Yes, we can.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?...obama_doctrine

I have to admit, I skimmed this. But it's preaching to my choir. If you still think Barack's people say "CHANGE" over and over and nothing else, you may want to read it.

I found it to be quitenaive. The whole concept of "dignity promotion" doesn't work, as was evidenced by the whole Somalia debacle. When those in power in these backwards countries use food and living conditions as a weapon, you can't achieve these things without force, and minimal force may not even be enough, and without the guts to stick it out and fleeing as we did in Somalia we simply look stupid and weak.

Dictators are not typically concerned with the well being - or "dignity" - of their people.

What's typically neglected in these arguments (eportation of democracy) is the simple insight that democracy does not fill stomachs, alleviate malaria, or protect neighborhoods from marauding bands of militiamen.

What does? Providing food and goods so that the marauding bands of militia men can steal it? Look at what happened in Ethiopia, where during the famines food sat and rotted on docks because those in control of the roads wouldn't allow it to be shipped where it was needed.

In talking about feeding people and relieving malaria and the likes, there are not many people that would suggest that Bush has not been the most pro-Africa President of all. He has been doing the very things discussed where it is possible to do it. That's not change, so you're right - it's the continuation of what Bush is doing in Africa right now - again, not everywhere, but where possible.

This is why, Obama's advisers argue, national security depends in large part on dignity promotion. Without it, the U.S. will never be able to destroy al-Qaeda. Extremists will forever be able to demagogue conditions of misery

They demagogue the misery that they create intentionally. Dictators don't want to end the misery of the people they control. It's the primary way they control them (along with fear).

I have so much more to offer on why I consider this beyond naive, but not the time nor desire to continue doing so.