Whither NATO?

It's too late for him to do that now. As President, GWB is a hopeless lost cause.

But seven years or so ago he should have determined to build international respect for American diplomatic ititiatives. But when the wholly unnecessary invasion of Iraq began, GWB forfeited the diplomatic high ground to overt militarism. And since then, as he has such pre-conditions for talks with Iran, for example, as to effectively thumb his nose at the idea of diplomatic negotiations being preferable to gunboat diplomacy.

But it's too late for Bush now. He has destroyed the bridge. And he'll be outta here before there's time to rebuild it. Maybe the next guy will do better.

You seem to forget to mention that more then 70% of the WORLD public opinion approved of GWB's actions in Iraq.

And there is also current conditions talks going on with Iran now. Yes they are backdoor talks and that's where they should remain until Iran is willing to meet certain conditions. I don't have a problem with that but then personally, I don't think we should negotiate with a country who's stated goal is to wipe an American ally off the face of the earth or who is providing weapons for the express purpose of killing Americans, but that's just me.

You seem to forget to mention that more then 70% of the WORLD public opinion approved of GWB's actions in Iraq.

1- How was that number arrived at?

2- I think it was you who said that the prevailing public opinion is often wrong.

Public opinion polls and no, I never said that. The problem isn't with the opinion but with those that constantly adapt their views to meet the ever changing public opinion.

Aaron wrote:Public opinion polls and no, I never said that. The problem isn't with the opinion but with those that constantly adapt their views to meet the ever changing public opinion.

Well if you didn't say that, I apologize for my error of memory.

So public opinion is always right, but it is wrong to adapt views about government policy to that public opinion?

No public opinion isn't always right, it's opinion and changes daily. The folly is in politicians trying to adapt their policy to meet the that everchanging opinion. You can say a lot of things about GWB but like him or hate him, you can't say he's a poll chaser. I'd rather have a man of conviction as my leader then one who can't make up his mind until he reads the latest opinion poll.

No public opinion isn't always right, it's opinion and changes daily. The folly is in politicians trying to adapt their policy to meet the that everchanging opinion. You can say a lot of things about GWB but like him or hate him, you can't say he's a poll chaser. I'd rather have a man of conviction as my leader then one who can't make up his mind until he reads the latest opinion poll.

Then how is this statement irrelevant:

Aaron wrote:You seem to forget to mention that more then 70% of the WORLD public opinion approved of GWB's actions in Iraq.

Who said that statement was irrelevent?