The Notion of Smart Power & Pragmatism
Ever since Hillary Clinton mentioned this rather "broad concept", I have been trying to understand it. I wonder why Lionel Beehner Source: Really Long Link was so apprehensive about this notion of Smart Power. I would think that this notion of Smart Power, whereby the United States assesses each situation on its' merits and insures that the immense resources at her disposal will be used is something that all analysts must embrace and cherish.
I read Beehner's views at least twice. I have profound reservations about his views. It seems to me that after 8 years of talking before shooting, it seems as if we ought to give this notion a chance. I also think that the Secretary of State should not be dismissed as a lightweight. Despite Beehner's declaration that Hillary is a "fast learner", I am quite concerned as to the dismissive tone at hand. I also am concerned as to the profound reservations he has. I want to see a State Department that is innovative, thinks outside the box and will the vanguard of America’s effort to re-engage the world.
Beehner's column and some of the other comments is one example of the skepticism that is seems to be already gathering around the President's initiatives. The man has not even finished his first week in Office. The President has clearly embraced pragmatism. We need to try that for a while. I trust that the folks at Huff Post will learn to embrace and accept that as they assess their views and the views of their contributors on the state of the Obama Presidency.
I read Beehner's views at least twice. I have profound reservations about his views. It seems to me that after 8 years of talking before shooting, it seems as if we ought to give this notion a chance. I also think that the Secretary of State should not be dismissed as a lightweight. Despite Beehner's declaration that Hillary is a "fast learner", I am quite concerned as to the dismissive tone at hand. I also am concerned as to the profound reservations he has. I want to see a State Department that is innovative, thinks outside the box and will the vanguard of America’s effort to re-engage the world.
Beehner's column and some of the other comments is one example of the skepticism that is seems to be already gathering around the President's initiatives. The man has not even finished his first week in Office. The President has clearly embraced pragmatism. We need to try that for a while. I trust that the folks at Huff Post will learn to embrace and accept that as they assess their views and the views of their contributors on the state of the Obama Presidency.
Mike Pouraryan
