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Nov
19
It’s still infuriating that something like that even needs to be said. What does that mean, just by itself?
The main thrust of [Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel's] critiques was aimed not at any individual specifically, but at a closed-off mindset that he believed had taken hold of Republican politics and, consequently, the GOP’s approach to foreign policy. “Engagement is not appeasement,” he said. “Diplomacy is not retreat. Somehow too many in this town and in this country have disconnected all of that.”
Later in the question-and-answer session, he offered an example to illustrate this quip, gently mocking those officials and voters who, for one reason or another, had problems with things from France or people who were Muslim.
“There is always going to be a certain know-nothing element to democracy,” said Hagel. “That is their choice. But in a world that is so vitally interconnected, it does help if you try to understand the other side… Ask them: ‘What is it that scares you about the French so much?’”
Could not say it any better.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 2:44 pm November 19th, 2008 in Congress, Politics, Republicans
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3 Responses to “Outgoing GOP Senator: “Engagement is not appeasement. Diplomacy is not retreat.””
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Hagel is one of the few thoughtful, reasonable and intelligent Republicans in DC. He will be missed.
Dont let the door hit you on the way out Chuck.
And. . . I rest my case.