The End of Dialog in the Age of Bush

The Dialog Vacuum



In the absence of government that understands dialog, give and take and the other traditional elements intrinsic to diplomacy, it has become quite clear that a vacuum exists that has not been filled in any meaningful way.



Attitudes promulgated six and seven years ago have chilled the environment for a coming together to decide questions of great import. Nor have tough guy stances made the atmosphere anymore inviting.



The assumption that we are right because we exercise the might is not only shortsighted, it is off-putting to the rest of the world which has pretty much soured on America's idea of winning the war against terrorism.



Sadly, we seem to be unaware of how we are perceived in today's world or just dismissive of what the rest of the world thinks and this is a prescription for disaster waiting to happen.



In view of the vacuum we have created, others have attempted to fill the void but they lack the credibility of a global power. But it won't end there. New coalitions are being formed as we speak and sooner or later, America shall discover itself up against a power base that we didn't anticipate.



In any event, our standoffish prima-Donna attitudes accomplish nothing but exacerbate our already diminishing standing in a world edging towards the abyss.



Keener minds must step up to the plate and show their courage if we are to ameliorate the present crisis of thought and humanity.



Les Aaron.