1 post tagged “international relations”

I was watching "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC this evening, where I saw Political Analysts Pat Buchanan & Lawrence O'Donnell, "discussing" (more like arguing) "some" Republicans' outrage about Obama's response to Chavez's insults.

  As I understand, Obama visited Venezuela today, where during a summit, Chavez gave a long talk on his opinions, and supposed experiences, with the U.S.A.  Though I haven't heard the speech personally, it's understood that Chavez was very insulting, especially in the presence of our very own Commander in Chief.  But as the story goes, instead of becoming infuriated in offense by the remarks, or even doing anything to defend our country's honor, Obama just sat there and listened.  But the real discussion topic of all this was that, upon meeting with Chavez, Obama shook hands with Chavez, then began to peacefully discuss the future.

So now, to no surprise, "some" republicans are mocking Obama as being a traitor (though indirectly), a coward, and unfit for leadership. Why?  Because, as argued on Hardball, Obama didn't stand up, make a scene, defended our country's honor against the obviously incorrect remarks, and above all, definitely shook hands with Chavez's ("that damn left-hander", as they say).  Maybe Obama should've thrown his shoe?

I have to admit that I too am disappointed, though not at Obama, but at the Republicans.  For this only shows how the Republicans have been doing things for so long: if somebody insults us, we need to stand up and put them in their place...who do they think they are?  We're the Americans! They can't say that about us!

  I'm reminded of a film clip shown in a history class (I don't know when, high school, college?) of Hitler (it had subtitles).  He was giving a speech to the multitudes about how some group of people were saying things about him, insults and lies, and that they have no right to do such.  In fact, because of their words, he & all of Nazi Germany "will show them".  Then he segued into a pep-rally where everybody agreed and hailed Hitler.

Don't get me wrong...I neither claim to be a Democrat, nor comparing the "some" Republicans to Adolf Hitler. What I'm saying is that the "some" Republicans' arguments against Obama's response (which were actually his tactics) can be compared to that of a paranoid crazy man who loves power, and who believes that those who oppose him should be either destroyed or defamed.  I'm also saying that their response to Obama shows that such behavior is actually what has gotten us to the point where we are today.  Also in each situation, such tactics have proven to fail, and will continue to, especially when change and peace are the goal.

Now what do I mean when I say that Obama's response was actually his tactics? If you ever take a class or learn anything about conflict management, you'll recognize just what I'm saying:
  Obama talks of change and peace.  Republicans so far strong-armed countries like Venezuela.  Chavez wants to know if Obama is for real or just fronting, so he gives a speech that's insulting and "in your face".  Was Obama insulted?  Possibly, and who wouldn't be?  But that's not what matters.  It's how Obama reacts to the isults that decides where we go from here. Remember, actions speak louder than words...if you're really for peace, then you'll respond to such insults with peace. But if you talk of peace, and respond in violence or anger, then you're obviously not really for peace.  As for the handshake, if Obama had refused his hand, no talks would take place, now or ever during his time in office.

Obama's a wise man...more so than we give him credit.  And if you'll look at his facial expressions when talking about his meeting...he wasn't fooled. He caught on a long time ago, possibly no later than the first insult. But he has a mission, and knows that the mission can't (and won't) succeed if he takes words personally.  We're a small continent, but a "big" country...we can't let insults get in the way of the mission...we're bigger than that.