So count up the number of times the word coalition was thrown around last night in the DNC Presidential Debate.
Every last sentence to every question asked was like:
We need a coalition to defeat ISIS.
We need a coalition outside the U.S. to defeat terrorists grabbing land, and inside the U.S. to defeat the lone attackers.
We need a coalition for climate change.
We need a coalition to get our economy back on track.
We need a coalition to better regulate guns.
We need a coalition on immigration reform.
Of course, as the superpower, we can’t seem to do anything for ourselves anymore.
We are disengaged, leading from behind, and have no real answers to any of the big problems we face.
No matter that we have been using a coalition to fight ISIS these last number of years, and success has been marginal at best as they keep recruiting on social media.
No matter that we can’t get binding agreements with Iran as they shoot off new ballistic missiles capable of carrying nukes into the ether, or on global warming because each country in the end will do what they want in their own best interests.
No matter that ISIS, Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea does what they want and don’t need permission, forgiveness, or anything from anybody–they pursue what is good for them and they are relentless in getting it.
No matter that we constantly show fear and weariness and helplessness in the face of our enemies that have the resolve, patience, and determination to fight as long as it takes and do whatever it takes to win.
One candidate spurted something about, “Do you know how many coalitions I’ve put together” or “I’ve been putting together coalitions for years” (like that has achieved what exactly)?”
Terrorism is on the rise from Paris to California, ISIS is on the move grabbing up territory from Iraq and Syria and now even in Libya, the world is an unstable powder keg from Taiwan to Sudan, and our problems at home are growing worse (national debt, racial discord, etc.)
Oh, we need to get Saudi Arabia and Qatar and Iraq to step up to the plate, so said another one of the candidates last night.
But we spend billions and billions training them, and they are happy to take the American dollars, but when the first shot is fired, the troops head for the hills…why should they get killed fighting a war that we care about and against their own brothers.
You can’t relegate your problems to others or ask others to pick up your slack, while you sit back and drop some bombs from the air–la la la la.
Are we in a complete and utter leadership void and stupor?
Coalitions are only effective when there is leadership and resolve.
Coalitions are a cop-out when we are stymied to fight for ourselves, to stand up for our beliefs and values, to demonstrate we are committed, and to lead the charge.
Cowardice will lose the war and much else…if we don’t get off the coalition’s dime. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
