Comments on: Former Secretaries of State to next President: Get over it. Get real. Be smart http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Roland http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332159 Roland Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:15:08 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332159 I highly doubt the right questions will be asked. As they require a proper understanding of the history of US interventions and policies over the years. Iran is a special case in point. While Americans seem to remember the hostage taking of there embassy staff they seem to not be aware of there backing of the Shah a horrible tyrant for over 30 years. Likewise the US public seems to not recall it's governments backing of Saddam Hussein during his murderous onslaught on Iran. It also doesn't seem to remember how one of it's warships during this period shot down an Iranian passenger jet. While Iran has signed the NPT (non proliferation treaty) and supports a nuclear weapon free Middle East, the USA and Israel do not support it, the only two powers in the region with actual stockpiles of nuclear weapons. American foreign policy has sadly been one and continues to be one of extreme hypocrisy and double standards, especially in the Middle East. The people in that region simply want to be free and independent to pursue there own peoples desires without foreign intervention and Western backed dictators and corrupt Kings that only serve the interests of peoples in foreign capitals. I highly doubt the right questions will be asked.
As they require a proper understanding of the history of US interventions and policies over the years.
Iran is a special case in point.
While Americans seem to remember the hostage taking of there embassy staff they seem to not be aware of there backing of the Shah a horrible tyrant for over 30 years.
Likewise the US public seems to not recall it's governments backing of Saddam Hussein during his murderous onslaught on Iran.
It also doesn't seem to remember how one of it's warships during this period shot down an Iranian passenger jet.
While Iran has signed the NPT (non proliferation treaty) and supports a nuclear weapon free Middle East, the USA and Israel do not support it, the only two powers in the region with actual stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
American foreign policy has sadly been one and continues to be one of extreme hypocrisy and double standards, especially in the Middle East.
The people in that region simply want to be free and independent to pursue there own peoples desires without foreign intervention and Western backed dictators and corrupt Kings that only serve the interests of peoples in foreign capitals.

]]> By: Mel of Alexandria, Virginia http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332151 Mel of Alexandria, Virginia Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:57:25 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332151 This is an excellent program. It is about time that we hear from States Persons whose love for the Nation can rise above ideology and all the issues which tend to divide us. Please give us more of such discussions so that by chance you might educate more of those who appear to wrap themselves in the flag and religiosity, but would rather send the nation to" hell" instead of doing what is in the best interest of all. This is an excellent program. It is about time that we hear from States Persons whose love for the Nation can rise above ideology and all the issues which tend to divide us. Please give us more of such discussions
so that by chance you might educate more of those who appear to wrap themselves in the flag and religiosity, but would rather send the nation to" hell" instead of doing what is in the best interest of all.

]]> By: Camina T. in Arroyo Grande CA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332139 Camina T. in Arroyo Grande CA Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:49:42 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332139 On this show Albright was great to mention there is no global warming in Alaska. She got all the men shaking their fingers at her for the joke. Solar power is soft national and world power. Lets see more solar power in the US grid. I am personally ashamed my home state of CA is not leading the way on solar power generation! THANK YOU for broadcasting the climate question CNN. The next president will with little doubt have to deal with too much rain and too little rain in the USA equals CLIMATE CHANGE. On this show Albright was great to mention there is no global warming in Alaska. She got all the men shaking their fingers at her for the joke. Solar power is soft national and world power. Lets see more solar power in the US grid. I am personally ashamed my home state of CA is not leading the way on solar power generation! THANK YOU for broadcasting the climate question CNN. The next president will with little doubt have to deal with too much rain and too little rain in the USA equals CLIMATE CHANGE.

]]> By: Don, WA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332131 Don, WA Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:05:56 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332131 So put one of them in charge! I mean, any one of them Secretaries would have at least looked at a cultural map of Iraq before poking at a beehive. Why not invest that money and manpower to the economy, healthcare, education - I know it's repetative - but it does'nt make it wrong. Some are so worried about too much government intervention - well I'd rather have some intervention on this side than throwing it over to the other side. I have 5 trillion dollars - if I spend it on a wrong war it's capitalism and strong - spend it on our own people and it's socialism and weak. Too much ego and to many labels - GET A CLUE! George Bush and company gave cowboys a bad name. So put one of them in charge!
I mean, any one of them Secretaries would have at least looked at a cultural map of Iraq before poking at a beehive.
Why not invest that money and manpower to the economy, healthcare, education – I know it's repetative – but it does'nt make it wrong.
Some are so worried about too much government intervention – well I'd rather have some intervention on this side than throwing it over to the other side.
I have 5 trillion dollars – if I spend it on a wrong war it's capitalism and strong – spend it on our own people and it's socialism and weak. Too much ego and to many labels – GET A CLUE!
George Bush and company gave cowboys a bad name.

]]> By: Don, WA http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332125 Don, WA Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:40:13 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332125 We really need to carry a big stick - but we need to walk softly with it. We need a president, (who is thus giv'en the big stick), to understand what - "last resort" - means. You decide. We really need to carry a big stick – but we need to walk softly with it. We need a president, (who is thus giv'en the big stick), to understand what – "last resort" – means. You decide.

]]> By: Ron Illinois http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332116 Ron Illinois Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:45:43 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332116 I still want to know if Collen Powell was duped by George Bush and quit becaused he was used, He's the one who laid out the whole pack of lies for starting the Iraq War to the UN. Did he know or was he duped? I still want to know if Collen Powell was duped by George Bush and quit becaused he was used,

He's the one who laid out the whole pack of lies for starting the Iraq War to the UN. Did he know or was he duped?

]]> By: Mark Adams http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332108 Mark Adams Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:08:32 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332108 Will this program be re-aired in the near future. I, and several other friends missed it and would like to have a chance to see it in full. Thanks, MA Will this program be re-aired in the near future. I, and several other friends missed it and would like to have a chance to see it in full.

Thanks,
MA

]]> By: The truth http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332087 The truth Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:01:07 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332087 The most interesting missing comment from any of the panel was: Don't elect an idiot as the president in the first place! The most interesting missing comment from any of the panel was: Don't elect an idiot as the president in the first place!

]]> By: c.ca http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332086 c.ca Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:33 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332086 Excellent program and an excellent discussion - I watched it twice. It was so refreshing to see a panel of intelligent people calmly discussing world events. These are people that Americans can look up to and admire. They discussed the future of the United States realistically, instead of all of this pandering to voters and 'wanted-dead-or-alive' baloney. Finally the news media gave a voice to people that have something worthwhile to say. I am so tired of listening to that shreiking-shrew, Palin, screaming at us with things she knows nothing about. I sit back and wonder, what is this country coming to? This is what people want in a leader? This dingbat is going to represent my country? You want a woman in office? Madeline Albright would get my vote in a minute. The panel discussion reassured me that there are still people in Washington that can act and react with intelligence and an amazing understanding of historical and current events. Great job, Christiane Amanpour and Frank Sesno. Excellent program and an excellent discussion – I watched it twice. It was so refreshing to see a panel of intelligent people calmly discussing world events. These are people that Americans can look up to and admire. They discussed the future of the United States realistically, instead of all of this pandering to voters and 'wanted-dead-or-alive' baloney.

Finally the news media gave a voice to people that have something worthwhile to say. I am so tired of listening to that shreiking-shrew, Palin, screaming at us with things she knows nothing about. I sit back and wonder, what is this country coming to? This is what people want in a leader? This dingbat is going to represent my country?

You want a woman in office? Madeline Albright would get my vote in a minute.

The panel discussion reassured me that there are still people in Washington that can act and react with intelligence and an amazing understanding of historical and current events.

Great job, Christiane Amanpour and Frank Sesno.

]]> By: The truth http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332084 The truth Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:58:23 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332084 James Baker continues to be a joke, just as when he was serving in the former reublican administration. James Baker continues to be a joke, just as when he was serving in the former reublican administration.

]]> By: William of Iowa http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332067 William of Iowa Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:50:20 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332067 Let's see - Vietnam, hostages and dead commandos in Iran, Somalia, Bosnia, Kuwait, weapons of mass destruction, Iraq and Afganistan to name a few. These politicians/diplomats are a stark reminder of the power of diplomacy to bring peace and stability to our fractured world. Their image captured by CNN is a painfull reminder of events that have occured throughout my entire adult life. I honestly don't know how to feel about your interview, but I'll watch. Let's see – Vietnam, hostages and dead commandos in Iran, Somalia, Bosnia, Kuwait, weapons of mass destruction, Iraq and Afganistan to name a few. These politicians/diplomats are a stark reminder of the power of diplomacy to bring peace and stability to our fractured world. Their image captured by CNN is a painfull reminder of events that have occured throughout my entire adult life. I honestly don't know how to feel about your interview, but I'll watch.

]]> By: Paula, Michigan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332063 Paula, Michigan Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:20:56 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332063 Thoroughly enjoyed the program. The knowledge, experience and power exuding on the stage came through the screen. Stripping away the political parties, it was amazing the agreement of these leaders toward what needs to happen to keep the US in play around the world. Two things struck me: (1) the path recommended appeared to follow Obama's thinking, almost to the exclusion of McCain's (despite Republican men); and (2) when language was lain at Powell's feet, he was quick to deny and put it where it belonged -- adding that it was that candidate who would need to answer for it (even though Powell hasn't made a choice yet). I was sorry to miss Albright's quip that brought much laughter and jovial "boo-hiss" remarks. Thoroughly enjoyed the program. The knowledge, experience and power exuding on the stage came through the screen. Stripping away the political parties, it was amazing the agreement of these leaders toward what needs to happen to keep the US in play around the world. Two things struck me: (1) the path recommended appeared to follow Obama's thinking, almost to the exclusion of McCain's (despite Republican men); and (2) when language was lain at Powell's feet, he was quick to deny and put it where it belonged - adding that it was that candidate who would need to answer for it (even though Powell hasn't made a choice yet). I was sorry to miss Albright's quip that brought much laughter and jovial "boo-hiss" remarks.

]]> By: Carolyn http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332045 Carolyn Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:22:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332045 After all the "GOTCHA" polarizing interviews we have been subjected to for YEARS now, I worry that all this from former Secretaries of State will be too little, too late and not much listened to or reported on. The intelligent choices in this up coming election are being swamped by a poorly informed and highly prejudiced media much more interested in their personal objectives than this country's best interests. No one is calling liars out for their continuing lies. I no longer trust my fellow citizens, the media and certainly not the government leadership. After all the "GOTCHA" polarizing interviews we have been subjected to for YEARS now, I worry that all this from former Secretaries of State will be too little, too late and not much listened to or reported on. The intelligent choices in this up coming election are being swamped by a poorly informed and highly prejudiced media much more interested in their personal objectives than this country's best interests. No one is calling liars out for their continuing lies.
I no longer trust my fellow citizens, the media and certainly
not the government leadership.

]]> By: Christine http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332031 Christine Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:49:17 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332031 The Republicans drove us to the ground. The next step down is hell, if we put McCain and Palin into office. I'll be so glad when Obama puts all the non-regulated Republicans in jail. They're sure goal is to drive us to hell. The Republicans drove us to the ground. The next step down is hell, if we put McCain and Palin into office. I'll be so glad when Obama puts all the non-regulated Republicans in jail. They're sure goal is to drive us to hell.

]]> By: Jerry, Charleston, SC http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332028 Jerry, Charleston, SC Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:35:28 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332028 What a refreshing change from the typical campaign retoric. It was a terrific hour. It was great when Colin Powell, in regard to Darfur, said "I made that decision", meaning to define the situation as genecide. It would be terrific to see this same format used with several of the nations past secretaries of defense, health and human services, education, interior, labor and so on. This is much more of a service to the public than Lou Dobbs self aggrandizing rants every evening. Its likely too late for this election cycle, but it would great to do more using this format before the election. And thanks for keeping on important issues rather than pop news and the usual need to create confrontation. It illustrated that "smart and experienced" people can simply discuss the facts. What a refreshing change from the typical campaign retoric. It was a terrific hour. It was great when Colin Powell, in regard to Darfur, said "I made that decision", meaning to define the situation as genecide. It would be terrific to see this same format used with several of the nations past secretaries of defense, health and human services, education, interior, labor and so on. This is much more of a service to the public than Lou Dobbs self aggrandizing rants every evening. Its likely too late for this election cycle, but it would great to do more using this format before the election. And thanks for keeping on important issues rather than pop news and the usual need to create confrontation. It illustrated that "smart and experienced" people can simply discuss the facts.

]]> By: Scott http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-7/#comment-332024 Scott Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:16:36 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332024 It's amazing that all 5 seem to back Pres. Barack Obama's attitude towards foreign relations, cooperation with the world and making decisions carefully and cautiously. It's amazing that all 5 seem to back Pres. Barack Obama's attitude towards foreign relations, cooperation with the world and making decisions carefully and cautiously.

]]> By: Janet Wiman http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-6/#comment-332023 Janet Wiman Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:16:18 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-332023 Thank you for such a forward reaching program. It was so welcome in this sea of confusion. How nice to hear these great Americans speak their minds and how wonderful to know that really smart people often think similarly. This program gave us a chance to hear people representing different parties who served at different times in history but yet their messages were clear and reasonable. This kind of programming puts CNN ahead of the pack. Thank you for such a forward reaching program. It was so welcome in this sea of confusion. How nice to hear these great Americans speak their minds and how wonderful to know that really smart people often think similarly. This program gave us a chance to hear people representing different parties who served at different times in history but yet their messages were clear and reasonable. This kind of programming puts CNN ahead of the pack.

]]> By: Christie From Las Vegas, NV http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-6/#comment-331991 Christie From Las Vegas, NV Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:48:00 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-331991 CNN, you did an outstanding job with this special; hats off to you. I just hope our presidental candidates and their selected VP's were watching and paying attention! CNN, you did an outstanding job with this special; hats off to you. I just hope our presidental candidates and their selected VP's were watching and paying attention!

]]> By: lovable liberal http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-6/#comment-331983 lovable liberal Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:39:39 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-331983 Engage Iran diplomatically. Ditto Russia - don't overreact. Lead on global warming instead of insincere lip service. Regain soft power. Close Guatanamo and end torture. Gee, sounds like Obama's platform. Why not come right out and say so? Engage Iran diplomatically. Ditto Russia – don't overreact. Lead on global warming instead of insincere lip service. Regain soft power. Close Guatanamo and end torture.

Gee, sounds like Obama's platform. Why not come right out and say so?

]]> By: fred in Taiwan http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/19/former-secretaries-of-state-to-next-president-get-over-it-get-real-be-smart/comment-page-6/#comment-331972 fred in Taiwan Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:23:54 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=9905#comment-331972 Again Obama is right on the money!!! Talk to our enemies! McCain you are no change agent. Your ideas are so outdated. But Obama is so right. On so many issues he's hit the mark. It's just amazing. We have the opportunity to put a real thinker, leader in the White House and we can't afford to miss this opportunity. This is our time for real change and Obama is the only one to bring it to us. This is our moment to get back on track and bring the American Dream back to life....... Again Obama is right on the money!!!

Talk to our enemies!
McCain you are no change agent. Your ideas are so outdated.

But Obama is so right. On so many issues he's hit the mark. It's just amazing.

We have the opportunity to put a real thinker, leader in the White House and we can't afford to miss this opportunity.

This is our time for real change and Obama is the only one to bring it to us. This is our moment to get back on track and bring the American Dream back to life.......

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