Is McCain Moving?
In a speech yesterday, John McCain said something and did not say something else. He did say that he thought the US should consult with other Countries before embarking on foreign policy ventures. McCain said further that if you discuss with others, you must be willing to listen and be influenced by their comments. This seems analogous to what the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld gang did not do before the invasion of Iraq.
There is no sensible person who would not opt for a free, moderate, and Democratic Iraq over the despotic regime of Sadaam Hussein. Certainly most if not all Europeans would raise their hand in favor of that. What would have also been conveyed from Europeans (and most people not drenched in neoconservative rhetoric and ideology), is:
1. Democracy and moderation can not be expected to take hold in any country in a short period of time if that country has never experienced it and, especially if that country is extremely poor. You could add that Democracy is also in great danger in any country that has a strong religious factions who seek power. The citizens of Iraq fell into this description and will not see Demcracy or moderation for generations.
2. Removing Hussien was like uncorking a gas filled bottle. You have no idea what will be destroyed and you will have no idea how to get a cork back in the bottle.
All this could have been available for consideration by the Bush Administration but was flat out rejected as something worthy of consideration. Look around and see what a mess that has developed.
The thing that was not said was any mention in McCain’s speech of George W Bush. This should not be surprising from a common sense perspective but politically the question is whether this is a sign of a bigger break to come, or just a trial balloon. The only route for McCain to the White House will be for him to walk away from the values and principles of the Bush White House and focus America on how to fix things now. Without this confession of great sin, there can be no hope for McCain.
