Friedman: A Hole in the Heart (Looks like Tom is voting Kerry)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/28/opinion/28friedman.html?hp=&pagewanted=print&position=

When you read polls showing a significant number of Americans feel our country is on the wrong track, what do you think is bothering people? I think it's a deep worry that there is a hole in the heart of the world - the moderate center seems to be getting torn asunder. That has many people worried. And they are right to be worried.

American politics is so polarized today that there is no center, only sides. Israeli politics has become divided nearly to the point of civil war. In the Arab-Muslim world, where the moderate center was always a fragile flower, the political moderates are on the defensive everywhere, and moderate Muslim spiritual leaders seem almost nonexistent.

<snip>

How do we begin to repair this jagged hole? There is no cure-all, but three big things would help. One is a different U.S. approach to the world. The Bush-Cheney team bears a big responsibility for this hole because it nakedly exploited 9/11 to push a far-right Republican agenda, domestically and globally, for which it had no mandate. When U.S. policy makes such a profound lurch to the right, when we start exporting fear instead of hope, the whole center of gravity of the world is affected. Countries reposition themselves in relation to us.

Had the administration been more competent in pursuing its policies in Iraq - which can still turn out decently - the hole in the heart of the world might not have gotten so large and jagged.

I have been struck by how many foreign dignitaries have begged me lately for news that Bush will lose. This Bush team has made itself so radioactive it glows in the dark. When the world liked Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, America had more power in the world. When much of the world detests George Bush, America has less power. People do not want to be seen standing next to us. It doesn't mean we should run our foreign policy as a popularity contest, but it does mean that leading is not just about making decisions - it's also the ability to communicate, follow through and persuade.

Gee Tom, if you and your buds at the NYT, WP, and other "liberal" media hadn't been so gung ho to drum up this war and support * we wouldn't be in this fix. Plus not to mention how you all "Gored" Al Gore in 2000.

[sandnsea]

1. They want Bush to lose???

That can't be true, the Bushies said it was a lie months ago.

[ochazuke]

2. Lettim have it, rmpalmer!

And Fried-man still thinks Iraq can turn out 'decently'. That man will be an optimist to the end.

[hatrack]

7. Friedman would be optimistic w. 5 pounds of white phosphorous up his ass

I mean, geez, put down the pipe Tommy-boy!

[necso]

3. ?

Withdrawing from the Gaza Strip is an essentially military move -- just like building the wall.

We're talking defensible perimeter here. This is hardly hopeful for a peace settlement.

While this is a smart move militarily, it removes an Israeli bargaining chip from any settlement deal, and it is little grounds for optimism. The grim reality of an increased threat to Israel (as a result of the fiasco in Iraq), is settling in over there (in Israel), I think.

[puddycat]

4. Its hard to realize one has been wrong & so at least he's trying

We want people to change their minds and a few "I told you so's" may be fun but what perhaps is needed most is encouragement so that others may feel free to "come out", as it were. I have a feeling that many people are secretly going to vote for Kerry who as of yet don't have the guts to admit it. If we punch them too hard when they do so, they may withdraw back into their old ways.

[Beetwasher]

5. He's Still Deluded Enough To Think That Iraq Can "Turn Out Decently"

and still thinks it was a good idea to invade...Putz...

[KoKo]

6. Friedman has dignataries around the world begging him? Oh Please!

I have been struck by how many foreign dignitaries have begged me lately for news that Bush will lose. This Bush team has made itself so radioactive it glows in the dark.

At one time...years ago I would have respected Friedman for writing this column. But given that he was a mouthpiece for Iraq Invasion and American Dominance around the world, including total unconditional support for Sharon...it's very hard for me not to shake my head at his arrogance.

[bpilgrim]

8. this clown sounds like he is writing for a jr. high newspaper

"The second thing that is necessary to heal the hole in the world is a decent Iraqi election. If such an election can be brought off, the Europeans, the Arabs and the American left will have to rethink their positions. I know what I am for in Iraq: a real election and a decent government. The Europeans, the Arabs and the American left know what they are against in Iraq: George Bush and his policies."

sheesh, i feel like i am listening to an argument an uninformed and inexperienced child might make who still sees most things in stark black and white contrast.

the incompetent media is a CLEAR and PRESENT DANGER and MUST be delt with no matter who wins.

peace