Dean Criticizes 'Foreign Policy Based On Petulance'

[Egnever]

BURLINGTON--Howard Dean issued the following statement this morning regarding the Bush administration's labeling of several European countries as "chocolate makers": "The role of America in the world today is at a crossroads. As we hear disturbing reports that more American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, the Taliban has teamed up again with al-Qaeda, and North Korea is threatening to test nuclear weapons, one can only witness this Administration's conduct of foreign policy with increasing dismay.

"Rather than reaching out to our long-standing allies in NATO--the force best situated to help us stabilize Iraq--this Administration continues to practice a foreign policy based on petulance, this time referring derisively to Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg as 'chocolate makers.'

"This President needs to understand that the reason the world followed the United States in the past is because we exerted strong, moral leadership that was a beacon to nations throughout the world. We did not achieve that position by berating and brow-beating our own allies--we achieved that by working respectfully and cooperatively with them. When I am President, I will restore the honor, dignity and respect that we once enjoyed but that this President has so recklessly discarded."


This is why I support dean. He doesnt let things like this slide. He is out there almost daily taking the president on. Time after time Bush has spouted out crap and Dean is there within 24 hours calling him on it.

I love this man!

[dembones]

1. Chocolate Makers

Has CNN/MSNBC/ABC/NBC/CBS picked up on the Chocolate Makers flap yet? I know FAUX won't of course, unless it's to laugh at them for being girly men or something.

[Kellanved]

9. It does have a background

Germany, France, Belgium, Luxenbourg and Italy established an EU rule: Chocolate isn't allowed to contain fat other than cacoa-butter. This effectively made English and Danish (and more) products not-chocolate, as those contain fat won from other plants or even animals.

The ruling was made obsolete after 30 years, but against the protests of the "original" chocolate nations.

[MuseRider]

2. That has to be one of

the best comments I have heard in a long time. It is exactly right on. Go Dean, tell em like it is.

[Cha]

3. And thank you for posting this!

I kinda missed that "chocolate makers" quoted from this administration!

I like this part of Dean's statement!

"This President needs to understand that the reason the world followed the United States in the past is because we exerted strong, moral leadership that was a beacon to nations throughout the world. We did not achieve that position by berating and brow-beating our own allies--we achieved that by working respectfully and cooperatively with them. When I am President, I will restore the honor, dignity and respect that we once enjoyed but that this President has so recklessly discarded."

[liberalnurse]

4. Dean is always 3 steps ahead of the pack...

I love this man too!!!! Razors edge thinking and in your face-back at ya facts!

[Egnever]

5. It gives me hope

That all is not lost. That there are still people out there paying attention in politics and standing up loudly for what they think is right instead of what is politically expedient.

Keep it coming Doc!

[w13rd0]

6. He's definately gotten the rapid response down...

...you know what would be great? What would happen if all the candidates, and heck, everyday people everywhere, started pointing this stuff out on a regular basis? Why, the media wouldn't even be relevant. They haven't been doing their job anyway.

[Rose Siding]

7. So basic and so simple

This mssg alone should carry a dem to the WH. How can it be disputed?

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

8. This is proof

that he is a leader. He doesn't wait to see what others do, he doesn't take a poll to see if his stance will be popular. He just speaks out directly to the source, no mincing words, no saying "hey, you guys are really ok, but I have this small issue..." He faces the problems directly and without fear. This is why he speaks to me, and why I can forgive him for the few stances I don't agree with him on.

[phmadore]

10. :)

Yes, Dean kicks some ass.

[Cha]

11. Welcome to DU! phmadore!

:kick:

[Egnever]

12. Heya phmadore

Welcome to DU !

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Le Taz Hot]

13. "Petulance"

such a lovely, loaded term. Petulance = incessant tantrum throwing. What an apt word to describe Bush*.