Comments for Obama's Speech to the Public in Prague - ?eskéNoviny.cz »
Posted By gamahuche 8 months, 3 weeks ago in NewsObama calls for reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons and action to combat climate change.
At the same time he links the cancellation of the missile-shield to promises from Iran - which will not satisfy the Russians, who believe that it is aimed at them - and challenges the Czech president who is a strident global-warming denier and even the author of a book on the topic.
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gamahuche8 months, 3 weeks ago
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Almost everything in Obama's speech will gladden the hearts of virtually all the people of the Czech Republic.
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It is interesting, however, that Obama avoided two brief meetings scheduled last night - one with the lame-duck ex-Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek, who lost a recent vote of confidence and the other with President Vaclav Klaus, whose Presidency of the EU has been controversial to say the least.
The latter is also a staunch global warming denier - even the author of a book on the topic which he recently tried to promote in the uS with scant success and considering that this was one of Obama's major themes the results might indeed have been cooling rather than warming, especially since Klaus is hardly the politest person in the Czech lands.
Obama chose to have a private dinner with Michelle instead, which seems very wise.
He will meet with ex-President Vaclav Havel today, someone who was very good friends with Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright and whose other good friends also include the Dalai Lama, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed and a variety of other colourful individuals.
Obama's goals, as elucidated in his speech are exemplary but whether the Russian bear can be placated and become a partner in reducing nuclear warheads if the missile shield project goes ahead is questionable.
There is also the problem that while 70% of the Czech population are against the project an almost equivalent of Poles are for it - so how to keep both the Czechs and the Poles feeling safe and happy?! -
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Klarissa8 months, 3 weeks ago
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"The basic bargain is sound: countries with nuclear weapons will move toward disarmament, countries without nuclear weapons will not acquire them; and all countries can access peaceful nuclear energy.
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To strengthen the Treaty, we should embrace several principles. We need more resources and authority to strengthen international inspections.
We need real and immediate consequences for countries caught breaking the rules or trying to leave the Treaty without cause.
And we should build a new framework for civil nuclear cooperation, including an international fuel bank, so that countries can access peaceful power without increasing the risks of proliferation.
That must be the right of every nation that renounces nuclear weapons, especially developing countries embarking on peaceful programs.
No approach will succeed if it is based on the denial of rights to nations that play by the rules.
We must harness the power of nuclear energy on behalf of our efforts to combat climate change, and to advance opportunity for all people."
to quote, "No approach will succeed if it is based on the denial of rights to nations that play by the rules. "- We should know by now that other countries do not have rules like we do.
We need to know what rules, and will it be like another United Nations type flop. -
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frctm58 months, 3 weeks ago
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We will never make progress unless we can overcome the inertia of our own cynicism. There are many who believe that the only way we can survive is through endless vigilance and the might of our military. This is the fortress mentality. They reveal in this conceit a very dim view of humanity. If you believe that our only means of survival depends upon our capacity to destroy or deter our attackers, then perhaps our species is already doomed and our true Armageddon will be just a formality. If the force of reason has no power persuade people of the value of getting along or of our collective interest and stake in solving our many problems, no amount of weaponry will keep us safe from our own stupidity.
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gamahuche8 months, 3 weeks ago
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Very nicely said! I just finished a mammoth work jag, on the computer and am way too tired to write a response right now that would begin to match your eloquence so rather than bumble and burble now I promise a serious response tomorrow - probably about 4 am Eastern time!
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gamahuche8 months, 3 weeks ago
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Still in recovery..
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But let me at least just acknowledge again the potency of your commentary; what appears especially striking at this moment - positively guru-like :):
"If the force of reason has no power persuade people of the value of getting along or of our collective interest and stake in solving our many problems, no amount of weaponry will keep us safe from our own stupidity."
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Spadecaller8 months, 3 weeks ago
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I certainly believe that Obama's goals are admirable, that his ability to work others is exemplary, and that he understands the nature of the threats we face in this world, however I wonder if he truly appreciates Russia's concerns over deploying this missile system.
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The Russians have the right to be concerned about its deployment, even if its current goal is designed to defend against Iran.
When another American President replaces Obama, how do they know that the purpose of this missile and radar site will remain the same?
How would our nation respond if the Russians placed a missile site in Cuba to defend against a perceived enemy in South America? I think our reaction would even be more severe.
All in all I am impressed with the thrust of Obama's approach and his commitment to eliminating stock piles of nuclear weapons, but this one issue troubles me.
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