Most people would probably agree that any President of the United States needs skills in foreign diplomacy. The urgency of this necessity today cannot be overstated. Our relations with the world have been damaged by the current administration. We can no longer take the "bully" approach that the present administration has often exerted when it didn't get its way. This is precisely one of the reasons that we have lost respect in the eyes of many from other countries. The "bully" approach doesn't work: it alienates us from nations that once were our allies, creates new enemies, strengthens existing anti-American sentiments and creates fear and intimidation which can lend itself to more conflicts, including war. We clearly need a leader with the strength to negotiate, lead, inspire and to work effectively with the diversity of today's governments and their leaders. We need a leader who can bring back respect to our country, while pursuing the resolution of conflicts, and promoting peace through cooperative and collaborative efforts. We need a leader who can communicate effectively with cultures different from our own. I believe that the best leader for our country is Barack Obama.
I've heard some people claim that Barack Obama's has less foreign policy experience than his opponents. I strongly disagree with this sentiment. In my opinion, Barack Obama is the only candidate with the experience that counts when it's needed the most: in times of disagreements, conflicts and misunderstandings.
So what are the characteristics and qualities that Barack Obama has to lead us in foreign affairs? First of all, he has a willingness to sit down and listen with those who are on opposing sides. This is a giant first step in opening a door that has been too often closed by the current administration. He will not try to "bully" the parties into accepting the notion of "our way or the highway" notion of politics. This will help restore respect for our country by starting a dialogue, which is a necessary first step.
Secondly, he has the experience in effectively bringing together diverse points of view for a common cause, His leadership as one of the sponsors of a bipartisan bill in the Illinois State Senate on the Gift Ban Act (a major ethics bill) is no small accomplishment! In addition, his campaign clearly shows that he is able to deliver a message of hope for people from diverse walks of life: young and old, rich and poor, across all the major political parties, racial and ethnic lines, urban and rural, and the working class and the elite.
Third, he has the cultural competencies needed to diplomatically lead our country and the world. As an international educator for over 25 years, I know that a significant experience living, studying or working abroad can open our minds and hearts to others so very different than ourselves. It can introduce us to new views, behaviors and attitudes while developing skills that can effectively communicate with these differences. Strong, significant experiences abroad develop strong cultural competencies in a person that allows one to communicate effectively across cultures. This paves the way for diplomatic leadership. The same can be true for people growing up in bicultural and biracial families. Barack Obama has all of these life experiences.
It is precisely the area of significant cross-cultural experience where I believe that Barack Obama stands out from the other Presidential candidates. Barack's foreign experiences and with diverse cultures here in the U.S. was gained as he was growing up and over significant periods of time. This makes him different than someone who has visited a lot of foreign countries, perhaps in a political or touristic context. While exposure to other countries and cultures can be instrumental in helping us to truly see another person's point of view, the context and the length of time in a foreign country help determine one's ability to learn the skills to effectively deal with the situations that arise due to differences. Living in a foreign country exposes a person to the everyday life of that place, even if one lives in homes with other Americans or with other foreigners. It forces us to be exposed to other points of views and to learn valuable cross-cultural skills that can improve our perceptions about what is really happening, improve communication and overall understanding. Barack's experience in this area truly shines above all the rest.
His father was from Kenya, married to a white woman from Kansas. Barack grew up in Hawaii, and spent several years in Indonesia. While there, he attended school, where significant social skills are developed. In addition, he is bicultural, biracial and his stepfather was Indonesian as well. All of these life experiences truly make him stand out from the usual political candidates we are used to seeing and are one of the main reasons I believe he is the best candidate for the U.S. Presidency. He has demonstrated skills in cross-cultural competencies, which give me hope for real change.
Finally, Barack Obama supports causes that are in sound agreement with international diplomacy and understanding. He was against the war in Iraq from the beginning, at a time when it was not so politically popular to do so. Currently, he is one of several co-sponsors of the bipartisan Senator Paul Simon Bill Foundation (S. 991) in the Senate. The bills seeks to establish a foundation in the late Senator Simon's name to promote study abroad programs for U.S. students.
As an international educator, it is well known in the field the importance that both bringing foreign students and scholars to the U.S. and sending U.S. students abroad play in our national policy. Many of the foreign students and scholars develop positive images of the U.S. and go home to be leaders in their fields, if not their countries. U.S. students learn valuable cross-cultural skills and knowledge from their study abroad experiences which make them valuable and competitive leaders. We need more international educational exchange for the future of our planet, and the younger, the better.
As one of the co-sponsors of this bill, Barack understands the importance that international educational exchange plays in our planet's future. I am proud to see his name attached to that bill, and know deep in my heart that he truly understands the importance of international education as part of a sound, foreign affairs policy.
We need more leaders like Barack Obama: leaders who can lead diplomatically, intelligently and respectfully in all kinds of conditions. Won't you join me in supporting him on February 5th?
Barbara A. Clark has been a professional in higher education for over 25 years. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Iowa and completed all course requirements for a Ph.D in International Comparative Education before several life-changing events interrupted her studies. It was during the interruption that Barbara discovered her passion for service to the world through love and intention. She is passionate about her new journey as "The Spirited Strider," serving the world in love, one step at a time. Barbara is a writer, educator, speaker, counselor and coach, specializing in the law of attraction and EFT techniques, and is an accomplished cross-cultural trainer.
» left by james p krehbiel from scottsdale, az (295 days 10 hours ago.)
Barbara,
Great article! There are those who still wish to link Barack Obama to Black militant ties. There is an article currently on this site that smacks of that kind of bigotry. Thank you for so eloquently articulating your reasons for believing that Obama has the cultural awareness to lead our foreign policy in a positive direction. I am tired of a foreign policy based upon a concept of moral superiority. Thanks again! Respond to this comment
» left by Barbara Clark(440) Barbara Clark (295 days 5 hours ago.)
James, Thank you for taking the time out to read and to respond to my opinionated article. It is really nice to get positive feedback from a writer I admire. I am so ready for a change in leadership for our country! Thanks again for visiting! Respond to this comment
» left by Rowenna from Florida (294 days 15 hours ago.)
I agree with the first two paragraphs especially. The "bully" approach alienates rather than let you get what you want in the long run. Everyone loses. However I don't agree he is the best candidate.
In foreign lands Hillary is the better known candidate and in a positive way. I like them both but I think I prefer her in matters of foreign policy. As for the bully comments, I think Ron Paul (on the Republican side) has been outspoken in this regard and I agree with him. Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,294) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (294 days 12 hours ago.)
Barbara while I do respect your opinions and cetainly someone who stands right up and expresses them I disagree with your choice. "and I am so ready for a change in leadership for our country!" using your line. The sad fact is no matter what party, they are all the same. Yes, they look and sound different by nature of their being but their ideology is identical, no matter who. Perhaps you will udnerstand [Neville Chamberlain- Peace in our time] does not come from weakness, it comes from stength and that is a sad fact of life. Also, you shall know a person by their works. His works in my opinion are not America oriented they are Globally oriented. That is the ideology he has been indoctrinated into. They all hold the same Free Market views and is it not why we are where we are looking for a change? Has he not been a part of this all. If you say no then you have not done your homework as to what he actually supports and supported. You just like the package. Like inFlorida with Mr. McCain. So if that is your goal, open borders, low wages, high unemployment, Comrehensive Immigration, SPP then go for it. I respect that, I just do not agree. So I am open to why you think he is different. Perhaps you can sway me with facts? Good job though, best wishes and keep voicing your opinions. RTM Respond to this comment
» left by Barbara Clark(440) Barbara Clark (293 days 19 hours ago.)
Robert, Thanks for your comments. The point I was trying to make is that he is different because of his global experience and those cultural competencies which I write about. To me, that is a welcome change for me. Maybe at this point I will just say that we can agree to disagree. Perhaps I'll write another piece soon to try to sway you with facts! Once again, I do thank you for taking the time to comment on my article. Barbara Respond to this comment
It is quite amazing that you wrote this article back in January. I imagine it has become even more popular and relevant now! Yes, good points, especially the ones about relevancy of cross-cultural experience of Obama.
Gorazd, Thanks for passing by and commenting! I appreciate it very much. And yes, it sure does seem timely now, doesn't it? Warmly, Barbara Respond to this comment
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