Submitted by Dwayne Burgess, Jul 27, 2007 07:25

Obama foreign relations

A party follower I am not; my political interests align with the candidate I think will do the best job for America. In event of a tie I usually lean to the Republican side preferring their smaller government concept. The 2008 presidential race is wonderful with exceptional candidates on both sides. I have favored two of the republican candidates and until two weeks ago Clinton. However, Clintons petty "roasting" of the Pentagon over the response she received from her request for withdrawal plans from Iraq and her comments about meeting with foreign leaders has lost her vote with me!

Clinton stated in the You Tube session that she has spent several months developing a plan for withdrawal from Iraq. Two weeks ago she publicly scolded the Pentagon for their response to a letter wherein she asked if they had a withdrawal plan. Two things; first, she is on the Armed Force committee and she should know that, second, she should have asked that question three months ago before spend her time on a plan that may already be in place.

I was impressed with Obama's quick response to the You Tube question. With no dancing around the issue he acknowledged he would make it a goal to meet with third world leaders within his first year as president. This is an essential and a critical step in patching up America's image. Clinton on the other hand said she would do so after establishing solid ground and expects it will take more than a year to do so. That kind of thinking, that kind of approach, is what has created many of our problems. It gave me the impression she lacks knowledge of the issues, our interests, their interests, and what we need to quickly establish better communications. No one said the meeting would take place here, or there, but it would most likely take place in a third country. Preconceptions and established objectives are fine but should not cloud the ability to communicate with other leaders. Clinton's hesitation to "get it done" represents the same time consuming grind our government has been plagued with for years. We have seen this hesitation long enough. It is time we learned to get things done rather than argue and delay. We need to work out our problems now; if your home is burning you do not sit down at the kitchen table to decide what to do; America is burning and we need action now!

I have become tired of Clintons attitude toward people; her attack on the Pentagon official, her approach in meeting with other leaders and her alleged experience. She may have met with world leaders as the first lady, and she has spent time as a Senator but what has any of that accomplished. If it was as beneficial as she would have us believe we would be far better off today than we are. I met with many Generals, with governors, and national politicians but I am no general, governor or politician. When my wife says she is going to town I do not need her explanation as to how she will do so. I do not need a politician talking down to me. Unless there are significant changes I have changed my intended vote and hope to see Obama in the White House.

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