In a day and age when everything we say can be replicated and distributed within seconds, we must actually watch what we say. Even if we didn't live in a world of instant communication, once we make remarks or utter opinions, we can't take them back. It is perhaps more pertinent now to be cautious with remarks as everything we say is preserved perpetually on hard drives and main frames to be pulled out at on a whim. It's not just our actual voice that we have to be careful with, but also with our fingers as everything we tweet, post, or email can be copied, scrutinized, and dissected by thousands. I am sure that most people have at least some personal experience with this. If anyone doesn't, then I am sure that they have heard of someone who has. With all this said, how can a potential U.S. president be so crass and unthoughtful while talking over seas. Yes, I am talking about Mitt Romney again. He is slowly drilling a hole in his own presidential hopeful boat. On two out of three stops on a foreign trip to display his diplomatic skills and political acumen, he has managed to upset people with his remarks. In hindsight, perhaps he should have delayed his trip and taken a few classes in decorum and tact. If Romney is trying to solidify the world against him, then he is doing a pretty damn good job of it so far. What we need now, however, is to maintain good relationships with foreign countries, not pit them against us for the remarks of one man. (I am sure that things will smooth over, but it isn't a good start for Mr. Romney.)
The first instance came in Britain when he made remarks criticizing mildly the security preparations for the Olympics in London. I personally don't care if he oversaw the Salt Lake City Olympics or not. When visiting a foreign country, you don't criticize them for their efforts, especially in a public forum. If Mr. Romney truly did have concerns over preparations and security, then he should have talked to a high level politician in private without news cameras or reporters near by to capture his every word. His remarks in London were only a precursor as to what was coming unfortunately. His remarks in London sullied his image somewhat, but that one comment could have been chalked up to inexperience. His next stop in Israel, however, was more deleterious to him and our country than his London experience was. While in Israel, he made remarks about a country's success being tied to their culture. He pointed out specifically the difference in per capita income between Israel and Palestine. He tied the success of Israel and lack of success in Palestine directly to culture. It doesn't matter that Israel has played a hand in keeping Palestine subdued through trade embargoes or occupation, it all comes down to culture in Romney's mind. On that same track, he made comparisons with Israel and Palestine to the United States and Mexico, also to Chile and Ecuador. Needless to say, his comments were taken by the Palestinians as racist. There goes his chances of ever brokering some kind of peace between Israel and Palestine.
All in all, his trip has not been that successful so far. Romney has one more stop in Poland before coming back to the states and it is anyone's guess as to how things will go there. All we can hope for is that he keeps his mouth in check and doesn't tick off anyone in that country. With all this said, I am not trying to slam Romney has a person for frankly that doesn't matter to me. What I am trying to do is point out flaws in a presidential hopeful where there shouldn't be any. When it comes to foreign diplomacy, one must think three times as much as they talk. All comments need to be filtered before they leave the mouth of a candidate or president. If Mitt Romney gets elected as president, what other missteps will he have when it comes to dealing with foreign countries? We can ill afford to turn the world against us and while dealing with foreign issues is only part of the large picture (dealing with our own country's woes is a much bigger part), we need someone who can handle both foreign diplomats and stateside politicians with ease. So far, Mitt Romney doesn't look like he is able to step up to the plate on both fronts. As much as I don't care for Obama, at least he is capable of watching what he says overseas and not pissing people off when he visits their country. This might just be the year that I vote for the green party instead of democratic or republican. Till that day comes when we go out and vote, I will be watching all sides to see who portrays themselves as the most capable candidate.
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