We live in a global village

[Paula Hall]

It is understandable that the American foreign policies are focused on the Middle East. After all, thousands of American soldiers and millions of Iraqis have died in the Iraq war. But I am curious to know what do the two candidates for the White House think about Latin American countries.

I read today that the US Ambassador in Venezuela has 72 hours to leave the country. The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chaves, is expelling the American Ambassador. So is the Bolivian President, Evo Morales. And Venezuela is a major oil supplier to the United Sates, which it means America, is the number one client of Venezuela.

Not to mention Brazil’s large oil exports to the US. And Brazil is also having problems with Bolivia over natural gas production. The border between the two countries has been closed and relations are at it worst ever.

With all the talk about renewable energy, gas prices and so forth, how can the United States overlooks such countries? We live in a global village under a global economy. All decisions are important and the consequences of it will affect us all.

[Pamela Lyn]

Elizabeth, Hi neighbor. As a Pennsylvanian I've also been familiar with Joe Biden for many years. I'm glad that you decided to share your thoughts. This is a great forum for discussion.

[elizabeth allen]

This is my first post on your blog. My understanding of foreign policy is "whereever there is oil", you will find the american military. Oil is a product from the last century. We need as a planet to move to green energy, solar, wind and renewables. As mothers, sisters do we really want to continue sending our children into wars and rumor of war, for multi national corporations. We are a global village and we need to be standing strong for all women and children, not just american families.

I am supporting Obama/Biden because Joe Biden is my Senator and I know him and his political/personal life. Joe Biden is a regular Joe. He has a family like most middle class americans, he didnt get rich in office, he isn't the lobbyist best friend. As an advocate for women, environment, wars whatever, Joe has been accessible. He does listen and he has so much more international experience that Sarah Palin, she "pales" in comparison. I am 65 years old and have been involved for 45 years in all politics, community etc in my State. Living in the Corporate State, Delaware the power of the special interest is unknown to most of you.

I have been a community organizer in my young years. I support Obama because of his upbringing, his knowledge, his brilliance and am hoping he will deliver the "hope and change" we all need. Women are the nurturers, it is not in our nature to send our children to wars, it is in our nature to be diplomatic resolutions.

This election I am supporting Karen Hartley-Nagle who just won the primary in Delaware for our only Congress seat. She won by huge margins against 2 democrats and will go against Mike Castle a republican and arch supporter of Bush/Cheney/McCain.

Mike Castle is fearful of Karen, he has already begun TV ads on every station all over the State. Karen has heavy support from labor, community groups, many endorsements. She can win this election but she will need a financial support. She refuses to take money from special interests, as she was to be "clean" when she arrives in DC, so she can work for the people of our State. Any interest: karenhartley-nagle.com.

I am so impressed with some of the comments I read that I decided to write something.

[wagelaborer]

America does pay attention to South America, Paula. The US has dominated Central and South America for years.
Ecuadorian people in the rain forest are suffering greatly from the pollution caused by oil extraction.
Hugo Chavez was victim of a coup backed by the US in 2002. Only the rebellion of the people and the army allowed him to return to his office.
The US is backing an attempt by the rich people of Boliva to secede from the poorer parts of Boliva. Many of these rich people are descendants of the "ratline" that brought ex-Nazis to South America, with US and Vatican help. They lost the recent referendum, so now they're trying violent means. US ambassadors frequently are cover for destabilization projects (remember Negroponte in the Honduras in the 1980s), so Bolivia has expelled the US ambassador, and Venezuela followed suit.
There is a difference between renewable energy and oil. The US needs to turn to renewable energy and quit trying to control the world's oil supplies.
I think we can see in Iraq and Venezuela and Bolivia that other people believe that they should control their own resources. A world citizen can see their point.

[Pamela Lyn]

Hi Paula. I just wanted to let you know that your post has been added to the groups main page.