Outside perspective on the US presidential race

[BelgianMadCow]

I came to DU after the 2000 debacle, totally flabbergasted about the SC decision, and wondering whether America had gone insane, then luckily finding rational beings and "resistance" on DU.

I would contend that if America wants to regain ANY standing in the world, pulling out of an illegal war for oil and stopping the unilateral imperialist behaviour (e.g. Iran) is key.

I know that other issues understandably matter to US voters and I am just saying what I think the rest of the world (millions protesting the war before it started remember) will look at. To be perfectly honest, I am VERY disappointed by the stances of Hillary and Barack : Gravel spoke for me when he attacked them on their vote for Kyl-Lieberman, also saying the power DOES reside with dems to stop the war if they really want.

I think, given the opinion of the MAJORITY of americans on the Iraq War, not making it THE issue now and every day would be a big missed opportunity. And I don't mean making it an issue in the race, because that it was already in 2006. I'm talking about real action in Congress - the Power of the Purse.

The dems somehow behave as if they are still the minority party, I guess in part due to the corporate media bias, and lobbying as well. I would contend however that again, a MAJORITY of the people see this bias for what it is, and letting that bias influence your position is not a position based on strength of personal belief.

The discussions on DU are way too often centered on the US perspective only imho. The standing of the US will determine to a large extent what lies ahead for all of you - in the end, the world IS a village nowadays.

[weeve]

1. This is what we're up against ...

[Swamp Rat]

2. Merci beaucoups

I really appreciate an outsider's perspective. :hi:



More pix here: www.swamp-rat.com

[BelgianMadCow]

4. de rien

love your work! Amateur photoshopper here.

[mmonk]

3. A permanent divide and permanent distrust is going to exist

in the United States and abroad due to all that has happened and the lack of accountability and true journalism in this country. That is why impeachment was so important of an issue to people of knowledge that live in this bubble called The United States. If it won't be addressed because of the politics of the DLC, division will still be the name of the game between Americans, between the parties, between the US and the world at large, and between democrats. If nothing else, there must some some sort of Truth and Reconciliation Forum that gets media coverage in this country and all the lies that have been mixed in with information exposed. I would even be amenable to immunity to all politicians at this point in order to inform the citizenry so that our constitution and checks and balances be fully restored and no more trips into darkness will be embarked on that threaten us to this level. Without it, I will continue to have no trust in government anymore, the American people to discern fact from fiction anymore, to ever trust a republican in any kind of office, and never fully trust the democratic party.