We are Isolationists

Today, Taipei Times has 2 interesting editorials: Martin Jacques and Richard Halloran see the world differently.

Jacques tells us our tough slog in Iraq has exposed America's weakness, he babbles about the "neoconservative view of the world, but he accurately states Iraq has:

[L]ed to an overwhelming preoccupation with the Middle East and, to a much lesser extent, central Asia, and the implicit relegation and neglect of US interests elsewhere.

Jacques continues,

China's search for secure supplies of oil and other commodities. To this end it has been acquiring a growing diplomatic presence in regions of the world like Africa and Latin America, making the US increasingly nervous about China's intentions ...

China is making it perfectly plain that it will not insist on the same kind of political strings as the US. We are only at the beginning of what will over time become a growing competition for the hearts and minds of the developing world. (emphasis mine)

Jacques leaves unstated what "strings" America attaches. And Jacques' commentary is simple-minded analyses if he believes affirmation of the PRC's raison d’être is not a "string." As we have recently seen, Afghanistan, Ghana, and Congo have all agreed with the central aim of China's foreign policy in their affirmation of a "one China policy." If that's not a "string," M. Jacques, then please tell us what it is?

Halloran offers us a solemn reminder that Australian Prime Minister John Howard lacks the insularity of many Americans and realizes the gluttonous ire of the wide-spread anti-Americanism is diminishing our resolve to remain committed to world affairs.

Halloran quotes Howard's commentary during a recent trip to the States, Howard said,

The world continues to need America, and the world will be a better place for the involvement and the commitment of the people of the United States of America in the years that lie ahead.

Those foolish enough to suggest that America should have a lesser role in the affairs of the world should pause and think whether they really mean what they say, because a world without a dedicated, involved America will be a lesser world, a less safe world, a more precarious world.

It is vital, for America's interests as much as those of the rest of the world, that America not retreat.

To the voices of anti-Americanism around the world, to those who shout `Yankee Go Home,' let me offer some quiet advice: Be careful what you wish for.

Halloran reports,

Political leaders and defense officials in Taiwan privately asked this correspondent a few weeks ago whether the US would keep its commitments to help repel a Chinese attack.

Halloran relates that Japanese officials are questioning America's commitment to their national defense. Recently, both President Bush and Secretary of Defense Rumsfield have acknowledged many Americans want to travel the "broad and inviting" path of isolationism and protectionism.

Halloran relates,

The Pew Research Center in Washington asserted last year: "Anti-Americanism is deeper and broader now than at any time in modern history."

At the same time, Pew researchers found that more Americans believed that the US "should mind its own business internationally and let other countries get along the best they can on their own."

This tendency should surprise no one. Cicero reminded us, "As with men, so with nations." Most Americans are isolationists in their own communities. Driving through most residential communities, we see many homes with stockade and chain-linked fences to shield us from the unwelcome gazed and intrusion of our neighbors. Walking down the streets of our cities, thousands of people pass each other while studiously avoiding any or all eye contact. Standing in our mass transit rail cars, we see passengers avoid talking to the person that brushes into them due the jarring motion of the train, while carrrying on a meaningless monoluge with their cell phone.

We are isolationists. And we despise Ingratitude!