For Iowan supporters of General Wesley Clark or John Kerry, who are considering Edwards as their second choice in next week's caucus, an excerpt from Edwards' 10/7/2002 speech on Foreign Policy and Terrorism:
"... To make America safe in this new era, we must be willing to do two things that Washington in general and this administration in particular don't like to do: first, be honest with ourselves about what hasn't worked, and second, have the courage to try a new approach that will. As we do those two things, we have to remember who we are, what our values are, and what we stand for as a country: liberty, democracy, the rule of law. We have to commit that our actions today make us strong now and will make our children proud in 50 years.
... The truth is, there is no need to abandon our traditions in order to protect our national security. Instead of denying detainees access to lawyers, we can give them lawyers with high-level security clearances, lawyers of unquestioned discretion and loyalty. Instead of denying detainees hearings, we can establish special courts with independent civilian judges. The courts should be open when possible and closed when necessary, hearing evidence from both sides and making their own decisions. Nothing in these courts would threaten our security. They would be a careful response to the threat we face.
In short, this administration would have us believe that we have to choose between security and freedom, even as they let us down on both scores. But the great thing about America is that we are strong and free.
... The effort to promote democracy has also stalled at the borders of the Islamic world. No area of the world is more critical to our interests, yet no area of the world is as undemocratic. We have tolerated and in fact supported authoritarian regimes in part because we depend on them for the oil our country needs. This is why a real commitment to energy independence — a commitment this administration lacks – will not only strengthen our own economy, but will also free us to promote the values we believe in.
Getting serious about political reform and human rights in the Middle East requires specific strategies in specific countries: reaching out to moderate and democratic forces in Iran that want a better relationship with the United States; helping the Gulf monarchies to envision a gradual and phased transition to constitutional rule, beginning with greater freedom and power sharing; and making clear to the Egyptian government that future levels of U.S. assistance will be affected by its willingness to permit serious democratic reforms.
... We must remember this fundamental fact: America's power make it unique; but its principles and authority make it great. And our greatness comes through the exercise of principled leadership – leadership that sets an example, leadership that inspires others to follow; leadership that will make others stronger and bring more countries by our side. It is the kind of leadership that presidents of both political parties understood and practiced. It is the kind of leadership we need today."
No amount of aircraft-carrier experience, real or simulated, can compete with vision and strategy. The American people are not hiring a really expensive taxi driver. They are hiring a moral and strategic leader who must, in order to deliver on campaign promises, inspire ordinary humans to solve extraordinary problems.
Posted by dotpeople at January 13, 2004 11:48 AM