Below is the response I received from "my" congressperson regarding an email I sent to him about HR 3 and the "forcible rape" language. Note, he makes NO reference to rape in his response, but proceeds to talk to me as if I am stupid and don't know what the bill is "actually" for. I will be so happy when I move out of his district! I really want to respond to this BS, and ask him whether he really understood what my issue was and what the repercussions of this bill with the "forcible rape" language could be. I don't know which is making me more angry that he has no clue or that he is talking down to me as if I was a stupid child in this letter. Damn straight, everyone is going to see this! Daniel Webster is anti-woman!! Rape under coercion, statuatory rape, rape while drugged, and date rape, it seems, is not rape to Daniel Webster since he did NOT even acknowledge the problem with the language of the bill.
February 11, 2011
Dear Erin,
Thank you for sharing your opinion regarding the sanctity of life and specifically your thoughts about H.R. 3.
The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, H.R. 3, was introduced by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ-7), on January 20, 2011. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that American tax revenues are not used to provide abortion services. This legislation has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.
The right to life is one of three unalienable rights, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, which are promised to all individuals in the Declaration of Independence. I believe these rights extend to unborn children as well, and that the right to life is our first given right. I firmly believe and stated last fall, that I would oppose any use of tax dollars to promote or perform abortions or to support organizations that promote or perform abortions. While we may disagree on this very personal issue, I am sure that there are many other issues on which we will agree.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I am honored to serve the people of Florida's 8th Congressional District as your representative in the United States Congress.
Your Servant,
Daniel Webster
Member of Congress
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
"Real Men": The Questioning of Gender Roles in Song
“Some of the girls were boys. The view changes from where you are standing.
Words can wound, and wounds can heal. All of these things are true.” Neil Gaiman 2001
Starting primarily in the sixties, music began to question the condition of the human. Some artists questioned the government, some questioned racial relations, and some questioned gender roles. One of the first and most vivid examples was David Bowie’s creation of Ziggy Stardust. Through this character, David Bowie challenged people to see beyond what was thought of as masculine and feminine while mocking these roles at the same time. The song “Real Men” written by Joe Jackson takes up the challenge and continues the push in questioning traditional gender roles. The original version appeared on Joe Jackson’s album, Night and Day in 1982. In 2001, Tori Amos covered the song for her album, Strange Little Girls. This conceptual album took songs originally written by men and retold them from a feminine point of view. Tori Amos created characters to tell these stories. Each character was given a visual interpretation and voice by Tori Amos, Kevyn Aucoin, and Neil Gaiman. While the meanings of some songs were fully changed, the questioning of gender roles of “Real Men” was completed in adding a feminine perspective. In the original, Joe Jackson questions what defines a real man. In the cover version, Tori Amos’ character adds the question of what defines a real woman. Through the analysis of the lyrics and the interpretations of the song, a clearer picture develops seeking not only to question gender roles but to deconstruct them as well.
The first verse begins with a call to remember the traditional binary identification of gender. A degree of sentimentality exists in the lyric expressing the ease of being able to identify girls from boys especially in youth. This was not Joe Jackson’s sentimentality though, but rather he was reflecting the sentimentality of a major portion of the population. The feminine perspective is slightly sarcastic in the same lyric questioning if those distinctions actually existed in youth. The lyric then turns into a question on how men are perceived:
“What’s a man now/ What’s a man mean/ Is he rough or is he rugged/ Cultural and clean?”
As a constructed gender role, the masculine is considered “rough” and “rugged” while the feminine is considered “cultural” and “clean”. The feminine perspective adds the question as to how women are perceived. Does a woman have to be clean or can she be rugged? The lyric then proceeds to state that the viewpoints have changed. The gender roles which in the past have been strictly defined begin to break down. The question on whether or not the deconstruction is continually happening is left hanging: “We think it’s getting better/ But nobody’s really sure”. People are not sure because the constructed gender roles still form the identities in men and women.
The second verse blurs the distinctions of gender roles in both perspectives. In the original version, Joe Jackson specifically references the male gay community of the late seventies and early eighties. His lyric, “All the guys are macho/ See their leather shine” shows the masculine being over-exposed to hide the feminine aspect. Whether by accident or on purpose, the word “guys” is pronounced as “gays” in the original recording further showcasing the construction. The feminine perspective contrasts a feminine aspect of the prior lyric: “Golden earring, golden tan/ Blow-wave in their hair” with the masculine lyric stated previously. The gender distinctions of what is typically denoted as feminine, a “blow-wave”, and masculine, “leather”, are openly mocked. The perspective then changes from the male gay community to the lesbian community with the addition of the feminine voice. The assignment of gender roles for males and females begins to be deconstructed, and the question whether people really need to be identified as one gender or another arises.
The last verse offers a distinct challenge to how gender roles are perceived and still clung to by a large portion of the population. In the original version, Joe Jackson calls on men specifically to change how they view themselves or get left behind and be defeated. The lyric, “Don’t know how to treat a lady/ Don’t know how to be a man”, openly accuses men of putting the masculine gender role first in their identity instead of understanding who they really are. The feminine perspective poses the same accusation to women. In the context of the feminine perspective, the next lyric, “’cause there’s women running past you now/ And you just drag your feet”, infers that there are others who have overcome that impasse and are in the process of understanding themselves free from the gender roles. The following lyric mocks the conception of the masculine gender role:
“Man makes a gun/ Man goes to war/ Man can kill and man can drink/ And man can take a whore/ Kill all the blacks/ Kill all the reds…”
In both interpretations, the lyric has an element of sarcasm, and the power and violence that is an accepted aspect of the masculine is confronted and ridiculed. In the original, these are listed, still with sarcasm, as things that men could get away with doing, but maintaining gender distinctions should not be one of them. Ultimately, the song calls for the deconstruction of gender roles through a warning: “If there’s a war between the sexes/ Then there will be no people left”. Both perspectives favor the elimination of constructed gender roles.
“And so it goes, goes round again/ But now and then we wonder who the real men are…”
The refrain shows that gender roles are always being questioned. As the questioning continues, it becomes deeper and more meaningful in the hopes of completely eliminating the traditional gender roles. The character Tori Amos created for “Real Men” is portrayed as neither female nor male. Being the last song on the album, the character becomes a non-gendered and omniscient being that can see past the distinctions humans make for themselves and also hoping that they will one day see past those distinctions themselves.
Words can wound, and wounds can heal. All of these things are true.” Neil Gaiman 2001
Starting primarily in the sixties, music began to question the condition of the human. Some artists questioned the government, some questioned racial relations, and some questioned gender roles. One of the first and most vivid examples was David Bowie’s creation of Ziggy Stardust. Through this character, David Bowie challenged people to see beyond what was thought of as masculine and feminine while mocking these roles at the same time. The song “Real Men” written by Joe Jackson takes up the challenge and continues the push in questioning traditional gender roles. The original version appeared on Joe Jackson’s album, Night and Day in 1982. In 2001, Tori Amos covered the song for her album, Strange Little Girls. This conceptual album took songs originally written by men and retold them from a feminine point of view. Tori Amos created characters to tell these stories. Each character was given a visual interpretation and voice by Tori Amos, Kevyn Aucoin, and Neil Gaiman. While the meanings of some songs were fully changed, the questioning of gender roles of “Real Men” was completed in adding a feminine perspective. In the original, Joe Jackson questions what defines a real man. In the cover version, Tori Amos’ character adds the question of what defines a real woman. Through the analysis of the lyrics and the interpretations of the song, a clearer picture develops seeking not only to question gender roles but to deconstruct them as well.
The first verse begins with a call to remember the traditional binary identification of gender. A degree of sentimentality exists in the lyric expressing the ease of being able to identify girls from boys especially in youth. This was not Joe Jackson’s sentimentality though, but rather he was reflecting the sentimentality of a major portion of the population. The feminine perspective is slightly sarcastic in the same lyric questioning if those distinctions actually existed in youth. The lyric then turns into a question on how men are perceived:
“What’s a man now/ What’s a man mean/ Is he rough or is he rugged/ Cultural and clean?”
As a constructed gender role, the masculine is considered “rough” and “rugged” while the feminine is considered “cultural” and “clean”. The feminine perspective adds the question as to how women are perceived. Does a woman have to be clean or can she be rugged? The lyric then proceeds to state that the viewpoints have changed. The gender roles which in the past have been strictly defined begin to break down. The question on whether or not the deconstruction is continually happening is left hanging: “We think it’s getting better/ But nobody’s really sure”. People are not sure because the constructed gender roles still form the identities in men and women.
The second verse blurs the distinctions of gender roles in both perspectives. In the original version, Joe Jackson specifically references the male gay community of the late seventies and early eighties. His lyric, “All the guys are macho/ See their leather shine” shows the masculine being over-exposed to hide the feminine aspect. Whether by accident or on purpose, the word “guys” is pronounced as “gays” in the original recording further showcasing the construction. The feminine perspective contrasts a feminine aspect of the prior lyric: “Golden earring, golden tan/ Blow-wave in their hair” with the masculine lyric stated previously. The gender distinctions of what is typically denoted as feminine, a “blow-wave”, and masculine, “leather”, are openly mocked. The perspective then changes from the male gay community to the lesbian community with the addition of the feminine voice. The assignment of gender roles for males and females begins to be deconstructed, and the question whether people really need to be identified as one gender or another arises.
The last verse offers a distinct challenge to how gender roles are perceived and still clung to by a large portion of the population. In the original version, Joe Jackson calls on men specifically to change how they view themselves or get left behind and be defeated. The lyric, “Don’t know how to treat a lady/ Don’t know how to be a man”, openly accuses men of putting the masculine gender role first in their identity instead of understanding who they really are. The feminine perspective poses the same accusation to women. In the context of the feminine perspective, the next lyric, “’cause there’s women running past you now/ And you just drag your feet”, infers that there are others who have overcome that impasse and are in the process of understanding themselves free from the gender roles. The following lyric mocks the conception of the masculine gender role:
“Man makes a gun/ Man goes to war/ Man can kill and man can drink/ And man can take a whore/ Kill all the blacks/ Kill all the reds…”
In both interpretations, the lyric has an element of sarcasm, and the power and violence that is an accepted aspect of the masculine is confronted and ridiculed. In the original, these are listed, still with sarcasm, as things that men could get away with doing, but maintaining gender distinctions should not be one of them. Ultimately, the song calls for the deconstruction of gender roles through a warning: “If there’s a war between the sexes/ Then there will be no people left”. Both perspectives favor the elimination of constructed gender roles.
“And so it goes, goes round again/ But now and then we wonder who the real men are…”
The refrain shows that gender roles are always being questioned. As the questioning continues, it becomes deeper and more meaningful in the hopes of completely eliminating the traditional gender roles. The character Tori Amos created for “Real Men” is portrayed as neither female nor male. Being the last song on the album, the character becomes a non-gendered and omniscient being that can see past the distinctions humans make for themselves and also hoping that they will one day see past those distinctions themselves.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Enlightened Self-Interest"
“Enlightened Self-Interest”
In late 2009, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, just a few months into his administration. In his Nobel lecture, he gave insight into the ideas that he believed would form his foreign policy. While his ideas illustrated the potential direction of his foreign policy, the lecture was still only words, and words will not have much credibility if they are not supported by action. The title of this essay is taken from Obama’s Nobel lecture. Obama uses the phrase “enlightened self-interest” (2009) to describe past United States’ foreign policy depicting a world where the betterment of society is in everyone’s best interest. The question remains on whether or not this phrase describes Obama’s foreign policy. With the inheritance of two wars, Obama has had little opportunity to implement a foreign policy of his own making, and where he has had the occasion; it is questionable that his actions match his words. This essay will explore Obama’s ideas of foreign policy put forth in his Nobel lecture and contrasting them against foreign policy actions including issues regarding nuclear proliferation, Guantanamo Bay prison, and Sudan, and attempt to answer the question on whether Obama’s foreign policy is truly a policy of “enlightened self-interest”(2009).
Ideas
“And within America, there has long been a tension between those who describe themselves as realists or idealists- a tension that suggests a stark choice between the narrow pursuit of interests or an endless campaign to impose our values around the world. I reject these choices” (Obama 2009)
The claim can be made that President Obama’s burgeoning foreign policy is in a struggle between what is and what could be. In his lecture, he talks about the realities of war and abiding by international law. Ever the pragmatist, President Obama shows that he realizes the current Iraqi and Afghan wars alongside the increasing tensions with North Korea and Iran must be handled carefully and realistically, all the while trying to support human rights and peace worldwide. His words reflect this struggle:
“As a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples [Gandhi and King] alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people… Nevertheless, I am convinced that adhering to international standards strengthens those who do and isolates and weakens those who do not” (Obama 2009).
Obama’s lecture gives the most insight into the theoretical leanings of his ideas behind his foreign policy. He does not fit neatly into one category or another. Obama draws mainly on classical realist and classical liberalist thought, talking about the way the world is and the way world could be. Through this mix, critics have difficulty isolating him to one theoretical school. As he states in his speech, he rejects the idea of choice between Realism and Idealism. Still, most critics are still arguing the First Great Debate. Rahm Emmanuel, Obama’s Chief of Staff, was quoted referring to Obama’s foreign policy in the New York Times: “Everybody always breaks it down between idealist and realist. If you had to put him in a category, he’s probably more realpolitik, like Bush 41” (Baker 2010). Baker goes further: “If there is an Obama doctrine emerging, it is one much more realpolitik than his predecessor's, focused on relations with traditional great powers and relegating issues like human rights and democracy to second-tier concerns” (2010). The claim is that Obama has a classical realist approach to foreign policy, but Baker was not the only one with an opinion on the subject.
In an article for Foreign Policy Magazine, multiple theorists and international relations experts were asked their opinion of President Obama’s foreign policy in light of Emmanuel’s comment and their thoughts on whether he was a Realist or an Idealist. Kagan and Pletka favored Obama as an Idealist, focusing on grand schemes. Walt, Kupchen and Lind favored him as a Realist, focusing on deficit of ideology. Three theorists, Nye, Malinowski and Zelikow, purposed that the gap between the two schools for Obama of thought was closer than it appeared, further reinforcing Obama’s opinion of his own foreign policy.
In the article “George H. W. Obama?”, Joseph S. Nye offers that a blending of liberalist and realist thought would best classify President Obama’s foreign policy. He calls this particular brand of blending, liberal realism. In the article, Nye only touches on a purposed definition for liberal realism, calling it a smart-power strategy consisting of hard and soft power (Nye 2010). “It starts with an understanding of the strengths and limits of American power [… and] requires cooperation among governments and international institutions” (Nye 2010). Obama seems to understand this concept well. He states in his Nobel lecture: “America […] can[not] insist that others follow the rules of the road if we refuse to follow them ourselves” (Obama 2009). It is the balance between American self-interest and abiding by international conventions that define his foreign policy. The ideas of human rights, democracy, and economic freedom weigh on Obama, but he combines these ideas with aspects of security, drawing on both soft and hard power. In reference to human rights, Obama states:
“The promotion of human rights cannot be about exhortation alone. At times, it must be coupled with painstaking diplomacy. I know that engagement with repressive regimes lacks the satisfying purity of indignation, but I also know that sanctions without outreach […] can carry forward only a crippling status quo” (Obama 2009).
With this statement, he shows understanding of the realities of state interaction while still desiring to encouraging human rights. In his lecture, Obama portrays himself as perfectly balanced between realist and liberalist thought and governing the United States with “enlightened self-interest” (Obama 2009).
The foreign policy ideas presented in Obama’s lecture suggest the definite influence of Amitai Etzioni. Three of Obama’s ideas parallel Etzioni’s suggestions for foreign policy ranging from the obvious to the subtle. First, control of nuclear proliferation should be a priority. In Security First, Etzioni is adamant that limiting nuclear proliferation should be at the top of any proper foreign policy, and Obama specifically addresses nuclear proliferation in his lecture and that it is the “centerpiece of his foreign policy” (Obama 2009). Obama has shown limiting nuclear proliferation is at the top of his foreign policy agenda by holding the Nuclear Security Summit in early April. This was the most literal parallel between Etzioni and Obama.
Another parallel focuses on the idea of negotiating with other governments who may not favor Western democracy, or as Etzioni calls them, the illiberal moderates. While Obama does not address current illiberal moderates by name, he does use historical examples where people and governments had negotiated with parties guilty of human rights violations and other matters not fitting in the Western liberal tradition. He states: “In light of the Cultural Revolution’s horrors, Nixon’s meeting with Mao appeared inexcusable, and yet it surely helped set China on a path where millions of its citizens have been lifted from poverty and connected to open societies” (Obama 2009). Obama considers negotiation with others who may not share in Western liberal thought as a necessity in promoting security. “No repressive regime can move down a new path unless it has the choice of an open door” (Obama 2009).
While he favors cooperation, he realizes that there are some with whom one cannot negotiate. These are Etzioni’s “warriors” and as with Etzioni, the isolation of these “warriors” is inferred throughout Obama’s lecture (2007). Etzioni only infers that the warriors should be isolated by focusing on the groups that should be included in the processes of peace such as the illiberal moderates. Obama echoes Etzioni’s inference: “Such a warped view of religion is not just incompatible with the concept of peace, but I believe it is incompatible with the very purpose of faith; for the one rule that lies at the heart of every major religion is that we do unto to others as we would have them do unto us” (2009). Also, this thinking followed Obama to the Nuclear Security Summit. Most countries with nuclear and potential nuclear capabilities were invited except for those defined as rogue states, Iran and North Korea. Instead of asking them to participate, Obama strictly and openly isolated them. It is only an assumption, but Etzioni’s philosophy apparently has been a strong influence on Obama and his ideas for foreign policy.
Actions
The question remains whether Obama has followed through on the ideas presented in his Nobel lecture. He has followed through with limiting nuclear proliferation. Earlier this month, Obama held a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC and signed a new START treaty with Russia. The summit was held as a success since countries such as the Ukraine promised to limit or dispose of their nuclear arsenal.
The prison at Guantanamo Bay has also played a significant role in Obama’s foreign policy. During his campaign, he promised to close it citing its controversial nature, and early in his presidency, he signed an order for it to be closed. As of this date, though, it is still open and functioning. Thirdly and sadly the promises of consequences have not been realized with Sudan. Recently, Sudan held what was supposed to be a democratic election for President. Between other parties dropping out and multiple accounts of fraud, it is difficult to view this election as legitimate. James Traub cites the International Crisis Group’s report in describing the frequency of election fraud: “the ruling National Congress Party ‘has manipulated the census results and voter registration, drafted the election law in its favor, gerrymandered electoral districts, co-opted traditional leaders and bought tribal loyalties’” (2010). The fraud is obvious to everyone except the world leaders including President Obama.
In his lecture, Obama named the situation in Darfur as genocide but currently glosses over every account of fraud. It appears that the same fear that gripped the previous administration regarding Darfur and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement ending the civil war between the North and the South confronts Obama’s administration as well. Next January, the southern Sudan will be voting on a referendum determining succession from Sudan. This appeasement over the election is in stark contrast to the ideas Obama put forth in his Nobel lecture. In terms of dealing with nations who broke laws, Obama stated: “I believe that we must develop alternatives to violence that are tough enough to actually change behavior” (2009).
Conclusion
The goal of this essay was to determine if President Obama’s foreign policy was one of “enlightened self-interest” (2009). To the author’s dismay, it seems that Obama seems to favor self-interest more so than enlightenment or a balance between the two. The realities of the world seem to be pulling Obama more toward a realpolitik approach and away from a liberalist one. This is only supposition though since it is still early in his administration. With the actions Obama has taken, only one of limiting nuclear proliferation has really been implemented. While he is willing to name the crisis in Darfur as genocide, he is hesitant to admonish Sudan for election fraud. In his campaign, Obama promised change, but this author fears that he is only giving more of the same.
References
Baker, Peter. 2010 “Obama Puts Own Mark On Foreign Policy Issues” New York Times, April 14. Academic Search Premier (April 28, 2010).
Etzioni, Amitai. 2007. Security First. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press.
Foreign Policy Magazine. 2010. “George H. W. Obama?” April 14. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/14/george_hw_obama
Nye, Joseph S. 2010. “George H. W. Obama?” Foreign Policy Magazine. April 14. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/14/george_hw_obama?page=0,4
Obama, Barack H. 2009 “A Just and Lasting Peace” Nobel Prize of Peace Acceptance Lecture. December 10. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/obama-lecture_en.html
Traub, James. 2010. “How’s That Appeasement Working Out?” Foreign Policy Magazine. April 20. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/19/sudan_elections
In late 2009, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, just a few months into his administration. In his Nobel lecture, he gave insight into the ideas that he believed would form his foreign policy. While his ideas illustrated the potential direction of his foreign policy, the lecture was still only words, and words will not have much credibility if they are not supported by action. The title of this essay is taken from Obama’s Nobel lecture. Obama uses the phrase “enlightened self-interest” (2009) to describe past United States’ foreign policy depicting a world where the betterment of society is in everyone’s best interest. The question remains on whether or not this phrase describes Obama’s foreign policy. With the inheritance of two wars, Obama has had little opportunity to implement a foreign policy of his own making, and where he has had the occasion; it is questionable that his actions match his words. This essay will explore Obama’s ideas of foreign policy put forth in his Nobel lecture and contrasting them against foreign policy actions including issues regarding nuclear proliferation, Guantanamo Bay prison, and Sudan, and attempt to answer the question on whether Obama’s foreign policy is truly a policy of “enlightened self-interest”(2009).
Ideas
“And within America, there has long been a tension between those who describe themselves as realists or idealists- a tension that suggests a stark choice between the narrow pursuit of interests or an endless campaign to impose our values around the world. I reject these choices” (Obama 2009)
The claim can be made that President Obama’s burgeoning foreign policy is in a struggle between what is and what could be. In his lecture, he talks about the realities of war and abiding by international law. Ever the pragmatist, President Obama shows that he realizes the current Iraqi and Afghan wars alongside the increasing tensions with North Korea and Iran must be handled carefully and realistically, all the while trying to support human rights and peace worldwide. His words reflect this struggle:
“As a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples [Gandhi and King] alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people… Nevertheless, I am convinced that adhering to international standards strengthens those who do and isolates and weakens those who do not” (Obama 2009).
Obama’s lecture gives the most insight into the theoretical leanings of his ideas behind his foreign policy. He does not fit neatly into one category or another. Obama draws mainly on classical realist and classical liberalist thought, talking about the way the world is and the way world could be. Through this mix, critics have difficulty isolating him to one theoretical school. As he states in his speech, he rejects the idea of choice between Realism and Idealism. Still, most critics are still arguing the First Great Debate. Rahm Emmanuel, Obama’s Chief of Staff, was quoted referring to Obama’s foreign policy in the New York Times: “Everybody always breaks it down between idealist and realist. If you had to put him in a category, he’s probably more realpolitik, like Bush 41” (Baker 2010). Baker goes further: “If there is an Obama doctrine emerging, it is one much more realpolitik than his predecessor's, focused on relations with traditional great powers and relegating issues like human rights and democracy to second-tier concerns” (2010). The claim is that Obama has a classical realist approach to foreign policy, but Baker was not the only one with an opinion on the subject.
In an article for Foreign Policy Magazine, multiple theorists and international relations experts were asked their opinion of President Obama’s foreign policy in light of Emmanuel’s comment and their thoughts on whether he was a Realist or an Idealist. Kagan and Pletka favored Obama as an Idealist, focusing on grand schemes. Walt, Kupchen and Lind favored him as a Realist, focusing on deficit of ideology. Three theorists, Nye, Malinowski and Zelikow, purposed that the gap between the two schools for Obama of thought was closer than it appeared, further reinforcing Obama’s opinion of his own foreign policy.
In the article “George H. W. Obama?”, Joseph S. Nye offers that a blending of liberalist and realist thought would best classify President Obama’s foreign policy. He calls this particular brand of blending, liberal realism. In the article, Nye only touches on a purposed definition for liberal realism, calling it a smart-power strategy consisting of hard and soft power (Nye 2010). “It starts with an understanding of the strengths and limits of American power [… and] requires cooperation among governments and international institutions” (Nye 2010). Obama seems to understand this concept well. He states in his Nobel lecture: “America […] can[not] insist that others follow the rules of the road if we refuse to follow them ourselves” (Obama 2009). It is the balance between American self-interest and abiding by international conventions that define his foreign policy. The ideas of human rights, democracy, and economic freedom weigh on Obama, but he combines these ideas with aspects of security, drawing on both soft and hard power. In reference to human rights, Obama states:
“The promotion of human rights cannot be about exhortation alone. At times, it must be coupled with painstaking diplomacy. I know that engagement with repressive regimes lacks the satisfying purity of indignation, but I also know that sanctions without outreach […] can carry forward only a crippling status quo” (Obama 2009).
With this statement, he shows understanding of the realities of state interaction while still desiring to encouraging human rights. In his lecture, Obama portrays himself as perfectly balanced between realist and liberalist thought and governing the United States with “enlightened self-interest” (Obama 2009).
The foreign policy ideas presented in Obama’s lecture suggest the definite influence of Amitai Etzioni. Three of Obama’s ideas parallel Etzioni’s suggestions for foreign policy ranging from the obvious to the subtle. First, control of nuclear proliferation should be a priority. In Security First, Etzioni is adamant that limiting nuclear proliferation should be at the top of any proper foreign policy, and Obama specifically addresses nuclear proliferation in his lecture and that it is the “centerpiece of his foreign policy” (Obama 2009). Obama has shown limiting nuclear proliferation is at the top of his foreign policy agenda by holding the Nuclear Security Summit in early April. This was the most literal parallel between Etzioni and Obama.
Another parallel focuses on the idea of negotiating with other governments who may not favor Western democracy, or as Etzioni calls them, the illiberal moderates. While Obama does not address current illiberal moderates by name, he does use historical examples where people and governments had negotiated with parties guilty of human rights violations and other matters not fitting in the Western liberal tradition. He states: “In light of the Cultural Revolution’s horrors, Nixon’s meeting with Mao appeared inexcusable, and yet it surely helped set China on a path where millions of its citizens have been lifted from poverty and connected to open societies” (Obama 2009). Obama considers negotiation with others who may not share in Western liberal thought as a necessity in promoting security. “No repressive regime can move down a new path unless it has the choice of an open door” (Obama 2009).
While he favors cooperation, he realizes that there are some with whom one cannot negotiate. These are Etzioni’s “warriors” and as with Etzioni, the isolation of these “warriors” is inferred throughout Obama’s lecture (2007). Etzioni only infers that the warriors should be isolated by focusing on the groups that should be included in the processes of peace such as the illiberal moderates. Obama echoes Etzioni’s inference: “Such a warped view of religion is not just incompatible with the concept of peace, but I believe it is incompatible with the very purpose of faith; for the one rule that lies at the heart of every major religion is that we do unto to others as we would have them do unto us” (2009). Also, this thinking followed Obama to the Nuclear Security Summit. Most countries with nuclear and potential nuclear capabilities were invited except for those defined as rogue states, Iran and North Korea. Instead of asking them to participate, Obama strictly and openly isolated them. It is only an assumption, but Etzioni’s philosophy apparently has been a strong influence on Obama and his ideas for foreign policy.
Actions
The question remains whether Obama has followed through on the ideas presented in his Nobel lecture. He has followed through with limiting nuclear proliferation. Earlier this month, Obama held a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC and signed a new START treaty with Russia. The summit was held as a success since countries such as the Ukraine promised to limit or dispose of their nuclear arsenal.
The prison at Guantanamo Bay has also played a significant role in Obama’s foreign policy. During his campaign, he promised to close it citing its controversial nature, and early in his presidency, he signed an order for it to be closed. As of this date, though, it is still open and functioning. Thirdly and sadly the promises of consequences have not been realized with Sudan. Recently, Sudan held what was supposed to be a democratic election for President. Between other parties dropping out and multiple accounts of fraud, it is difficult to view this election as legitimate. James Traub cites the International Crisis Group’s report in describing the frequency of election fraud: “the ruling National Congress Party ‘has manipulated the census results and voter registration, drafted the election law in its favor, gerrymandered electoral districts, co-opted traditional leaders and bought tribal loyalties’” (2010). The fraud is obvious to everyone except the world leaders including President Obama.
In his lecture, Obama named the situation in Darfur as genocide but currently glosses over every account of fraud. It appears that the same fear that gripped the previous administration regarding Darfur and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement ending the civil war between the North and the South confronts Obama’s administration as well. Next January, the southern Sudan will be voting on a referendum determining succession from Sudan. This appeasement over the election is in stark contrast to the ideas Obama put forth in his Nobel lecture. In terms of dealing with nations who broke laws, Obama stated: “I believe that we must develop alternatives to violence that are tough enough to actually change behavior” (2009).
Conclusion
The goal of this essay was to determine if President Obama’s foreign policy was one of “enlightened self-interest” (2009). To the author’s dismay, it seems that Obama seems to favor self-interest more so than enlightenment or a balance between the two. The realities of the world seem to be pulling Obama more toward a realpolitik approach and away from a liberalist one. This is only supposition though since it is still early in his administration. With the actions Obama has taken, only one of limiting nuclear proliferation has really been implemented. While he is willing to name the crisis in Darfur as genocide, he is hesitant to admonish Sudan for election fraud. In his campaign, Obama promised change, but this author fears that he is only giving more of the same.
References
Baker, Peter. 2010 “Obama Puts Own Mark On Foreign Policy Issues” New York Times, April 14. Academic Search Premier (April 28, 2010).
Etzioni, Amitai. 2007. Security First. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press.
Foreign Policy Magazine. 2010. “George H. W. Obama?” April 14. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/14/george_hw_obama
Nye, Joseph S. 2010. “George H. W. Obama?” Foreign Policy Magazine. April 14. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/14/george_hw_obama?page=0,4
Obama, Barack H. 2009 “A Just and Lasting Peace” Nobel Prize of Peace Acceptance Lecture. December 10. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/obama-lecture_en.html
Traub, James. 2010. “How’s That Appeasement Working Out?” Foreign Policy Magazine. April 20. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/19/sudan_elections
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Oh well, whatever
Okay, so I haven't been keeping up as well as I should. Grad school is proving to take up most of my time. I may put some things up after exams.
Friday, June 26, 2009
This Little Light of Mine- Orlando Candlelight Vigil for Peace in Iran
Today is our Independence Day when our forefathers decided to stand up for themselves and for what they believed. Iran had one thirty years ago with the Islamic Revolution. I am left with the question, "Will they have one again?"
Last week on June 25th, I attended a rally for peace in Iran. For the most part, I felt as an outsider. Most of the participants spoke Farsi and had lived in Iran for at least some part of their lives. I have only lived in the United States. As of yet, I haven't been outside of here for any extended period of time. I have studied history and other governments, but I do not know what it is like to live under a truly repressive regime. I admire all of the people who came out to the candlelight vigil. They are speaking out on something in which they believe. I hope their voices are heard.
I do not speak Farsi, but I understood what they were saying. I have not been to a rally like that since I went to the rally to Free Tibet in Washington DC in 1998. I forgot what it was like to demand change, to demand freedom. Still, I question what the United States role in this should be. How do we help these people who just want freedom? Isn't this something that the US should be supporting? See, that is where I am left dumbfounded. I cannot in good conscience enforce my beliefs on anyone else. How can a country enforce its beliefs onto another country? The United States has been seen as a bully since the end of World War II, and this perception was reinforced recently by President Bush. Is this a perception that we would like to continue?The Iranian citizens have to do this on their own, and I believe that they can. Yes, there are going to be disappearances and Human Rights violations. This is where such organizations as Human Rights Watch & Amnesty International come into play. These NGO's can speak up for the lost. It is going to be difficult, and we, as humans, do not want to hear about how bad it can get. It has been strange that since Michael Jackson passed that any news about what is going on in Iran has been few and far between. It seems that the public is easily distracted from the serious problems of the world.
I believe in these people who speak out. As they continue to work from the inside, I will continue to hold up my candle and not forget about them. What will you do?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Reflections on Foreign Policy- What should we do about Iran?
For the past week, I have stared at video and reports from Iran with amazement. Mostly, it is because it is not coming from traditional news sources, but rather from (extra)ordinary people in the middle of it all. Currently, I am waiting in anticipation for the rally that is to take place at 4pm Tehran time. Earlier today, Ayatollah Khamenei, the supreme religious leader of Iran, gave a speech calling for an end to the protests over the Presidential election that took place last Saturday. Twitter and Facebook have given a humanized face to these protesters. This is something that I have not seen from any news agency in a very long time. I admire these people for speaking out against what they consider an unfair and illegal election and hope they are successful in their goals of a new one.
I have come to view this situation with a unique perspective. I am not a layperson. I have a BA degree in International Relations specializing in Political Science. I interned at Americans for Democratic Action the summer before my senior year. I know how things work in Washington, DC. Still, I would not call myself an expert, at least, not yet. I will be starting my Master's this fall in Political Science and specializing in International Studies. Iran has been, at best, politically erratic for the past thirty years, especially when it comes with dealing with the United States. This is why as a government, the United States, must tread very carefully. It was thirty years ago when US citizens were taken hostage in Tehran. This was a direct result of the US openly supporting a corrupt regime. Now, President Obama must not appear to take sides in Iran's presidential elections. This could prove very dangerous for the United States and it's allies. North Korea is also stretching it's arms to see how far it can reach. With the incarceration of Laura Ling & Euna Lee and the threat of sending missiles toward Hawaii, North Korea is becoming increasingly unstable. Many believe it is because Kim Jong Il is dying, and his replacement, his son Kim Jong Un, must prove his mettle. With lack of better information, it seems that this theory is the most appropriate one. Still, the US should not view the situation with Iran as separate from the situation with North Korea. My instinct says that these are intertwined. If elections are not re held in Iran, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remains in power, then North Korea will find a dangerous ally. At best, the situation would become explosive. At worst, well, you can use your imagination. The US government, for the time being, must continue to remain silent and not take sides in the internal affairs of Iran. It would be dangerous and very costly to do so. At the same time, US citizens should continue to help protesting Iranian citizens to spread news about what is going on there. We are all humans in this world. We should do what humans do best: help each other.
Below is a link to Nico Pitney's liveblogg on Huffington Post. Stay informed... It is critical.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html
I have come to view this situation with a unique perspective. I am not a layperson. I have a BA degree in International Relations specializing in Political Science. I interned at Americans for Democratic Action the summer before my senior year. I know how things work in Washington, DC. Still, I would not call myself an expert, at least, not yet. I will be starting my Master's this fall in Political Science and specializing in International Studies. Iran has been, at best, politically erratic for the past thirty years, especially when it comes with dealing with the United States. This is why as a government, the United States, must tread very carefully. It was thirty years ago when US citizens were taken hostage in Tehran. This was a direct result of the US openly supporting a corrupt regime. Now, President Obama must not appear to take sides in Iran's presidential elections. This could prove very dangerous for the United States and it's allies. North Korea is also stretching it's arms to see how far it can reach. With the incarceration of Laura Ling & Euna Lee and the threat of sending missiles toward Hawaii, North Korea is becoming increasingly unstable. Many believe it is because Kim Jong Il is dying, and his replacement, his son Kim Jong Un, must prove his mettle. With lack of better information, it seems that this theory is the most appropriate one. Still, the US should not view the situation with Iran as separate from the situation with North Korea. My instinct says that these are intertwined. If elections are not re held in Iran, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remains in power, then North Korea will find a dangerous ally. At best, the situation would become explosive. At worst, well, you can use your imagination. The US government, for the time being, must continue to remain silent and not take sides in the internal affairs of Iran. It would be dangerous and very costly to do so. At the same time, US citizens should continue to help protesting Iranian citizens to spread news about what is going on there. We are all humans in this world. We should do what humans do best: help each other.
Below is a link to Nico Pitney's liveblogg on Huffington Post. Stay informed... It is critical.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html
Sunday, June 14, 2009
It's real!!
I just got confirmation of my finacial aid for graduate school. I will be going to school full-time at UCF. This means I will finish graduate school in a little over a year from now. I cannot express how happy I am right now!! Graduate school is really happening!!
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