Plan asks all Americans to debate foreign policy
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
- Plato
It's an ambitious idea, but certainly a worthwhile one- get Americans talking about foreign policy. If you believe that an informed electorate is a good thing, this plan makes sense. It makes even more sense when you consider that most Americans don't know the difference between Iraq and Iowa (hint: Iowa has more corn, and it's residents generally speak better English).
Organizers of "The People Speak" are encouraging participants to debate the following statements:
Pre-emptive use of force
· Resolved, that the United States should use military force pre-emptively to meet the threats posed by hostile nations and groups seeking to acquire nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
Military intervention
· Resolved, that the United States should participate in military operations overseas only where vital U.S. interests are at stake, not for democracy promotion or primarily humanitarian causes.
Nonmilitary issues
· Resolved, that the United States should devote more resources to confront such nonmilitary problems as poverty and illiteracy, the spread of infectious disease and environmental degradation.
International law and institutions
· Resolved, that the United States should show a stronger commitment to international institutions and international law.
These are all excellent questions, and since I love an abstract political discussion, I would be all over this project. Think about involving yourself in this. It's not a stretch for me since I argue these questions on an almost daily basis, but if nothing else it's a good way to broaden your horizons.
