Here in the USA many amazing social and financial experiments are underway. President Obama’s approach to international diplomacy really impresses me, and I’m convinced it will impress the overwhelming majority of the world’s people who, like us, want peace and prosperity especially for their children.
It’s not naive to believe that dialog and engagement are more strategic than warfare and violence. I’m all for keeping a big stick handy if the bad guys threaten your family or your country, but it is interesting to me that some Americans seem to think diplomacy is a waste of time when it’s better perceived as an extremely cost effective and strategic alternative to violence.
The world is an increasingly complex and interconnected place, and clearly we need to shoot *last* and ask questions and engage people *right now*. President Obama’s appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State was a great move in that direction, and videos like the one sent to the people of Iran help make it clear to our friends around the world that we are …. their friend around the world.
Joe Duck 