The Obama Doctrine: "Judged on What You Build, Not What You Destroy"

[IndianaGreen]

The Obama Doctrine: "Judged on What You Build, Not What You Destroy"

In what will be one of the most remembered inaugural speeches in US history President Barack Obama urged the unity of all the people to restore an image of America as democratic and to overcome the troubles that face it. Mixing jeremiad with poetry, sermon with history lesson, he emphasized a new philosophy for measuring prosperity and outlined a new foreign policy based on building alliances and cooperation.

In doing so, Obama broke forcefully with the policies of the Bush administration and the partisan squabbling of Washington.

<snip>

On the global front, Obama reasserted a new "Obama doctrine." "We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet." Terrorist groups will be given no quarter, he added.

Being able to reach out to the world begins with understanding who we are and embracing our differences. "For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

Obama addressed other people across the globe. "To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."

In what was the most direct statement of a new Obama doctrine, Obama offered an alternative to Bush's delineation of friend and foe based on evil and goodness, i.e. bending to the will of Washington. "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/8000/

[Deja Q]

1. Refreshing. Absolutely refreshing.

Aggression is never good, and President Obama knows if or when it has to be used, but he's definitely doing the right thing. Building relationships.

[Cha]

3. Hey I

like your new name.

[IndianaGreen]

5. I liked HypnoToad

Maybe I'll take your old name. :-)

[Cha]

2. I especially liked

that part, yesterday. And, as time goes on I imagine I find other phrases that mean a lot to me.

[pinto]

4. I really liked the broad themes and the line you mention, in title. An inaugural

address is about the big picture, as this was in many ways. And we saw today some real specifics in action.

Gitmo closure, interrogation limits, FOIA standards, limits on lobbyists, etc. Hitting the ground running.

The SCHIP bill ought to be on Obama's table in a matter of days.

I'm sure it's gonna get rocky soon, but I'm loving the early, clear signals that this Administration means to take action for some changes.

:kick:

[Shiver]

6. Error: You've already recommended that thread.

Damn. Guess I'll just have to kick it instead. :yourock: