White House Press Secretary jay Carney dismissed a question from ABC's Jake Tapper about the latest developments in the Japanese nuclear plant crisis by snapping tapper should ask his own reporters on the ground. carney attempted to clean up his statement by then directing tapper to several government agencies who ought to be on top of the issue, but the revelation is clear--this White House is not engaged in foreign affairs.
It is ironic on the surface. One of the rationales for electing Barack Obama president was to repair the alleged damaged done by George W. Bush’s battle against western Civilization destroying militant Islam. Since his election, Obama has smacked our allies at every turn, coddled our enemies, and generally demeaned his own country across the planet.
This is, I am afraid, what progressives mean by improving American image overseas. Historically speaking, American isolationism has been characterized as the belief America is too good for the rest of the world. These days, isolationism has shifted to the idea the world is too good for America. The philosophy has been fully embraced by the (self-appointed?) intellectual left.
Do not believe it? Obama has specifically bowed before the Japanese emperor and set in church while rev. Jeremiah Wright specifically said God should damn America for bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He is more than happy to humble himself and the united states before Japan, either in recognizing their superiority or in atoning for past “sins,” but not to engage with the Japanese as a longtime ally.
I suspect the bottom line to Obama’s behavior towards japan, cowering in the past and disinterest now, is the fear of American arrogance in dealing with other countries. Obama certainly has no belief in American exceptionalism. But it looks like he has no belief in America having anything valuable to offer whatsoever period.
As I am not inclined to believe Hillary Clinton will run for president again, I suspect her decision to not serve a second term as Secretary of State is motivated by the tepid foreign policy she has been forced to promote. Say what you will about her being progressive, both she and her husband have a better grip on how the united states should conduct itself internationally. She is going to can what is most certainly the pinnacle of her political career so she does not have to be a part of Obama’s foreign policy. Now if the rest of us could opt out of it.
UPDATE: Obama will have a statement on Japan at 3;30 PM. I bet he will say, "Present."
UPDATE II: It only took 31 days for the United States to go, hat in hand, to the United Nations for authorization to use force against genocidal acts in Libya. How is that NCAA bracket turning out, Mr. President?
UPDATE III: Confirmation on Clinton fustration: foot dragging on Libya prompted her to not seek second stint at State.
UPDATE IV: Five Ways the US is Better Prepared for a Nuclear Disaster. We have expertise to offer.
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