Community | April 18, 2009 | 55 comments

Obama Offers Partnership...& 'Humor' at The Fifth Americas Summit in Trinidad

source: http://linkbee.com/ObamaInSummit

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By Elias Nawas, Southern Methodist University Graduate Student, Dallas TX – Sat Apr 18, 9:28am CT

With all modesty, whilst still engrafting a delicate tone of humor, President Barack Obama reached out to the various United States' diversified neighbors, and to particularly one nation's president — who also happens to be an abrasive US critic — offering the fiery leftist Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, a once 'Cold War' opponent, with a speedy grasp and grin the hope of a "fresh beginning".

President Obama, during his 'Summit of the Americas' in the island capital of Trinidad — Port of Spain, also conveyed his readiness to engage in talks with Cuban President Raul Castro on matters that were completely off table for the Havana state — especially that including the communist governments' political prisoners' upholding.

This goodwill and friendly attitude was reciprocated with a gesture from President Chavez when he presented President Obama a book, "Open Veins of Latin America — Las Venas Abiertas de America Latina, written by Eduardo Galeano, a Uruguayan journalist in 1971.

To not only mention the positive feedback, but one also has to note that not all Latin American leaders have been impressed by the US President. Namely, Ecuadorian President 'Rafael Correa' as well as Bolivian President Evo Morales still remained skeptical (both about President Obama and US's foreign policy towards the Latin Neighbors).

My particular ideology relating to what I have previously delineated and outlined resides in what I am going to portray hereafter;

Although the Fifth Summit of the Americas during April can be regarded mostly as a failure, not only because Nicaragua, Bolivia, Dominica, and Honduras boycotted in protest of Cuba’s absence, but also because the participating Summit members “failed” to adopt an official declaration; the leaders of the participating 34 countries agreed to boost and encourage joint solutions to face the most pressing challenges and troubles facing the region, while promoting environmental sustainability, human prosperity etc...

Even though President Ortega, president of Nicaragua, delivered an acerbic and scalding fifty-minute speech denouncing US imperialism and capitalism as the root of much regional mischievousness, President Obama responded with "I'm grateful that President Ortega did not blame me for things that happened when I was three months old" to an applause and laughter from the other Summit-attending leaders, while stating that the journey “must be traveled” to make headway and overcome decades of mistrust – also, President Obama hoped to connect with Colombia, Chile, Canada, Haiti and Peru seeking individual sessions with their leaders.

Furthermore, President Obama added that he was disinterested in talking just for the sake of talking, but believed that the U.S.–Cuban relations can and ought to be moved in a new direction. Later, President Obama acted upon his words ordering ease-of-travel restrictions for Americans with relatives in Cuba, which President Castro, in return to such a step, offered his willingness to discuss ‘everything’ that divides the two countries.

To conclude, I believe that our time period right here and right now will be legendary.I base my say on this, solely on my conviction that diplomacy and open communication are good strategies for allies and enemies alike, but yet should be coupled with something deeper than casual diplomacy which primarily is, but not confined to, sincerity in these relations and talks.

To reinforce a positive mindset-approach towards foreign policy amongst all nations, I will finally quote President Obama by saying “I did not come here to debate the past, but I came here to deal with the future; we must learn from history but we can not and should not be trapped by it”.

— Elias Nawas
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55 comments // Obama Offers Partnership...& 'Humor' at The Fifth Americas Summit in Trinidad

  • vladbox
  • Viper7
    • 0
      Viper7  

    • Article Also Includes (The Following Paragraphs and Were Eliminated by US - The Publishers for Article Length Purposes):

      The 44th US President listened carefully to every speech done by all American leaders, something Chavez punctually noticed, and unlike his predecessor President Bush who bluntly paid no attention during Argentina’s last summit debates in 2005!

      For the most part, President Obama ensured his success by coming out as modest, and displaying profound interest in what America’s Summit-leaders had to say –clearly reflected by his after-summit speech and comments.

      Thank you for the profound analysis and point of view,
      Best Regards

    • 3 years ago
  • AveryMoore
    • 0
      AveryMoore  

    • McCainiac writes,

      "Too bad this wasn't 1938. BO could have humorously said "Wie gehts?" to Hitler. Just trying to lather that fiery little dictator with honey."

      You may not have noticed but Dictators aren't freely elected 3 times. Unless you wish to include the UK and Canada in your list of rogue states run by unconscionable juntas, extended leadership terms are common outside our borders.

      Honey? Why not lavish Chavez with money? As we did with Marcos, Saddam, Batista, Pinochet, Iran's Shah, and so on.

      Granted we're not at war with Chavez but don't you remember whose financial backing went to prop up the Third Reich? The family name? -- Bush, wasn't it?

      Speaking of the thirties, don't you recall which group of UberPatriots sought to direct General Smedley Butler to overthrow the US government and set up a Nazi-style dictatorship? No? Can't remember?

      Wasn't it the same clique of war profiteers, NY bankers, trusts and ritzy clubbers, who just hated to be kept from "trading with the enemy" during any war?

      How come it's always right wing radicals who got us into trouble, made it worse, kept us there, and tried to enrich themselves by prolonging the process?

      President Obama, with the electorate on his side, has seen enough damage from Cowboy Imperialism. He is building bridges, tearing down paranoid walls, renegotiating treaties. No surprises, the old guard of the radical Right's Politburo is vexed and whining again..

      In short, our new Prez is reestablishing a basis of international trust and credibility squandered by 8 years of pathological idiocy. Yes, unfortunately it offends the supporters of that Utopian PNAC creed but compared to what needs to be accomplished such wounded vanity really isn't very significant.

      Doubtless you agree.

    • 3 years ago
  • pakazak
    • 0
      pakazak  
    • AveryMoore:

      well said, AM.
      funny how history has a way of slipping into 'revisionist' mode when it suits the far right.
      do they not understand why Obama won the election?
      perhaps this is what the voters that supported Obama wanted from a leader - someone who could deal with the issues like an adult, not like some 7-year-old playing whack-a-mole with the most powerful weaponry in the solar system.

    • 3 years ago
  • AveryMoore
    • 0
      AveryMoore  
    • AveryMoore:

      pakazak,

      Revisionist methods are pretty clear. We've had 50 years to watch the process. Find a group of marginally 'credible' high status volk capable of leveraging their opinion to help trivialize political and economic crimes.

      Pay such shills handsomely, to give them incentive to attribute all crimes to the opposition, by claiming that in reality the opposition did something similar first, or that the devious bastards forced them to act uncharacteristically. As in, we only torture others because our opposition made our enemies think we were weak. It's their fault.

      Pay more still, to invent new ways to inflate and enlarge public fear, spread divisiveness and hysteria, and thus induce confusion and instability. Enough of this will lead to a kind of historical amnesia and avoidance of issues. A two-fer.

      In deep deference, selectively refer to these shills alone as America's top "thinkers."

      To sleazy, corrupt and insanely violent regimes, such propaganda idiocy matters. In the last century alone it was amazing how many different dazzling ideological lights blazed briefly into prominence before being consumed by their own darkness.

      That only three men, Hitler, Stalin and Mao could issue orders resulting in the deaths of millions of their own people is not speculation That the deaths of such tyrants were followed by public shock, disbelief, and despair is attributable to decades of misinformation campaigns reinforcing mass credulity.

      Such cultivated ignorance is less surprising than the desire among many within those same populations today, who wish to restore former tyrannies and spread their creeds abroad..

      That after more than 60 years many Americans regard it as 'patriotic' to recite Hitler's speeches and cite him as their inspiration; that the same holds true for Lenin, Stalin, and Marx; that capitalism is now financially subservient to Chinese Communism; and members of our disaffected right yearn to follow Austria's economists to a glory Austria has never known under the same glorious policies?

      How much further off course and unglued can any nation get?

      How much more self-discredited must our old guard ideologists become, before we recognize that the governments of dim-witted fanatics all find their way to choosing the same titanic and disastrous stay-the-course policies?

      In recent years we have witnessed incredible oscillations of credulity and paranoia. It has reached ridiculous levels. If the clown who reads the weather reports on TV votes Democratic is he really promoting Socialism\Fascism\Communism in some subversive way? Should he be denounced and purged?

      Isn't that how crazy it has become with the "Liberal" Media Conspiracy?

      Is killing yourself with cigarettes more a matter of Constitutionally guaranteed FREEDOM than at some disco where people are smoking joints?

      Our political disconnect from reality has been acute for 8 long years and any attempt to reintegrate with reality by disentangling politics from violent Utopian ideology will be fought with the kind of vengeance and irrationality of those most terrified -- of moderation.

    • 3 years ago
  • unclecharlie
    • 0
      unclecharlie  

    • Geez, pakazak....I looked up the Webster's Dictionary definition for George W., and you're absolutely right! Sorry, "my bad"! I guess I'll just have to let those gears turn a little more.......

    • 3 years ago
  • pakazak
  • pakazak
    • 0
      pakazak  

    • sorry UC
      "someone who doesn't know his ass from his elbow when it comes to foreign policy...."
      is the Webster's Dictionary definition for George W.
      You'll have to come up with something better than that for Obama

    • 3 years ago
  • Beatrix_Kiddo
  • unclecharlie
    • 0
      unclecharlie  

    • Poor Beatrix. Another poor soul that drank the KoolAde.
      He certainly is changing the way the world sees America- Under Obama's socialism they know us to be mindless dupes who are willing to sell out our country to those who are bent on destroying it for a good photo op or two. Chavez was no doubt thinking "this Obama has fallen for it hook, line, and sinker." They see Obama's inexperience and marvel that Americans were dumb enough to elect someone who doesn't know his ass from his elbow when it comes to foreign policy....

    • 3 years ago
  • Beatrix_Kiddo
    • 0
      Beatrix_Kiddo  
    • unclecharlie:

      That would be a reasonable burn Charlie if you made any fuckin sense. Did i say anything about media? What the hell did you mean by "falling for it hook line and sinker??? " you mean falling for the right way to get shit done around here rather than sittin on your ass at camp david drinking oil profits?

      People like you who honestly don't see the HARD WORK Obama is putting in for this country. Thanks for fucking up the past eight years my friend, Pat Yourself on the back. ;)

    • 3 years ago
  • Beatrix_Kiddo
    • 0
      Beatrix_Kiddo  

    • Our president is AMAZING. The rate Obama is going it makes you wonder what the fuck Bush was doing in office that whole eight years---- Obama not only has done more so far that Bush ever did, he's changing the way the world sees America and is tying up all the negative outlooks the rest of the world has on us and may have on us.

      Watch this world----- our time period right here and now will be legendary, i truly believe that the whole world and not just America will change drastically for the better. If this is the rate things will be getting done, i can't wait to see what it will be like in eight years :)

    • 3 years ago
  • vladbox
    • 0
      vladbox  

    • This a video I shot of the metro system in Caracas considered one of the best and most efficient in the world. Of course its all a lie, FOX made me do it!

    • 3 years ago
  • vladbox
  • vladbox
    • 0
      vladbox  

    • This is the Airport in Caracas, the one the dictatorship built so NO ONE can fly in or out. Note that Colombia which has been receiving BILLIONS of dollars from the taxpayers in the US, has nothing compare to this.
      Later I will post more of this videos, So we all can see how bad this place is!

    • 3 years ago
  • sesml2001
    • 0
      sesml2001  

    • For what it's worth, I believe that diplomacy and open communication is good strategy for allies and enemies alike but the picture of these two together gives one the impression that the relationship goes deeper than casual diplomacy. There is the sense of hidden relationship/ purpose in the glance and handshake with arm contact. Two diplomatic heads of states are usually just not that intimate in their interactions. maybe I am likely just getting paranoid about all this early globetrotting by the president.

    • 3 years ago
  • Kylsport
  • cybexg
    • 0
      cybexg  

    • At best, he might just make a new friend for America, at worse, he is practicing "keep your friends close, your enemies closer"

      Seems to be a measured approach...

    • 3 years ago
  • akamaial
  • Eleganza
    • 0
      Eleganza  

    • Do any of you paranoiacs actually fear a Venezuelan invasion? To compare either the country of Venezuela to Germany circa 1938 or Hugo Chavez to Adolph Hitler is the same as comparing a .22 cal. rifle to a 105mm howitzer. The president is demonstrating the tactics of a man leading the most powerful nation in the world, his predecessor behaved like a Banty rooster strutting around a barnyard....and got just about as much respect as the little rooster.

    • 3 years ago
  • McCainiac
    • 0
      McCainiac  

    • Too bad this wasn't 1938. BO could have humorously said "Wie gehts?" to Hitler. Just trying to lather that fiery little dictator with honey.

    • 3 years ago
  • nanac
    • 0
      nanac  
    • McCainiac:

      Obama is a class act. He is conducting his business in a proper, dignified manner... I am sure that GW and Hitler would have gotten alone just fine, because they had a lot in common.

    • 3 years ago
  • nanac
    • 0
      nanac  
    • McCainiac:

      Obama is a class act. He is conducting his business in a proper, dignified manner... I am sure that GW and Hitler would have gotten alone just fine, because they had a lot in common.

    • 3 years ago
  • Robroy1
    • 0
      Robroy1  

    • It is really nice to see someone using his head instead of his hands. Diplomacy sure beats ilegally invading foreign countries and having the world hate your country. Some people would rather be hated worldwise than have allies, this amazes me. I guess I'll never figure out why some people just enjoy violence, hatred and killing over peace. The nature of the beast guess, but I am happy we now have a leader who uses the barins God gave him, the last guy had no God given brains and we are still paying for his screwups, and we will be for many years.

    • 3 years ago
  • Unknown77
    • 0
      Unknown77  

    • Finally some diplomacy in the White House. I can not stress enough how much better it makes me feel to read how nations that used to hate us are opening up to talks. It makes me believe that we actually have a chance at surviving in this world.

    • 3 years ago
  • sickinjersey
  • holyshiite
    • 0
      holyshiite  

    • Como Estas?, to a "President" and respected leader in his own mind? No use of Usted?Obama was disrespecting him unintentionally. Way to go BHO!

    • 3 years ago
  • regjoeschmo
  • akamaial
  • hippiegrl85
  • akamaial
  • neocongo
  • akamaial
    • 0
      akamaial [removed]  
    • hippiegrl85:

      You don't get it Neo, and probably never will...I'm not "right wing", I'm conservative in my values and sense of clarity regarding moral balance and common sense...something that is lacking in the majority today in my opinion as I see all across the political spectrum, and unlike you, I know and admit that I make mistakes...something that is greatly lacking from the radical socio-liberal left perspective...they are 'always' right, right?? ~ ~ Bullshit!!

    • 3 years ago
  • neocongo
    • 0
      neocongo  
    • hippiegrl85:

      Ooopsy. Conservatives are by definition, included in the right wing. You make so many mistakes, it is irrelevant whether you admit them or not. Your lack of precision, and dedication to fact would understandably make many on the left, including myself, seem always to be right.

    • 3 years ago
  • regjoeschmo
  • akamaial
  • cybexg
  • akamaial
  • artemis6
  • neocongo
  • rexmundi
    • 0
      rexmundi  

    • i've always supported h chavez, and think he's doing more good than bad in his country. yeah, he's a shit talker, but sometimes that's how you get people to listen.

      i'm glad b.o. is talking with cuba and venezuela. i just hope his actions back up his words.

    • 3 years ago
  • akamaial
  • carmalite
    • 0
      carmalite  
    • rexmundi:

      Considering the division of income in his country, I think Chavez is doing the best he can. I don't care for his hostility, but I don't have an issue with what he is doing in his poverty stricken country.

    • 3 years ago
  • akamaial
  • akamaial
    • 0
      akamaial [removed]  

    • B.O. is more naive about these "thugs" ~ possibly even more so than Bush ever was. Unless it is that he does get it and is joining into an alliance with these criminals as well....just a bit disturbing, don't you think?

    • 3 years ago
  • bluestranger
    • 0
      bluestranger  
    • akamaial:

      The alternative to establishing a dialogue is unthinkable. Staying on point is important. "Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell and make them look forward to the journey". Was that Will Rogers?

    • 3 years ago
  • jahbini
    • 0
      jahbini  
    • akamaial:

      Well, Al, Think of this -- If Obama has hoodwinked the American Public, it's actually a good sign.

      Maybe he can hoodwink the bad guys, even more.

      I don't want a liar in the white house, I want a great liar, (on our side) in the White House.

      And we would be naive to think otherwise.

    • 3 years ago
  • akamaial
  • vladbox
    • 0
      vladbox  
    • akamaial:

      Where do you come off with saying that Chavez is a thief and a dictator. You dont even know what you are talking about. I have been to Caracas 4 times in the past two years, I have dual nationality and I leave and get into MY country as I please. BTW every time I go all I SEE is improvement. I advice you before talking all these Crapola that you visit Caracas and the rest of Venezuela and inform yourself of the real situation. BTW you need a Passport, something republicans dont even think they need.

    • 3 years ago
  • akamaial
  • JohnA
    • 0
      JohnA  

    • Once again Mr. Obama reaches out to someone who has sworn hatred for America and would love nothing better than to see our destruction. First Iran, then Hamas, the Taliban, Cuba, and now Hugo Chavez. Whose side is Mr. Obama on, the America-haters of the world, or the American people?

    • 3 years ago
  • Unknown77
  • jahbini
  • cybexg
  • pakazak
    • 0
      pakazak  
    • JohnA:

      how blindly stupid.
      8 years of W, his old man before him and the larcenous tyranny of a tv cowboy sought to make this country an "empire". what bull.
      we have someone in office that can put 4 words together in a recognizable sentence and the idiocy of the losing (loser) party would rather that we walk around with our balls in our hand, showing what large ones we have.
      here's an answer.....
      help fix the problems in this world or get the hell out of the way, and no, the answer IS NOT kill 'em all and let god sort 'em out.....

    • 3 years ago
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