Tuesday, September 9, 2014
From: Gary L. Bauer
The Great Foreign Policy Debate
President Obama is huddling with congressional leaders today, outlining his newly developed strategy for combating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, which he once dismissed as a “JV” team. Tomorrow night Mr. Obama will share those plans with the rest of the country.
This flurry of activity comes at a time when the public is particularly anxious and disappointed with the president’s leadership, especially when it comes to foreign policy. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that just 38% of Americans approve of the way Obama has handled foreign affairs — a new low in the Post-ABC News poll. Fifty-six percent disapprove.
In addition, the poll finds that most Americans (55%) do not view Obama as a strong leader, they think he has been “too cautious” (52%) in dealing with ISIS and they overwhelmingly support military action against the jihadists. For example:
- 58% of Americans support arming the Kurds in Iraq.
- 65% support bombing ISIS positions inside Syria.
- 71% support U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq.On the other side of the aisle, Republicans are also engaged in a bit of soul searching when it comes to foreign policy and America’s role in the world. Will the Republican Party revert to the neo-isolationism of the 1930s or will it maintain a robust Reagan foreign policy of peace through strength?
I’m not talking about naïve nation-building or reckless interventionism, but the judicious use of American power and influence to resist tyranny, preserve peace and defend our national interests.
In a recent op-ed, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum challenged the neo-isolationism of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, who according to most polls is a leading contender for the 2016 GOP nomination. You can read Senator Santorum’s column here.
One thing is for certain: Foreign policy is going to be a huge issue in the next presidential campaign. We don’t yet know who the GOP nominee will be, but if she runs, there is no doubt that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will claim foreign policy as one of her greatest assets.
The Culture Wars Come To Indiana
Radical secularists on a crusade to censor every vestige of our Judeo-Christian heritage from the public square have set their sights on Indiana. The latest skirmish in the culture wars involves a sculpture honoring fallen veterans. The sculpture was paid for by private donations and then given to the Whitewater Memorial State Park in Liberty, Indiana.
The eight-foot statue includes a 14-inch white cross at the bottom. Evidently that was too much for the radicals at the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation. Last month the group sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources demanding that the statue be removed.
Not so fast — Governor Mike Pence says the statue is staying. In a statement last week, Pence said:
“The freedom of religion does not require freedom from religion. The constitutions of our state and nation more than allow the placement of this Hoosier artist’s sculpture on public land. So long as I am governor, I will defend the right of Hoosiers to display this sculpture in Whitewater Memorial State Park as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform of the United States.”
Kudos to Governor Pence for standing up to the intolerant left-wing bullies!* * * * *If you are interested in receiving Mr. Bauer’s daily report by e-mail, please call 703-671-9700, visit SIGN UP FOR GARY BAUER’S “END OF DAY REPORT” or simply send a reply e-mail titled “Subscribe” and include your name and address.
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