Sunday, December 5, 2010

Tom Friedman on the Leakage of American Power

Most of the time I link to Tom Friedman in order to point out his pomposity or inconsistency.  But, as they say, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then, and Friedman's column in this morning's NYT is a good one.  His citation of our increasing lack of "leverage" is spot on, and tying it to our dependence on Middle East oil (among other things) correctly identifies the problem. 

The irony of Arab potentates egging us on to take out Iranian leadership, while they pay for the next generation of suicide bombers, is rich.  The faster we extricate ourselves from the economic indenture we serve to the House of Saud, the better. 

5 comments:

Rottweiler said...

True. Without options no leverage.

"The Hammer" said...

I saw much the same thing under Jimmy Carter. I recall Cuban MIG 23s buzzing our fishing boats in the Florida Straits. Also they had this ridiculous inspection program in Europe (I've got one of those cards I'll post on FB) and they killed a Army Lt. in East Germany somewhere. Point being, the World is well aware when a pussy is in office.

I don't know if you saw it but Fox did a thing on the history of conservatism. They pointed out something very interesting. When PATCO (union of Air Traffic controllers) went on strike in '82 Reagan told everybody to report for work or be fired. Most didn't report and sure enough, they were fired. Bill Casey said there was more traffic coming from Embassy Row than in any time in history. The World was watching and their conclusion was this guy has a pair.

The conclusion I draw is the World is a lot less safe with a weak America.

Tom de Plume said...

Interesting to note that the Spanish just took a page out of President Reagan's playbook when dealing with their own air traffic controllers.

Europe may finally be getting their act together while Obie takes us further down his socialist path.

Anonymous said...

add comment moderation to your BS, you little idiot...

The Conservative Wahoo said...

DM--I hope you are enjoying the steady stream of child porn that animates your ridiculous, pitiful existence. What's Mom making you for dinner today?

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