Category: The Dish

"But in the debate about Wright, which Sen. Clinton has just reignited, it seems to be spoken of now as an unquestioned assumption that Wright traffics in racist rhetoric or hate speech. But is that really true? I’ve seen some stuff that strikes me as whacky. I’ve heard soundbites that critics would not have much trouble spinning as anti-American. But are there really quotes that justify the charge of racism? I’m not saying that purely as a rhetorical question. I have not made myself a full Wrightologist. But I do get the sense that a lot of people believe he’s so radioactive that it makes no sense to point out when others are treating as granted claims that appear demonstrably false," – Josh Marshall.

Shawn Brimley envisions America’s future foreign policy grand strategy:

First, America has not made good use of its unipolar moment, and much of the remaining time should be spent helping to create and maintain stable balances of power in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The United States must focus anew on sustaining the viability of its key alliances. NATO must not be allowed to whither, and America’s alliances in East Asia need renewing. Rising powers such as India and China should be engaged on every dimension. Arrogant talk of helping rising powers become “responsible stakeholders” should be replaced with words of respect derived in part from America’s enduring position of strength. There is no obvious reason why China should be considered a strategic competitor rather than partner, and talk of inevitable conflict is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Second, America has extremely powerful incentives to help sustain an international order based on the continued functioning of a globalized economy. America accrues power and influence as global interdependence deepens and as economic interests tend to generate openness, progress, and peace. Rising powers such as India and China can and will challenge American economic dominance in specific areas, but will not overtake the United States for the foreseeable future. Open global markets are required to redress the grievances of developing nations and to help expand the benefits of economic interdependence. Globalization cannot be stopped, but can be positively or negatively skewed – it is in America’s interest to pursue the former course, rather than abdicate its leadership and risk the latter.

Third, the United States must ensure access to the global commons – air, sea, space, and cyberspace. America has the benefit of friendly neighbors and favorable geography, but remains reliant on access to maintain robust connectivity to the global economy and to key security interests. A stable international system also requires that other powers can safely traverse and utilize the global commons. For decades American power has helped sustain the global commons, and this role needs to continue. The process of globalization shrinks the tyranny of time and space – the instant information and currency flows constitute a global grid that can be used for good, but also for ill. A strategy of sustainment would recognize the centrality of cyberspace to a 21st century international system.

Junah responds:

I’d agree, but would also underline Brimley’s argument that tactical debates and post-9/11 myopia have clouded our strategic thinking for how best to navigate our post-Cold War unipolar moment. This is a growing meme that I imagine will soon reach a tipping point…acknowledging that the battle against extremist terrorism, while important and far from over, does not constitute an organizing logic for an American grand strategy would be an important start.

A Tibetan Buddhist monk in-exile watches burning Chinese goods during a protest in Dharamsala on March 25, 2008. The Dalai Lama has reiterated a pledge to resign as spokesman for the Tibetan people if there are more violent anti-Chinese protests in his homeland, other parts of China or elsewhere. ‘If the violent demonstrations continue, I would resign,’ the exiled Buddhist leader said in the Indian capital, where he was conducting a week of meditation workshops. By Manan Vatsayana/AFP/Getty.

Yeah, men are grosser. In food as in almost everything else. But I like hamburgers that look like this and I try and have at least one Big Mac a week. Speaking of which, the founder of Popeye’s Chicken, Al Copeland, just passed away. In my humble opinion, no fried chicken comes close to Popeye’s and I have also eaten there a couple times a month for as long as I have lived in the US. May his eternal repose be both spicy and mild.

"What does it take to be the most liberal member of the United States Senate – farther left than Ted Kennedy, John Kerry or even Hillary Clinton? For the answer, take a look at a man who could be the next president of the United States: Barack Obama.

Sen. Obama was recently named the most liberal U.S. Senator, based on the annual voting analysis by the non-partisan and highly respected National Journal. If he emerges as the Democratic nominee, one of the critical jobs of Focus Action will be to uncover the real Barack Obama—not the feel-good orator who speaks of “change” and “hope,” but the man who would be the most left-wing president in our nation’s history.

Throughout our history, great Americans have stood up to grave challenges of all sorts. As this latest wave of secular liberalism threatens us, I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you in prayer and action – in defense of the family," – James Dobson, in his latest email.

When will the Clintons release their tax returns? What actual explanation is there for the delay?

"Hearing self-professed conservatives like Andrew Bacevich and Douglas Kmiec talk about the potential that Obama brings to the table helps to counter-balance an all too pervasive perception about Conservatism and the state of American politics that is promoted and reinforced by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Anne Coulter. The unconventional tone of Obama’s campaign finally allows some of the more level headed and intelligent proponents of the political right a chance to step around the outrageous and bitterly partisan discourse that has plagued American politics for so long and present a useful and, indeed, vital discussion about possible ways forward. There isn’t another campaign out there that has contributed to this measured dialectic of views and values, which is greatly to merit, whether he in fact becomes the nominee or not, of Barack Obama, and to the benefit of Americans as a whole. 

That this dialogue is starting to occur at all lends weight to what Obama may be capable of achieving in the White House, and serves to undercut many of the "empty change" allegations leveled at his campaign," – The Politics Of Scrabble.

If you missed it, my response to his latest column is here.

"I think Governor Richardson was obviously free to endorse whoever he thought was the best candidate for president. I wish that he had followed the people of his state and endorsed Hillary Clinton, but it was certainly his right to endorse Barack Obama.," – Howard Wolfson, March 24, "Morning Joe."

"Superdelegates are supposed to vote their conscience and supposed to vote for person they think would make the best candidate and make the best president," – Howard Wolfson, February 13, 2008.
 

Poulos makes his case:

…we are going to get a Democratic president very soon now, and the longer we take getting one, the more brutal a change it’s going to be. And we’re all kidding ourselves if we think the GOP can stretch this reign out for another twelve-odd years. The numbers just don’t have it. […]

Obama is going to be the softest landing out of power that the Republicans are likely to get in the next 50 years. To blow this opportunity is to invite a world of hurt down the road. Yes, he’s a very liberal dude. But he’s not going to rub anyone’s face in the road-appled dirt…

Good enough to put him over the top for conservatives? Against John McCain? It’s hard for me to swallow despite the nice yard I’ve just spooled out for you. But it’s hard to deny that any other matchup headed down the pike will be any easier to choke down. And believe me: in the future, it’ll be force-fed.