Isolationism Redux

Isolationism Redux

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-->Related Resources On NationalJournal.com National Journal Cover Story: "The Rise of Nationalism" (7/3/04)

·National Journal: "Isolationism Be Damned" (4/16/99)

·National Journal: "A Return to Isolationism" (10/08/99)
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Additional Resources On The Web Pollster Andrew Kohut Discusses Increasing Isolationism Among the American Public (11/18/05) ·

British Prime Minister Tony Blair Speaks Out Against Isolationism in the Wake of 9/11 (11/13/01)

·Charles Lindbergh's "Des Moines Speech" Against Intervention in WWII (9/11/41)

By Paul Starobin, National Journal© National Journal Group Inc.Friday, March 31, 2006
America, you may have heard, is at risk of withdrawing to that beguiling yet perilous place of political hibernation known as "isolationism." President Bush warned of this "false comfort" no fewer than four times in his State of the Union address in January. "The road of isolationism," he declared at the top of the speech, "may seem broad and inviting, yet it ends in danger and decline." Later in the address, he added, "Our enemies and our friends can be certain: The United States will not retreat from the world."

At first blush, the threat of a "new isolationism" may seem real. Public disillusionment with Bush's Iraq intervention is certainly widespread, and opinion polls show that today, compared with a few decades ago, a greater share of Americans (42 percent in a recent survey of the Pew Global Attitudes Project) say the U.S. "should mind its own business internationally." The visceral public backlash against leasing U.S. seaport terminals to a company owned by the Arab sheikhdom of Dubai suggests, if not exactly isolationism, elements of a kindred sentiment, xenophobia. Bush is not the only one sounding the alarm -- The Washington Post editorial page called the president's warning "the most important foreign-policy theme" in his State of the Union and added, "We strongly agree" that America "cannot find security by abandoning our commitments."

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In my view I don't believe that the American public wants to withdraw into 'Isolationism', rather I believe that the American public would like to see Americas and thus the American public interests thrust to the forefront. Americans would like to see 'their interests' addressed and not the interests of foreign nationals, foreign governments, and the big money men in America. It is not 'Isolationism' to put America first in all things at all times!

You only have to read the daily headlines to see that America first has taken a back seat to other areas of interest. Port deals, port security, the Mexican invasion, etc are in the forefront. Question: So what does the American public received out of all this pandering to foreigners of all stripes? Answer: NOT A DAMN THING! In fact it weakens the nation and allows foreigners unwarrented acess to our nation.

The word America starts with the letter 'A' the first letter in the alphabet. Let our politicians put America in the same position as the letter 'A' when it comes to dealing with any foreign nation or people. If it is not in the best interests of the 'American people' then it should not be done I don't care how much 'money' big business does not make because its not done.