World View Comment

April 8, 2010 Comment on Morning Joe show on MSNBCTV


Mike Barnicle’s observation this morning of the “Cold War Generation” is noteworthy. Senator McCain’s world view, that the U.S. has a responsibility to provide the world’s security and continue its super power status, is that of one well indoctrinated by post WWII events. His failure in adjusting to the modern world might be attributable the fact that he was a POW in 1968, a year that “Changed the World” according to Time.

President Obama’s world view seems to emphasize diplomatic solutions to global conflicts. Never the less, while the President’s view is more enlightened our basic, and very expensive, post WWII military posture remains.

The Cold War was characterized by two enormously successful Truman Doctrine initiatives.

1) The carrot-economic assistance to recover from WWII devastation.

2.) The stick-contain Communism.

Virtually all countries have now recovered from WWII devastation, and Communism was contained. So why does our very expensive post WWII military posture remain?

I am not suggesting a return to pre WWII isolationism. My concern is about the balance and proportion of our foreign and military policy.

Did those brave Americans who fell in the World Wars, Korea, and Viet Nam, sacrifice so much so that their children and grandchildren might continue to make the same sacrifices? I think not. Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara (a WWII veteran) agreed with me in comments he made during a Charlie Rose interview.