Robert Reich Quotes
You can't wing foreign policy.
Robert Reich CNN Anderson Cooper 360 December 14, 2016
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
He argued to take every statement or threat of violence against America or Americans made by a foreign leader, even if for local political purposes, as a clear and present danger that requires action, often including force to nullify that country's capability to harm America or to produce a regime change. Many point to Adolf Hitler who had, in Mein Kampf, told the world what he would try and do, and few paid any attention to him. On the other hand, when he was at his most dangerous and planning massive world aggression, his rhetoric was very moderate and peaceful. The vast majority of the foreign leaders who threaten America and her interests, never have acted on those threats. However, one danger is the incitement of others in the country or region who might become a threat to America as an individual or a non state terror group.
Lodge was particularly concerned that under the proposed treaty the United States would be obligated to support the League of Nations military efforts regardless of American public opinion or Congressional action.
Roosevelt had withdrawn his Ambassador to Berlin, publicly reprimanded Joseph P. Kennedy, his Ambassador to England who was pro Fascist and who had said complementary things about Hitler and Mussolini. FDR made anti-German statements to a degree unknown for a country not at war. Hitler publically stated that the Germans would not be pressured. Dictators who U. S. leaders have tried to isolate and pressure, have made similar statements ever since. The American intervention was certainly effective against Hitler.
With promises the success lies in following through and keeping the promise which is usually very costly. A threat that fails meanwhile can be the most expensive thing. We make a threat to deter a foreign power from something. Failure occurs when they are not intimidated and go ahead anyway. Then if we follow through on the threat, that is very costly—a war, a trade embargo, or whatever. Not following through on the threat is the costliest of all as we lose our credibility, trust and honor.
These have actually evolved in a number of areas such as GATT and other trade areas.
Robert Bernard Reich is an American economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, as well as serving as the United States Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997 under Bill Clinton. He was a member of President Barack Obama's economic transition advisory board.
