Stop Apologizing

There's an outstanding article in the Telegraph today by Nile Gardiner called, "Barack Obama should stop apologising for America." Here are some key passages.

President Obama has elevated the art of national self-loathing to new heights, and seems to delight in prostrating the most powerful nation on the face of the earth before its critics and rivals, especially on foreign soil.

It certainly appears that way. If he's not apologizing, he's attacking the previous administration.

The brutal truth is that the United States is increasingly viewed as a soft touch by its enemies, increasingly jeered rather than feared.

But Obama wants to be liked instead of feared. Does anyone actually think that most of our enemies or potential adversaries fear him in the slightest? Somehow I doubt they are too worried about getting a stern talking-to.

Obama’s supine approach has become a humiliating spectacle for a country that, together with Great Britain, has done more to advance the cause of liberty and freedom across the world than any nation in the world. Every groveling apology by the president undermines America’s confidence, standing and power, and strengthens the hand of those who seek her destruction.

That pretty much nails it. 

The world needs a president who aggressively projects American power on the world stage, rather than seeks the adoration of traditionally hostile foreign audiences. In Egypt, Obama should not be afraid to offend the sensibilities of Muslim leaders, by calling for religious tolerance, freedom of speech, worship and association, and a rejection of Islamist extremism.

It will be interesting to see if the president does any of that in his speech.

It is not too late for the president to acknowledge that the time for apologies is over, that the world needs robust American leadership that projects strength and power rather than timidity and weakness

I actually think Obama is capable of that in certain cases. For example, he appears determined to do what he thinks is necessary to crush the Taliban & Al Qaeda in Afghanistan & Pakistan, regardless of criticism from different parts of the political spectrum. 

The whole article is worth reading.