NYT: Americans Showing Isolationist Streak, Poll Finds

[DeepModem Mom]

Americans Showing Isolationist Streak, Poll Finds
By JIM RUTENBERG and MEGAN C. THEE
Published: July 27, 2006

Americans are overwhelmingly pessimistic about the state of affairs in the Middle East, with majorities doubtful there will ever be peace between Israel and its neighbors, or that American troops will be able to leave Iraq anytime soon, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

A majority said the war between Israel and Hezbollah will lead to a wider war. And while almost half of those polled approved of President Bush’s handling of the crisis, a majority said they preferred the United States leave it to others to resolve.

Over all, the poll found a strong isolationist streak in a nation clearly rattled by more than four years of war, underscoring the challenge for Mr. Bush as he tries to maintain public support for his effort to stabilize Iraq and spread democracy through the Middle East.

The concerns expressed over the direction of foreign policy also highlight some of the pitfalls facing Republicans as they head toward the November elections with national security front and center.

A majority of respondents, 56 percent, said they supported a timetable for a reduction in United States forces in Iraq, a question the two parties have been sparring over, with the White House and most Republicans in Congress taking the position that setting a timetable would send the wrong message. More than half of that group said they supported a withdrawal even if it meant Iraq would fall into the hands of insurgents....

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/27/washington/27poll.html?_r=1&oref=login

[neoblues]

1. World got you down? Problems with strangers upsetting you?

No problem. Just build big tall fences! First, start with that border to the great unwashed--down Mexico way... A thousand-mile concrete and steel wall 100ft tall (extending equally far below ground) should do it. Then/concurrently build a technological wall and euphemistically call it "Star Wars" to prevent unwanted intrusion by foreign missiles. Of course, through it all, be sure take a dump on the rest of those pesky foreigner nations out there (ie. the rest of the world) and keep doing so at every turn; soon they won't even be bothering us to come out and play. Sure enough, they will close ranks and isolate us, just like we've planned (and as we've apparently been wanting)--and when they do, we can even blame it all on them. Ahhh, what a peaceful world it will be.

Isolationism, it's not just for deranged loners any more.

[bemildred]

2. There is a great deal to be said for minding your own business. nt

[Demeter]

3. Isolationism Would Be Shutting Out Canada--the ME Is Not Our Neighbor

or ally. Not wanting to get bogged down in the open sore that runs from Istanbul to China is not Isolationism.

Although come to think of it, Bush IS trying to shut out Canada. So, who is the Isolationist here?