Obama Will Restore Long-Missing Diplomacy to the American Vocabulary

(SALEM, Ore.) - It seems that only the biggest of fools would treat the balance of peace in the world like an annoying game, but that is exactly what George W. Bush has done over the last seven plus years, with his little minions lying through their teeth at every bend in the road.

And this world threat named Bush actually has the ignorance to criticize a promising candidate for being willing to talk to other nations and not take a saber rattling approach that the Republicans have worn down to an intolerable level.

If we don't have a President soon who has the guts to once again practice diplomacy, then we will probably be done as a nation. We could never survive another Bush, the country would revolt. Every few years the peaceful people who want education and wellness for their fellow Americans get together and really do something, like ending the Vietnam War. At another time in history they did it to end slavery.

George W. Bush has blown hundreds of billions of our tax dollars angering the world and getting Americans killed in a war that never should have happened. Saudi terrorists allegedly fly planes into the United States, and we attack Iraq... brilliant.

Now, in case people are unaware, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are already getting in trouble, feeling discrimination from the police, rejection at the employment line, all of the things our past veterans have had to endure.

Then earlier today, the Washington Post reported that a leading VA doctor told subordinates to slow down the approvals for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because it is costing the government too much. (see Official Urged Fewer Diagnoses of PTSD) And Bush suddenly wants to slash more social programs that feed babies out of "fiscal responsibility?" What a sad, cruel joke that Bush likes to play on my fellow Americans. It is far too late for that kind of damage control. His policies are an enemy to the American combat veteran and the population at large; particularly those who are not loaded with money.

In speaking about the man who rivals Ulysses S. Grant as the worst President in U.S. history, Barack Obama reminded everyone that the paths they walk could not be any more different than they are. He made this statement back in November 2007, stating clearly that John McCain's motives and aspirations are all too familiar.

"When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I supported Bush-Cheney policies of not talking to leaders that we don't like. And he will not be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether or not it is ok for America to torture — because it is never ok."

Obama said he will end the war in Iraq and close the highly controversial military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

"I will restore habeas corpus. I will finish the fight against Al Qaeda. And I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century: nuclear weapons and terrorism; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease."

Under Bush, people throughout the Middle East live in complete and constant fear of our nation, talk about PTSD! Little kids and families and old ladies who only care about getting from one point in life to the next, often wonder if they will be next; if our next bomb will flatten their family home, or if their dad will make it past the U.S. checkpoint without getting shot.

Obama says he understands, and the approach Bush takes will be a total thing of the past.

"And I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, 'You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now.'"

The notion of a man like George W. Bush suggesting he knows how to put his own socks on in the morning might be hard enough to take, but to think he is still standing there after all the damage he has done to our country and our people, suggesting that a truly intelligent man is wrong for wanting to be a human being, defies many.

Today Barack stated "If George Bush and John McCain want to have a debate about protecting the United States of America, that is a debate that I'm happy to have anytime, anyplace, and that is a debate I will win because George Bush and John McCain have a lot to answer for."

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Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 8:43 pm (Pacific time)

Further to Steve et al: Forgot to state flat-fact controlling this entire situation, Steve --simply that without Moyers talent, drive, ambition and abilities to reach the public --whether you like him or not, that's flat-fact-- there would be NO product to be used by public or other agencies. SO even though we may pay as citizens for costs of his productions, that in no way guarantees him the realistic and fair returns he can surely expect in other markets, well outside the public-channels to which he, by choice, confines himself. IF we are to seek remedy for overpaid and underproducing talent and, some would say, a special kind of genius in his case, how about taking umbrage and setting forth to remedy the monstrous overpayments now going to far too many corporate CEO's, literally in the multi-billions, even for those now in bankruptcy via the mortgage and other finance messes threatening the entire world of credit everywheres ? If you doubt the credibility involved here on the facts, check 'em out with your choice of source, and report back to us here...I'll appreciate what you do on that, provided you also follow-through on the CEO angle, too !! OR you might just choose to try out the free-lance/shot for yourself, which I can guarantee is an extremely intriguing learning situation.

Henry Ruark May 19, 2008 8:34 pm (Pacific time)

Steve et al: Not sure of how Moyers handles his product sales, but can explain that is standard practice in any production contract covering intellectual propery, which is how such product is usually managed. After all, if he or any other writer can produce as contracted, for the particular market and purpose covered, and then use the same effort and materials for another purpose, why should he not do so ? IF you wish to insist on total rights for all possible uses remaining with whomever covers production costs, including payment to the writer whose product is involved --and without whom there would not exist ANY product to sell !!--then the contract must cover that exigency, too --at higher cost. That is how it works, friend Steve. I have young writer to whom I suggested she limit the rights for her product, as is set forth here, and she noted me recently that since she did so (ten years !) her income from additional-market sales for purposes never intended in the original contract have now qudrupled what the original contracts brought. Tht's the ONLY way us starving free-lancers have ever been able to make it, Steve...and it took some painful years to figure that out, and to help set up the copyright laws that make it possible so to do, now used throughout many markets. Every "industry" has its own peculiarly-needed working protocols and rules, and this is one developed as explained here, even if not well known generally.

Steve M May 19, 2008 3:10 pm (Pacific time)

I am certainly no fan of Moyer and I'll tell you why. It isn't just because of his questionable agenda, but that his show is produced via us taxpayers, then he makes cd/dvd's of his shows and sells them keeping 100% of the profits. If I am wrong, please enlighten me.

Henry Clay Ruark May 18, 2008 4:33 pm (Pacific time)

Realist et al: Your "take" on objectivity shows your relative status on reality, friend. Tim's content clearly marked for full acceptance for what it is --well/informed opinion from one in close touch, every day, in every way, with the realities all us-others out here find ourselves contending to conquer...after eight years of worst Presidential debacle in history. Your "objectivity"-cover all too thin, shows-through clear to your own revealing marks, more meaningful than your deprecating word-shot at Tim. I hope you inherit the whole sour vintage of the neo-con mess-up most of us now well recognize --and find yourself paying through the ...(read "nose" !) for his depredations over all those years.

Tim King May 18, 2008 3:27 pm (Pacific time)

This is my perspective, you don't have to like it, it is not drivel, that is stupid. If it isn't news then why are more than 20,000 people visiting us every day? Why is the popularity of the site growing as it is? Perhaps it is you who needs the reality check; you are the one with the charade as you attempt to backhandedly stick up for Bush, it is obvious that you support his ways or you wouldn't try to bring me down for spreading some truth on the subject. I know it is hard to accept for some of you. How are you guys at the paper doing today anyway?

realist May 18, 2008 3:15 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, stop passing your drivel off as news. I don't like Bush any more than the next guy...but your charade as an objective journalist isn't much better

Henry Clay Ruark May 18, 2008 11:51 am (Pacific time)

To all: "Experience" here is anomalous term until, and unless, carefully defined. Obama learned the hard way about realities of life, early on --and then served hard worktime with residents of the South Side of Chicago where the very issues we now face nationally have been festering for fifty years. He has further proven his priorities, as well as his mettle, under constant working pressures and constraints at state level and in the Senate. Despite political and other personal-smear patterns all along the way, he stands tall and talks straight, as Oregon coverage ("see with own eyes") has surely proven. Those checkable statements are entirely factual; test them for yourself vs sources YOU trust. THEN choose what you want now, in your own economic and cultural and social needs, with family interests as real criterion. It is YOUR VOTE, not mine; what YOU decide is YOUR life interest, or should be, not mine. Here "persuasion" --mine or anyone else-- falls flat on its a.. for any thinking American. Are YOU one ??? !!

Henry Clay Ruark May 18, 2008 11:38 am (Pacific time)

Update et al: You wrote: "My guess is some will be attempting to obfuscate. Did Mr. Moyer intentionally do that in an earlier interview?" You may be missing some dots in this connection; surely some do such distortion and perversion in political coverage. We even encounter such spam right here... But Moyer has his worldwide reputation on line right now in every word he uses on-air or in print, especially with new book just out. AND especially in "surround" of such similar cabalistic action by national-network pundit-purveyors already providing plenty of poorly-done interviews as provocation for intense interest by those concerned. As practical matter he is NOT about to take any such corrosive step, stamping on hi own practices and principles, for the very small gain, if any, available by that move. Truth is and has been provably his weapon through his whole career. Happens I follow his stuff closely, including all int'vs I can find. I'll wager $1000 to your $1 your last remark will prove only to be unfortunate cheap-shot, known to us here only from source with absolutely no stated credibility, responsibility or accounability information. What's your background as media critic, please ? Ever in journalism at any level ? Any other qualifying experience ? Ever published any critical review of such work ? If NOT --from what base, other than b-button, doth this one cometh, right now ??!!

Update May 18, 2008 8:01 am (Pacific time)

As this election continues to roll on I am starting to notice that more and more people want our future president to have some actual tangible experience. So when the candidate's experience is brought up let's see how these candidates respond to these inquiries. My guess is some will be attempting to obfuscate. Did Mr. Moyer intentionally do that in an earlier interview?

andersen May 17, 2008 3:00 pm (Pacific time)

I do not want Obama in the White House. He does not have foreign policy experience, in fact he hasn't much experience at all. We need a qualified candidate, we need someone who knows the issues and has the clear plans to solve them. We do not have time to "train" someone in the White House. We need someone who can take charge on day one. Go to www.hillaryclinton.com. Read her stand on the issues and her in depth solutions. You won't find that on Obama's website. Do your homework. Do not let the media and the pundits decide for you. They have their own agenda, which is not always in our best interest. Senator Clinton is the best choice for America, and the strongest candidate against McCain. Obama will never win against McCain.

Sherry May 17, 2008 12:41 pm (Pacific time)

LGN or the Bush-Cheney Energy bill of 2005 that Obama voted for and Hillary opposed. The bill cut the states out of the decision-making process re: what energy arrangements would be made within their boundaries. Repeat: Obama VOTED FOR IT, HILLARY VOTED AGAINST IT. LGN or Bush Cheney Energy Bill LGN is Liquid Natural Gas pipeline that will run along our coastline and private farmlands (eminent domain). They will condemn the land for the pipeline right of way and pay what they consider is a fair price which is always really cheap. There is not one thing the property owners can do if they do not stop it early on. The state has no say because its a federal bill. HILLARY WILL GIVE BACK THE STATE THE RIGHT TO MAKE IT'S OWN DECISIONS.

Henry Ruark May 17, 2008 11:14 am (Pacific time)

Update et al: When definitive history is written re our many "secret workers" in ALL groups --some not even surfaced-yet-- we may find some more-gruesome and blood-guilt actions than even those Wright mentioned. Who knows, with 100-year record of "silence" despite Constitutional demands for full information to Congress, for what citizens are allowed to know ? IF you have documentation disproving that statement, trot it out right here; mine re its integrity and veracity available on request to Editor Tim with ID, for full direct contacts.

Henry Clay Ruark May 17, 2008 11:07 am (Pacific time)

Irving et al: You clearly missing some of those dots Moyer refers to, re Ayers for example, praised by Chicago leaders for exemplary life NOW...after earlier more radical statements. Wright was most probably more right=than=wrong re American=black experience, as nobody rational can now further deny. Similar catastrophic-sounding comment can be found re every one of national political leaders, and must be placed in context and time-surround to be other than meaningless. Your final statement right on the money --and I do mean "corporate political contributions !" --but offers wise and will-of-people plan for what we MUST now DO, and DO TOGETHER ! Thank you for reaching that dot-pattern.

Irving G May 17, 2008 9:49 am (Pacific time)

"My great uncle killed a lot of Germans, and I have the war trophies(sic) to prove it. I’m not sure that makes me uniquely qualified to protect this country." It’s odd that Obama continually defends himself using the politics of association, while at the same time condemning those who would attack him based on his associations with people like Rev. Wright. Obama’s father was communist, but he didn’t get to choose his father, or his grandfather. And their politics have little bearing on his own. But he did choose to associate with people like Robert Malley who would attempt to appease Hamas. And he hung around with Bill Ayers, who clearly does not love this nation. Those associations would seem far more relevant than his grandfather’s service in the Second World War. Obama just had two years in the senate before he started this campaign, so to ask him more relevant question as to just what makes him think that with such a thin resume, he can do what he says he can do is absolutely a process that will happen. I think it's great to be really passionate about a person and those issues that motivate you, but we are a pretty divided nation and no matter who wins we still will be divided, so the more we know, objectively, about these candidates maybe a better healing process can take place after the election.

Update May 17, 2008 9:34 am (Pacific time)

I have always been a big fan of Mr. Moyers and his specific style of asking those probing questions to draw out just what his guests are all about. He is just 2nd to none in that department. Though the other day he was asked why he did not ask Jerimiah Wright to explain what he meant about the government creating the HIV virus to kill blacks and other people of color. He responded that "I forgot." That's really too bad, I would have liked to have heard his evidence for that statement. Maybe in some future interview?

Henry Ruark May 17, 2008 7:41 am (Pacific time)

NOBODY can deny Bill Moyers his well-earned place as a leader in the profession of journalism. Here's a quote from his new book "Moyers on Democracy:" "You need only be a reporter with your eyes open to see what's happening to our democracy. I have been lucky enough to spend my adult life as a journalist, acquiring a priceless education in the ways of the world, actually getting paid to practice one of my craft's essential imperatives:connect the dots." Tim's Perspective continues our task here of "connecting the dots" for all of you --for YOUR OWN evaluation when the inevitable patterns clearly then emerge. "See with own eyes" at www.alternet.org/module/printversion/85521

Sheila May 16, 2008 11:22 pm (Pacific time)

Obama scored big today. Even most Republican pundits were chastising Bush and had positive comments for Obama. Obama proved he is not an empty suit. McCain with his many years of experience sided with Bush and flip-flopped on issues, which made him looked foolish.

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