361 Comments
тна Return to thread

The strategic acumen and intelligence at work in the Biden administration, deftly applied to international relations for the good of the nation and indeed the safety and well being of the entire world, is wonderful to behold. The contrast with the brash, destructive incompetence of the previous administration in this arena is breathtaking!

Expand full comment

Good consider, Ed! Biden is masterful, bringing Africa to the table is a beautiful thing.

Expand full comment

Not perfect, but still breathtaking especially in comparison to Trumpian idiocy. I still remember Trump's remark about African countries being shithole countries.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-referred-haiti-african-countries-shithole-nations-n836946

Expand full comment

My take on reading that only South Africa had been included is that racism is at play as it always has been when dealing with Africa. I hope that they will be included this time. I was a Peace Corps volunteer for thee years in Sierra Leone and in a study abroad program at Fourah Bay College for six months before that. I remember meeting some Americans in Freetown who had the same type of hubris and basically had the idea that we were living in some kind of end of the world uncivilized place. Of course, this was also the British mantra all over the world as they were bringing all these places up to being able to govern themselves...you know, The White Man's Burden. Never mind, that all these places had been doing just fine until Europeans showed up. So many of the world's problems today go back to this.

Expand full comment

Only South Africa included in what? I am confused.

Expand full comment

The G-20.

Expand full comment

Mr. DeMeo, that was my first impression. It's as if an adult has walked into a room full of pre schoolers having a food fight.

Expand full comment

Yes! United States of America is fully participating in the World. ItтАЩs not just politics. ItтАЩs acknowledging our connections, how decisions of one country affect all others. A stark contrast to the chaotic previous four years. Even more than rebuilding, itтАЩs responsibility. My hope is that climate change policies and collaboration are enough of a world priority that we see productive change before itтАЩs too late.

Expand full comment

It's wonderful!! So valuable until another administration takes over, changes everything again, and everyone learns - again - that we aren't to be trusted. We MUST find a way to stop that from happening! It IS our history... :-(

Expand full comment

Agreed. I was in awe as I read today's letter.

Expand full comment

"The contrast with the brash, destructive incompetence of the previous administration in this arena is breathtaking!" I could not have said it better Ed. Today's letter has allowed a calmness to come over my body that has not been there for a long time. Despite what many of my friends say, we are in the best of hands with the present administration! I thank Dr. Richardson for bringing this to our attention. I only wish this were headlines in All sorts of media instead of that T guy and what he's coming up with next as a distraction.

Expand full comment

Competency not just applied to international relations but on every single level! A bull in the china shop with gasoline and matches....

Expand full comment