U.S.
PRESIDENTIAL elections.
What
American voters must dig in deeper is Washington's ever-intensifying
relationship with global economy/regional security, especially that
Uncle Sam's European allies are in disarray. World Bank and IMF are
virtually penniless and tempest roars on the streets.
Historically,
most US presidents devote more energy while on campaign trail on
domestic issues than overseas—but about a year or two after they
are elected, they seem to focus an ever increasing amount of time to
the rest of the world. The Balkans consumed Bill Clinton. George W.
Bush launched two wars. Barack Obama paid much attention on revamping
counter-terrorism policies, rebalancing priorities on the Pacific
Rim, prosecuting a war in Libya, and wiping out Osama bin Laden.
Without
spending too much rhetoric on foreign policy, it is apparent that
both candidates' tactical teams are looking beyond the West: Asia,
Southeast Asia, South America. They have reasons to be wary. The
playing field has become tight in the past few years. China has
emerged big like the proverbial dragon, Russia launches huge stakes
in Antarctica's melting icebergs for oil etc etc. India and
Brazil—and most Southeast Asian countries—have muddled bidding
for the world's factories with China and Russia.
NOTWITHSTANDING
President Obama's campaign pledges to fix the economy, few weeks
following his proclamation in 2008/9, he embarked on a trade mission
to China—for obvious reasons. Apparently, such gesture didn't
manifest into good tidings. Hence these days, as Mr. Obama runs for
re-election, he takes on tougher line toward Beijing...
The
White House has filed two major cases in the past three months
against China at the World Trade Organization. On the same day as the
latest trade action, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced
plans in Tokyo to help Japan deploy a new missile-defense system,
which has aroused suspicion in Beijing.
Then
figure this out: Why did Washington gave a no-visa policy to Taiwan—a
privilege that China doesn't enjoy although the Chinese is tops in
terms of bringing in tourism money to the US. Washington has, time
and again, rejected the suggestion that the United States was
pursuing a cold-war-style containment of China... Let's wait and see.
Meantime, we have to ask: Why is it there are renewed war exercises
in South Pacific—at a time of Chinese “bullying” in contested
islands in South China Sea?
BUT
hold up, let us also look into how the presidentiables stand on North
Korea, Iran, Mexico (it is NOT an illegal immigrant perch, it is an
important economic partner), Colombia's drug wars, Libya (remember,
Libya is an OPEC power), Afghanistan (take Kabul out, then worry
about your next medication/pills--this country is a pharmaceutical
minefield).
Not
Obama or Romney have presented credible or consistent stand on these
matters, as yet. Americans can't just say, "Let's just look
within." Whatever Washington decides on outside and beyond
affect America's smallest town and biggest cities. Look what happened
when Bill Clinton got China into WTO in the 1990s...
If
the 1 percent/Wall Street pushes for Russia, India and Brazil in re
factory/outsourcing alternatives besides China and Southeast Asia,
expect recession to go worst than the Great Depression. But then, we
are all numbed by apps, FB, tweets, and Smartphones, so it's dim.
MOREOVER,
I don't get the point why Romney/Obama (esp. Mitt) had to harp on
education and the middle class. Education? College grads are waiting
and bussing tables and cleaning houses just to pay rent. So
Massachusetts made good in educating its youths under Romney? But for
what? Where are the jobs that levels with such good education? Even
Harvard scholars are caught cheating...
And
the middle class? They are living on their beat up sedans. History
says many exodus to America for greener pastures... But the US has
become simply a place to hang out and chill place for the
contemporary rich (check Chinese and Brazilian tourist data in NYC
alone in the last 4 years)--while brilliant Americans leave families
and fly to Saipan or Hongkong or Guangzhou province to supervise
workers. The world order has tilted.
America
has more than ever couldn't survive without its allies. Whoever wins
in the coming election, must convince his constituency that life and
living will improve drastically—because Washington is adapting a
more decisive stance in regards foreign policy.
With Rev. Syd and the Homewreckers, The Caleb Beissert Band, The Black Canaries, Brief
Awakening, Jaime Lauren Webb, with Pasckie Pascua and Jadwiga McKay. VENUE:
Westville Pub, 777
Haywood Road, Asheville,
NC 28806. (828) 225-9782. $5
cover charge (for the benefit of TBonfires free “Bonfires for Peace
at Pritchard Park” concerts in downtown Asheville)
