New Directions for America

I'm going to conduct an experiment. I want to find out how my ideas for a new direction for America match up with Barack Obama's ideas as expressed on his campaign Web site. I haven't visited the Obama campaign official Web site, but I'm suspect that it contains his position on the pressing issues for the U.S. and the new directions that he proposes for America. So, I will list my ideas, one issue at a time, as to the new directions I think America should be taking, then I'll check the Obama Web site to see how well my ideas jibe with the same issue on his Web site. I'm doing the issues one at a time to keep each post to a manageable and readable size. One thing for sure, a change in direction would be in order. So, here goes, first topic, Foreign Policy:

The vestiges of colonialism/imperialism will be erased by respecting the sovereignty of other nations, acknowledging past mistakes and rectifying them when possible to aid other nations realize national aspirations. Direct negotiation with the heads of states will always be pursued to resolve differences in national economic and security interests. The U.S. will restore its stature as a world leader by listening to the leaders of other nations. Diplomacy will be conducted without pre-conditions that prevent discussion of mutual and opposing interests. Maintaining the good will and reputation of the United States will always be a goal of our international relations.


Obama's Web Site on Foreign Policy

“When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I supported Bush-Cheney policies of not talking to leaders that we don't like. And he will not be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether or not it is ok for America to torture — because it is never ok… I will end the war in Iraq… I will close Guantanamo. I will restore habeas corpus. I will finish the fight against Al Qaeda. And I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century: nuclear weapons and terrorism; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. And I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, "You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now.”

I see nothing in Obama's statement that conflicts with my ideas. In some cases, torture, war in Iraq, Quantanamo, or restoring habeas corpus, he is specific in his proposals. In other areas, his identification of important foreign policy issues goes beyond my scope of concern. I would add global trade, food supply, military assistance, economic development, financial aid and the role of the United Nations to the areas of concern for international cooperation. Of course, Obama's Web site also has the problem of manageable size, so omissions are not surprising.