How US Can Assert Leadership: continued

On the radio today, Glenn Beck predicted that countries the world over will blame the US for the global financial crisis being experienced.  To my mind he really doesn't answer to what otherwise would be a dilemma for the US foreign policy makers, though I concur in his analysis.

However, the situation isn't really that bad, if the US pursues a policy that led to NAFTA and other trade agreements.  On C-Span a few days ago (you can see I listen to the news a lot out here in Reno!), a seminar on navigational rules and regulations held in Virginia was broadcast.  The participants were bemoaning that for the last 23 years, apparently, the US Senate has refused to endorse US participation in multi-national navigational, marine tribunals, preferring instead to "go it alone"--as was the case in the US' refusal to endorse the Kyoto agreements for some years.  As was pointed out in this navy-sponsored (in-part) seminar, the Republicans have long endorsed the policy of "my way or no way" in US foreign policy.

Yet, some participants in this seminar pointed out that should the US join such multi-national institutions and structures regulating international waters, it could exert great influence upon the thinking and doing of other nations in this area.  Indeed, Congress is fashiioning, I believe, that the banking regulations and rules being developed now in their halls be applicable to financial situations in the entire G20 bloc.  This  Congressional deliberate intention, I believe, is how the US can maintain and even further develop its leadership potential among all nations in the world.

Presently, Okinawa wants the US troops out of their territories.  The US military there have countered by insisting that the US presence in this strategic location is a vital force to maintain peace and stability in the Far East.  I strongly agree with the US military position!

The US is needed as a major player for peace in the world, I believe.  It strengthens its leadership among other countries whenever it insists upon participating with othher nations for peace.