Foreign Relations

The Trump administration will need to select the tools they will use to protect “American interests”, but these need to be consistent with an effective governing philosophy. 

If we value the sovereignty of nations as a principle, we must be consistent in assigning the primary responsibility for the well-being of citizens to those who control their government. 

We also need to let the voters in these countries be accountable for their decisions.  If they elect a “monster” they should correct the problem in the next election.  If the “monster” succeeds in holding power, we should issue financial sanctions until their voters elect a reformer.

We need to stop bribing countries to behave; this doesn’t work.  We need to stop destabilizing other countries; this creates bigger problems and denies their sovereignty. 

The decision to change their culture should reside with the citizens of each nation.  Of the 200 nations on the planed, we have well over 100 impoverished 3^rd world countries we are not responsible for. They are responsible for themselves. 

We also have another 100 countries who have enough of a private economy to enable them to function. The viability of these countries doesn’t depend on their GDP. There are many very small countries who can function. Their culture, customs, laws and world-view may differ from ours, but we are not responsible for them; they are responsible for themselves.

The US government needs to reverse everything it has been doing in foreign relations and stop trying to change everybody on the planet.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader