supported or did not care for his political rhetoric and policies. The media is too stupid, condescending, arrogant, and out of touch to just wrap their feeble little minds around that one.
Now if he can just remember who he works for, and not screw it up - a la Bush II and Carter. Although you can't really screw it up much more can you.
GOOD MORNING, COMRADES! Is very glorious day in new socialist motherland, yes? Comrades Pelosi and Reid are very happy for new glorious motherland! Here is new United Socialist States of America National Athem for you listen to pleasure! Dos Vadanya!
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/91kdwxFsthI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/91kdwxFsthI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
I couldn't agree more.Quote:
Originally Posted by ChiefKN
I can only hope that yesterday goes a long way towards turning the page on an ugly chapter in American history.
Congratulations President-elect Obama. And thank you Sen. John McCain for your life of service to our country.
I can't believe you hate America. Sen. McCain showed a whole lot more class than many of his followers.Quote:
Originally Posted by FWDbuff
I congratulate Obama, and will keep my fingers crossed that he lives up to the hope/hype.. the success of a presidency is usually decided by his picks as Advisers and his ability to listen to them.
At the same time I'm looking at the Congressional races. Democrats could very well pull off a SuperMajority in both the House and Senate. That actually scares me a lot. No party should be able to steamroll legislation through the system.
.............................. ...
I'm surprised. Contrary to what has been implied on this and other forums Obama was elected president last night and the sun came up this morning. We live in what is truly a new world. No longer can race be thrown up as reason for someone not getting what they want. Look to 1600 PA avenue Washington DC. You want it bad enough and work for it you can do anything. Now shut your pie hole and get a job.
Now we as a people should pray. Long and hard pray for the safety of President Obama. Pray that God guides his hand through these uncertain times. Pray that he does not allow strong arm tactics from within his own party to take his eyes off what is best for the American people. Pray that when foreign powers try his hand and his nerve that he has the strength of character to stand up and be the leader that WE THE PEOPLE elected him to be.
It matters not whether you did or did not vote for President-elect Barack Obama. I for one did not. However the Presidency of the United States of America is the most powerful office in the world because no matter the man the American people support and revere the office. We need to surround our new President with prayer and support. He hope that he builds a cabinet of advisers that will give him the best information currently available. No party spin, No foolishness. Facts, figures, and educated opinion.. nothing more or less. With this he may become a great President. The office changes men. It makes some great. It makes some wise. It makes some strong. It even made George W Bush appear to be a fool. In 2012 we will see what 4 years in the Oval office has done for the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama II
God Bless you all and God continue to bless this great country.
This was one of my first thoughts.Quote:
Originally Posted by voyager9
Sec of State will be his most critical appointment, which is usually the case for a first term President.
As the Bolton piece above points out, the world is changing so fast and we have many challenges and threats to our way of life.
Any speculation on Cabinet Appointments?
Any chance for some recycled Clinton appointments or has the Clinton connection been burned by the primaries?
I did hear that NJ Governor Corzine has had his name tossed around for the Treasury position. He used to work for Goldman Sachs and was fired by Bernake.
Quote:
Originally Posted by voyager9
We should just be glad that our congress is focused on getting to the bottom of the really important issues, like our destructing economy, fat filled govt, etc. Oh wait, they are asking the "tough questions" to baseball players. Who cares if they juiced, my 401K is in the toilet, gas has been ridiculous.
Oh well, that's another thread.
I voted for McCain. Not because I thought he was a perfect choice by any means, but I viewed him as the lesser of two evils. However, I am ready to support President Obama (it is going to take some getting used to saying that), as that is how we support our country. I am willing to give him a shot, because what choice do we have. I hope he turns out as good as you all said he is. Otherwise, I reserve the right to say "I told you so!" :D
The big thing left is the Senate. As it stands there 56 democrats and 40 republican with 4 undecided. I don't care what side you are on, giving one party that much party is extremely dangerous.
The good news, the democrats get full responsibility for everything that happens in the next four years. There will be no finger pointing. This should really define what is right for this country.
I must be physically ill. On this me and SC agree. That's a whole lot inappropriate. If you hate this country that much move. Get the hell out. I don't care where you go but don't stay here. The people have spoken. They spoke loud and clear. Am I personally afraid of what may happen? Of course I am. Any American with half a brain in their head should be. There is no need in immediately jumping out there and proclaiming this to be a new socialist State. WE THE PEOPLE must support the new President. We must hope and pray that our great nation is protected and maintains its standing as the only nation built on the idea that all men are created equal. Each man has a vote therefore a voice in government. You don't like the outcome wait 4 years and vote for the other guy again. But don't go into a public forum and spread ignorance, intolerance, and foolishness. Grow up. Stand up. Be a grown man or woman. Continue in your daily life and by the grace of GOD we will remain a great and prosperous nation that all look up toQuote:
Originally Posted by FWDbuff
I need to tell this story about the stupidity of the American voter. My friend went into the beauty salon to do something with her hair. While she is there she can hear the four ladies talking, two getting their hair done the other two cutting. she hears this phrase. I'm going to go vote. Where do I go? Another one speaks up. I'm going to vote too, but how do I know if I am a republican or a democrat? Another one speaks up, how do I know who to vote for?
And this my friends is how the American Pubic votes. Most are CLUELESS!!!
Which probably goes a long ways towards explaining why we are so screwed up as a country.
Coming from the guy who has coined the phrase "idiot-in-chief" on a regular basis, here.Quote:
Originally Posted by scfire86
I would have thought FWD would be considered being a "good-American" with voicing displeasure on the election results. After all, isn't that what you were doing?
Please. If you think the fact that Obama was elected means that racism has been driven from our nation's populace, you're sadly mistaken. In fact, it's quite rampant. I see it nearly every single day. This is a huge step, but one in a journey that's far from over. There are millions who would love to steer our nation back into the dark.Quote:
No longer can race be thrown up as reason for someone not getting what they want.
Congratulations America and President-elect Obama. May you enjoy 4 years of wisdom and courage to face down todays adversities. To all my friends, colleagues, and argumentive adversaries, I've thoroughly enjoyed our many discussions and I'm very impressed by the passion and excitement you all have in your electoral process. truly a living example of democracy at its finest. We have politics up here... kind of... sort of.... nope my mistake, that was curling I was watching.
Take care and God bless
Bryan
Noz. brother I'll say this another way so you can grasp what I was trying to say. Yes racism is still out there. It will be until the end of time, but the arguement I didn't get what I wanted solely because I am (insert race here) no longer is a good one. We the People elected a biracial man President of the United States. There are those out there that will want to steer us to a place none of us want to go. I pray and you should also that we are enlightened enough to move past looking only at color and can grow as a people.Quote:
Originally Posted by ThNozzleman