How many Americans are
worried about Israel’s security? How
many are concerned whether Iran develops nuclear capability? Is Syria an important issue for the American
voter? How many want clarification on
what happened in Libya? How many even
know that our Ambassador and three colleagues were killed serving their
country? How many Americans actually
know how many soldiers are in theatre in Afghanistan?
My best guess is that far
fewer Americans than one would expect are worried about our relationships with
other nations. No, I think they are more
worried about their job, health care, the economy and the price of gas. We’re all grateful for the service and
security our military provides. We will
gladly donate dollars for all types of support to our military families but do
we really pay attention to what they are doing in Afghanistan? Sure, there are some of us who do pay
attention and recognize that the world is much smaller than it just was a
decade or so ago.
Some recognize the importance
of our role in the world and why we need to be engaged. Military families are well aware of why we
are in Afghanistan, why we were in Iraq.
It is very personal for them as they have loved ones serving our
nation. The occasional terrorist attack heightens
our interest and involvement as a people but quickly recedes once it has fallen
down the ranks of reported stories on the news.
Our nation and our leadership no longer ask us to sacrifice in times of
conflict and war. Afghanistan might as
well be the Moon for as involved as we Americans are in following the action of
our troops.
Tonight’s debate will
hopefully answer some of the questions that must be considered when selecting
our next President. We know President
Obama’s course of leadership and style when it comes to foreign policy. We need a better understanding of what he
hopes to accomplish in this area over the course of the next four years. For Mitt Romney, we need to know that he will
be able to handle the rigors of foreign policy.
Candidates love to make promises and talk tough when it comes to foreign
policy. Just like Romney is doing right
now with China regarding trade and currency manipulation.
It is easy to talk tough and
make promises. It is significantly more
difficult once you occupy the White House and recognize that even a small gesture
has huge implications. Some of us will
be tuning in to hear some serious talk about our role in the world. Others will be rooting for their candidate
hoping for an end zone celebration.
