Carrying a Big Stick

[MineralMan]

doesn't mean that you have to use it every time. In fact, the point of carrying a big stick is that it often prevents the need to use it. Its presence is often enough to make the things happen you need to have happen. You have to be willing to use it, but you can prefer not to use it.

President Obama understands that. Vladimir Putin understands that. Now, some despots in the Middle East understand it, too.

Teddy Roosevelt understood it, too.

[lamp_shade]

1. Like this ?

[MineralMan]

2. No, not like that.

Sorry. That's not Obama, nor is it representative of the whole big stick concept. Thanks, though.

More like this:

[HereSince1628]

4. Or maybe not...this is how TR's carrying the stick was portrayed as imperialism.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. Or alternately

[lamp_shade]

6. I happen to like it, though I'd prefer the crossbow was replaced with an olive branch.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. TR, always an interesting cat. Here is how he spoke of Cuba, do you dig it?

"Just at the moment I am so angry with that infernal little Cuban republic that I would like to wipe its people off the face of the earth. All that we wanted from them was that they would behave themselves and be prosperous and happy so that we would not have to interfere." —Theodore Roosevelt

He also said this, which is wildly popular with the BOG:
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

His first use of the 'big stick' as President involved taking over a mine as part of a strike busting expedition. Had the military take over the factory. Wonder how that would fly in today's world? It is almost as if Teddy's philosophy of threats as politics is from another era. Which of course it is.