Yes, I know – it’s the sub-title of Dr. Strangelove. And just like the surprise Friedman expresses on behalf of the Iranians, I’m surprised it this movie hasn’t become an anthem for the current presidency.
Mr. Friedman in his current column uses a fictional “Iranian National Intelligence Estimate of America” to prove some very important points about opportunities lost both in the current administration and among the current crop of candidates.
One particularly telling point is that real foresight would have had us spending on Energy Independence instead of the “War on Terror“.
From the fictional report:
“As you’ll recall, in the wake of 9/11, we were extremely concerned that the U.S. would develop a covert program to end its addiction to oil, which would be the greatest threat to Iranian national security.”
Instead, we’ve yet again fallen prey to industry lobbyists. Like so many, their incentives make them focus on the short-term gain to the detriment of the long-term challenges.
What happened to America (not the capital A) as Friedman puts it:
“U.S. presidential candidates are distancing themselves from the core values that made America such a great power and so different from us — in particular America’s long commitment to free trade, open immigration and a reverence for scientific enquiry wherever it leads.”
It blows me away. No way to get elected — telling the truth that is.
Who cares?
I question sometimes whether others feel this challenge. The challenge of wishing for a candidate who was engaging on issues that matter. Then I realize, most people don’t get it. They’re concerned about gas for their Suburban or groceries.
The lobbyists and politicians get away with short-term thinking because the people they represent know no better.
OK, enough whining -> The point:
A This is a call to action for our current crop of presidential candidates! Stop treating the American people like mushrooms (keep them in the dark and feed them sh##).
The problem as I see it is that you have to raise awareness before you can tell the truth. As we now know Pythagoras was right. At the time however, they thought he was crazy. The reality is paradigm shifting. Maybe the only way for a candidate to approach truth-telling is by proxy.
I know globalization is real and that our current situation is a byproduct of arrogance and selfishness, don’t you? Is there a candidate of any stature who has indicated their understanding?
The point is that they, the candidates, have to tell the truth as the people understand it.
Candidates, tell the truth:
Engagement and a realization of our current position in the world are the way forward.
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