CLINTON ON CHINA

i also couldn't believe it when clinton stated that human rights issues will not affect US and China relations. sacrificing common humanity for economic expediency seems like a wrong way to go. this is a case where realists would exclaim "see? i told you..US will only act out of national interest...the hell with humanitarian issues, if they have no stakes in it, then they have no business in it".

to ignore the issues of humanitarian abuses ensured clinton's bad reputation among human rights activists. humanitarian cried foul to such narrow minded and self-interested outlook on international relations. what the secretary of state should have done was to assure China that US will continue to be its ally and an economic partner but at the same time gave China a stern warning that if they ever choose to jump over the fence towards humanitarian abuse, then US will do everything in its power to deter it. this seems to be a fair warning bereft of arrogance and condescension.

i still think that henry kissinger is the best secretary of state in the history of america. clinton should take a page from kissinger's book. kissinger strikes a balance between coercion and consensus, employing the former only during desperate times. if things could be remedied using soft diplomacy, why not? but if worse comes to worst, kissinger was not afraid to jolt down the other party from negotiations with an implied threat that seem to say " you will regret this". this has worked well for the former secretary of state and clinton should emulate this.

i do not disagree on clinton's new approach to diplomacy, soft power. however, she must be cautious on not being too soft as other state might misinterpret this as a sign of weakness. clinton should be given credit in capitalizing her celebrity status all around the world to garner a favoral opinion on US. the past 8 years have left american reputation scarred and tarnished. it is up to clinton and obama to heal america. the human rights gaffe was not a good supplement.

2010: A BLEAK PROSPECT

There can be no doubt in everyone’s minds that the Presidential election is just around the corner. With about a year to go before the anticipated moment, hyped up expectations have arisen and pundits have commented that the election is like no other. With no heavy favorite to win, both the administration and the opposition have been trying to earn the favorable disposition of the people through ‘infomercials’. Such infomercials have flooded the airwaves like crazy.

The urgency of the aspiring candidates to gain an early advantage is clearly apparent not just by appearing on national television but by also being visible on the street posters posing as the beacon of hope for the country and that they seemingly portray an infallible image of good governance and reform. Clearly, the candidates are very much aware of the significance of media as a political channel, in which it can convey the image they want instilled unto the citizens. They have to make the media friendly to them. The internet, the print and TV media are all integral aspects that a candidate should study. Antagonizing the media is synonymous to political suicide. All candidates are aware of this and their political resources are spent to finance just that. The mindset that “they must have an edge” is making our political aspirants competitive.

In my mind,I hope that the electoral battle, the lifeblood of democracy will not just be a contest of media exposure and ear catching one-liners but one that involves a tackling of pressing issues that addresses the immediate needs and concern of the citizenry. I hope there are more substantial debates as to how to lead the country out of this shambles rather than mindless political bickering that seeks to address no problem and satisfy the political ego of politicians.

Majority has remained skeptic yet few have optimistic hopes that the upcoming election will have a positive change in our country. With the current political landscape and the socio-economic status quo, the transformations we need has a bleak prospect