@5. AThinkingPerson:
America has done wrong. There is nothing poisonous in admitting this and taking steps to repair our reputation. Denying our mistakes makes us liars as well as fools. A sense of dignity starts with honesty, on which can be built genuine self-respect. America has been drug through the mud worldwide, mostly because of our actions in the world – not because of anything said by bloggers in the USA. Trying to blame folks such as myself for the worldwide backlash against Bush is pure idiocy.
Obama has acknowledged our past failures, and this is the first important step in rebuilding our reputation. It signals a clean break from the past, and the opportunity to rebuild trust and restore the dignity of the USA. Moving forward without acknowledging the mistakes we have made would show the world we are not interested in anything but our own power and dominion. Being self-critical also provided cover for his criticism of Europe, which always seems to be ignored when this topic arises, despite the important connection.
Yes, it will take years to rebuild the dignity of our nation, and Obama is ready for this job. Obama knows that the world does not want us to tell them how great America is. We need to show them. I’m ready to stand up for all Americans when I say it is about time that our country show the world how great it is by addressing the problems we face at home and abroad with honesty, integrity and hope.
America is not perfect, but when we are at our best, we provide a truly inspiring example to the people of the world.
Peace.
DS
