Political Games

Tonight, I listened to Richard Holbroke, a former ambassador to the UN, speak with Charlie Rose about hot spots in the world, about the international hell the next president will inherit. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was listening to an intelligent man who has a coherent vision of not just our problems but of world problems. Kissinger, though I disagreed with him on many things, had a world view also. And his view was objective, though some of his actions may have been immoral. How refreshing to see a bigger picture instead of fragmented chaos. And also to see the possibility of a quiet diplomacy uniting many countries in the world (as soon as Bush is gone). If we don't get more unity at least with our friends and then start on the second tier of solidifying relations with Russia, etc, before China decides to move her giant carcass, we will be in way over our heads.

Phillip Pen from the Washington Post , a Chinese American journalist, spoke about his book Out of Mao's Shadow. I was fascinated. What do these Olympics mean to China? As her coming out party happens, China will have to form some sort of identity. If she chooses to stay with an authoritarian government, fine, as long as the leaders are reasonable and conscientious, but will she export her system to Africa or South America? Here, look, this system is working. Follow us. I am worried when I hear about the round-up of young Chinese dissidents as the Olympics drew near. She is a sleeping giant.
I hope Taylor listens and learns History, so he can act and help others. Yet, I'm not sure we can get him off his skateboard long enough.
It is in understanding others--spending time talking and listening rather than defensive shouting and flexing our American muscles--that will help some sort of unity happen. Russia goes to war with Georgia. A hot spot that we cannot control. Where will we stand? If Russia declares war, can the US stand with them against a small country, which we normally defend? But, what happens if we stand against Russia? Ah, what a mess. I say to myself, you have had enough politics, but everything is political. When we are without ethics, we will be without politics.