Interesting Trip For Prez

President Obama had quite a trip. I’d say it went pretty well for him overall. However, there were a few missteps.
Obama’s recent references to American “arrogance” and its “dismissive” attitude are a bit far-reaching.
Why go to France - a country which has displayed nothing but arrogance toward the U.S. for decades and say that?
“In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive,” Obama said to the masses.
I think many of us would appreciate “Europe’s role” if the Europeans would get off the sideline and actually display some leadership in the world. Of course we’re going to lead - we are the United States and that is what we do. Seems to me the governments in Europe would rather criticize than truly “lead” by example.
I guess what really gets under my skin about Obama’s comments is the fact he made them in France. Of all the countries in the world to bash the homeland, why do it in front of the French. Drives me crazy!
This was also a quote Obama made in front of the French: “But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual, but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what is bad. On both sides of the Atlantic, these attitudes have become all too common.”
Beautiful! Very well said and true, true, true! Next time, he should reverse the two and lead off with the latter quote.
Overall, Obama had a good week overseas. He is now firmly established on the world stage, which should serve this country well.
To his credit, I thought President Obama’s trip to Iraq was huge. There is nothing like seeing our leader in front of the troops. I also like how he is managing the war. Listening to Secretary of Defense Bill Gates is always wise.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009