A change in attitude is called for

Depending on whom we vote for, we must recognize most of the political winners bring along their worker bees, their hired staffs. These worker bees’ attitudes are as important as the candidates beliefs. Our foreign policy management as a way to promote and protect ourselves is such an example.

Most Americans know there are no longer two super-powers, and most think America as the lone super-power has been superceded by the rise of many third world countries who no longer have to listen to us as they act in their national interests, some good, some not so good. Even the idea of nation-states vice tribes comes up as it should. Things are back to the eight or so decades ago many think, incorrectly. This is the new world, and while historical analogies are appropriate, things are different in today’s world.

This is where American foreign policy should shift from helping the rise of our third world friends and enemies, and become more American savvy. This idea and policy is not defensive, but rather a pro-active way to go to the future. A change in attitude is called for. And it is all aspects: financial, agricultural, commerce, diplomacy, and military.

It is disturbing that so many Americans think our Country is so resilient that we can take any policy or political or financial strike and always rebound. There was a time that might have been correct. It is not correct these days. Hence, again, it is time for an attitude shift. We have something as a culture and country worth both defending, and promoting. The five or so decades old attitude of taking America down in order to change the world has come to a necessary end. Now is the time for defense, even nurturing, in order to protect and promote our American culture and way of life.

Many think a very small sub-group of Americans, called the State Department, have evolved to run our country’s foreign policy in spite of who ever we the people have elected, along with their staffs. While a house cleaning is in order, most will wait and see what happens. There is hope. The appointment of Mr. Negroponte to be the number two person in State is a step in returning control of our American foreign policy to the executive and our congress. In the meantime, this very small sub-group of Americans also rates an attitude shift. Things have changed, and America needs all the help it can get.

Another very small sub-group of Americans, called the most cynical, make the most outrageous claims about those whom we have elected, and appointed. While there is little prospect of debating with this group, there is always the appeal of an attitude shift as to the how to achieve an attitude shift that actually sells.

An attitude shift is called for. America is no longer omnipotent.