My latest in PJ Media:
It’s an odd statement coming from anyone who was ever in the U.S. government. President Trump’s former Defense Secretary James Mattis has declared, in a Foreign Affairs op-ed co-written with establishment foreign policy wonk Kori Schake, that he hopes a Biden administration won’t put America first. He didn’t say which country he thought a president of the United States should put first instead.
Mattis and Schake wrote: “In January, when President Joe Biden and his national security team begin to reevaluate U.S. foreign policy, we hope they will quickly revise the national security strategy to eliminate ‘America first’ from its contents, restoring in its place the commitment to cooperative security that has served the United States so well for decades.”
This was so important, they asserted, because “in practice, ‘America first’ has meant ‘America alone.’ That has damaged the country’s ability to address problems before they reach U.S. territory and has thus compounded the danger emergent threats pose.”
This is rancid, insidious hogwash. Trump’s travel bans, which Biden has pledged to repeal on his first day in office, are designed to prevent problems from reaching U.S. territory. Biden’s repeal of them will only make Americans more vulnerable. Also, Trump’s America First policy was not “America alone” by any means: the U.S. was instrumental in concluding peace deals between Israel and three of its Arab Muslim neighbors, deals that John Kerry, who will soon be back in a position of power, assured us back in 2016 would be absolutely impossible. Trump has also demanded more responsibility from our allies, asking them to pay more for their own defense.
The only way in which Trump’s America First policy meant “America alone” was insofar as it broke from the internationalist arrangements that have been in place since the end of World War II, to which Mattis and Schake refer as “the commitment to cooperative security that has served the United States so well for decades.”
But if a “commitment to cooperative security” doesn’t involve being able to put one’s national interests first, how is it good for the people of that nation? That question doesn’t apply just to America.
There is much more. Read the rest here.
Infidel says
Aside from the Middle East, one area that Trump was accused of going it alone was China. Yet today, in the Indo-Pacific, we have plenty of allies. Starting w/ the Quad, who unlike NATO, are happy to pull their own weight. In fact, a few days ago, thinking that Joe Biden might withdraw from Quad, Australia had a meeting w/ Japan to work out an alliance in the event that does happen. India too has been working actively w/ Taiwan and Vietnam!
If one doesn’t like the ‘America alone’ template, Trump had not been doing that. All over Asia, we have quite a few real allies, and potential ones. That’s a good model to go for, and one that we managed w/o getting into TPP and sacrificing our economy at the alter of South Korea’s. And a few days ago, India declined to join the Beijing led RCEP (which was their alternative to the TPP), and hopefully, more countries will pull out of that
St. Croix says
in one of the debates, Biden mocked Trump’s relationship with “thugs” and got on his high horse about Kim Jong-un. Strangely enough, they were all wringing their hands when Trump took office, claiming he would bring the U.S. into WAR with North Korea. Trump, the “non-diplomat” somehow managed to turn it around, so much so that Kim Jong-un sent him a get-well message when POTUS came down with Covid.
Yes, Kim is a “different kind of guy” for sure. Somehow, Trump seems to know how to deal with all these wily characters.
Instead of doing what works, Biden said he wants to get the navy doing cruise-bys around North Korea, as back in the good old Obama days; he’s going to be the tough guy, and won’t be “sending love-letters” to such thugs!
Well, if it’s working, don’t break it. Credit where credit is due, Trump dealt with a seemingly out of control tyrant. Yet, the media will never acknowledge all the positive points of Trump’s four years.
As for Biden, he seems bent on doing the opposite of what works and what will work. It’s so aggravating, and would be funny if it weren’t so tragic, and downright deadly. Who’s the clown here? I hope this election fraud will be exposed and Biden will never get to check “POTUS” off his bucket list.
Infidel says
Uh, he didn’t have any issues w/ his boss getting cozy w/ the Castros, so why’s he criticizing Trump on Kim? Both are Communist thugs. Kim is Asian, Castro is ‘white-Hispanic’
Biden was just being raaaaaaysissssssssssssssst!!!
curious george says
Infidel & St. Croix,
?
mortimer says
Good point, ‘infidel’.
curious george says
5 More Ways Joe Biden Magically Outperformed Election Norms
https://thefederalist.com/2020/11/23/5-more-ways-joe-biden-magically-outperformed-election-norms/
CogitoErgoSum says
Who the hell would place their trust in Joe Biden. This man whom the press calls a “devout Catholic” doesn’t even know how to pronounce the word “Psalmist.” This moron is one of the biggest frauds in history. Devout Catholic my …. eye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJBlGQpoItY
b.a. freeman says
@CG: thanks for that link! i often miss important articles, and it’s nice when they are pointed out. again, thank U!
@CES: *VERY* well put! +1
Grace says
Joe Biden will never be accepted as the legitimate president of the United States. After almost eight thousand voters view the expose’s on OAN featuring testimony by Observers, poll workers and lawyers from both sides of the isle telling of the bullying and illegal act’s by Democrats in Pennsylvania. There are law suits pending in all of the other battleground states. Whatever happens these testimonies will be out there surfacing for years, testimony to the duplicity carried on by the Democratic party. Information in the courts is being slow walked by complicit left wing judges impeding the petitions to the Supreme Court for hearings.. If time is not on the side of the republicans, even after January the information will be out there casting a long shadow over China Joe for the rest of his life and the Democratic party will be exposed for the dangerous criminal party it has become. .
mortimer says
Is that ‘date’ palm or ‘coconut’ palm?
(Phony baloney … get the geezer live and ask him if he knows his wife’s birthday, wedding anniversary or his shoe size.
CogitoErgoSum says
Joe has probably been going to a palm reader for the past 20 years thinking that he was talking to a priest.
Infidel says
The thing I worry about most is that if Biden wins, the Democrats will have the same sort of death grip on power that their comrades have in Cuba
b.a. freeman says
personally, i think a better comparison would be to china; cuba is a communist dictatorship, but china, which allows “private” ownership – so long as it benefits the party and party members – is a *fascist* dictatorship. communists run *everything* via the state, while fascists allow the stupid stinking masses to do their own thing, so long as they ask “how high?” when ordered to jump by the party.
china took over the worldwide rare earth metals market by forcing their rare earth producers to sell finished ingots for less than u.s. and canadian miners (not to mention the miners of any other nationality) could sell raw ore. rare earth metals are not rare, but they are important to producing strong permanent magnets, which makes them *vital* in producing DC electric motors. smaller electric motors – like those in the prius of your neighborhood leftist – are usually DC motors, so all china has to do is cut off a “misbehaving” nation’s supply of rare earth metals, and they will lose the ability to produce DC electric motors. they have this ability in MANY different industries, and they WILL use them to beat down the u.s., EUrabia, and anybody else who challenges them … and joe biden and crew will drop trou and bend over. “c’mon, man, china’s not dangerous!”
Infidel says
Freeman, very true! Just like China’s surveillance state, the Dems will have big tech at their beck & call! No election will ever be fair again: Dominion machines will automatically increment the GOP vote and declare that to be the Dem vote. Mail-in ballots will become rampant. In short, we’ll become a macrocosm of California
curious george says
Infidel & b.a. freeman,
?
Defending the Republic – Sidney Powell’s Legal Defense Fund
https://defendingtherepublic.org/
Every Legal Vote
https://everylegalvote.com/country
E T says
Biden is not going to win. There may be some sent to prison. Treason is a really, really bad charge.
gravenimage says
Good post, b.a. freeman.
curious george says
Nearly one out five voters would change their vote for Biden
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2020/11/nearly_one_out_five_voters_want_to_change_vote_for_biden.html
Walter Sieruk says
As already explained before, Mattis has nothing to worry about, for Biden definitely will not put America first.
Joe Biden is dangerous to the safety of the American public and the very foundation of the United States of America.
For Biden had promised to install Muslims at every level of his administration. we all may be sure this is one promise the Biden will keep.
No wonder that the stealth jihadists along with the violent jihadists are rejoicing at prospect Biden sitting in the White House Office.
Biden will ,no doubt, invite the members of the anti -US Constitution ,pro -Sharia law ,Muslim Brotherhood, in the different positions of office is of the White House as well as all levels of the Federal government.
Those scheming and intelligent MB merber will easely control and manipulate that weak and feeble minded Joe to everything they want him to do.
This President pretender ,Biden ,by that promise to put Muslims in and at every level of his administration has opened door and even invited in not only the infiltration of the MB but also that of the Islamic power lobby organizations CAIR and ISNA those subversive and dangerous stealth jihad of the Muslim entitics ,with strong Sharia law anti -US Constitution drive infesting the US Federal government by Biden’s permission is not only madness but this should be enough to vave Biden arrested and imprisoned for treason.
Walter Sieruk says
“Since Mattis hopes that old Joe won’t put America first.” It should be made known Mattis will not be disappointed with that “hope” about Biden.
For Biden will definitely not put America first. The sad and tragic reality is if Biden really does next year obtain the Office President of the United States, He will be a disaster for America , he will be a disaster for the American people.
Joe Biden will harm this country.
James Lincoln says
Just in from Fox News:
“A column co-authored by former U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis which called for an end to President Trump’s “America First” foreign policy did not include a disclosure regarding the retired four-star general’s work with the Cohen Group, an international business advisory firm active in China.”
He is compromised…
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mattis-did-not-disclose-consultant-role-column-denouncing-trumps-america-first-policy
curious george says
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
FOLLOW THE MONEY.
Keys says
Yes, but it is hard to follow with direct deposits in foreign banks.
Emilie Green says
Foreign Affairs magazine = Council on Foreign Relations = NWO Central
In the halls of the CFR the most detested phrase is “America First”
If you’re looking for the enemy within, look no further than the CFR.
jewdog says
John Brennan, Obama head of the CIA, has denounced the assassination of the top Iranian nuke scientist as a criminal act. Hey John, all’s fair in love and war! The appeasers are returning in full force, so get ready.
gravenimage says
Mattis Hopes Biden Won’t Put America First
………………
Yes–just appalling.
mortimer says
James Mattis wants to put foreign businesses, foreign workers and foreign factories first.
tgusa says
What is this old man doing here in the USA? Imagine America as a corporation of diversified interests. Now imagine a diversified corporation putting itself second and putting all of its subsidiarity interests third. That is something not possible if the corporation desires to survive.
tgusa says
“I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.”
Geronimo.
John says
I guess the generals that followed him in NATO didn’t get their asses kissed and balls rubbed by our ‘allies’ when Trump demanded they pay their fair share of defense costs.
Infidel says
Honestly, we need to be out of NATO. I get the president demanding that they pay their fair share, but seriously, what are NATO’s goals today? 30 years ago, the Soviets collapsed, and yet, as recently as a few years ago, we were admitting countries like Montenegro into the ‘alliance’. Are we going to go to war if they are invaded by any of their neighbors?
NATO knows that they have no purpose, which is why they recently proposed adding ‘Combating Climate change’ to their agenda! Last I checked, they weren’t a meteorological organization, and even if they were, Climate Change is something that’s like death – always was there, always will be!
In the meantime, everybody ignores the adventurism of Turkey, NATO’s second most powerful member (after US). They are happily moving against Armenia, Greece, Cyprus and trying to put together a virtual Ottoman empire. There is no mechanism in NATO to kick them out, so if a war breaks out b/w Turkey and Israel, we’d have to fight on Turkey’s side?
We need to be out of NATO. To all those Defense Contractors worried about losing their gravy trains, don’t worry: Beijing will keep our hands full! Not just that, we have quite a few allies in the region – Japan, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and potentially a few others, depending on how China treats them (Burma, Sri Lanka). You’ll have plenty of customers to keep you going as long as China lasts
noel says
is it any wonder that Trump fired Mattis?
Infidel says
It’s a wonder that he hired him in the first place. Mattis was one of his bad picks, the others being McMaster, Kelly, Tillerson, Rosenstein, Wray, Haspell…
Rooster says
Mattis is a “mad dog” who needs to be put back in his cage. What a disgusting individual who puts self before country. You would think a Marine would know better but obviously something is lacking in Mattis’s character, integrity, honor, commitment to name a few. He may have politically achieved a senior rank but he is by no means a superior officer!
Infidel says
Too many Republicans were deceived by his moniker ‘mad dog’ and thought he was a great asset. When in reality, he was just another swamp creature, knee deep in lobbying
OLD GUY says
That’s about the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Mattis should lose his rank as a general in the U.S. military and kicked out of Washington. The President of the U.S. should always put America first in all decisions.
CogitoErgoSum says
Joe will owe his allegiance to the people who elected him.
Gourdhead says
As a former Marine (yes, I know, Once A Marine Always a Marine) I am totally shocked at what a globalist douche-bag Mattis has been.
Shirley Ann says
Rabid-Dog Mattis was a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT, from the FIRST . Along with McMasters & Kelly, Rabid Dog Mattis was ready to Do Any Evil Deed to President Trump. The Trio now has found a life with the DEM-OWNED MEDIA .
Remember that the TRIO were ALL OBAMA’S GENERALS & SABOTEURS TO AMERICA. They’re a Poor Excuse for Soldiers. Was Mattis not involved with the RED HIGH-HEELS FOR SOLDIERS MESS? MY VIEW.
Clifford Fodor says
How about putting Christians and Jews first? –Especially the Christians in Nigeria. Many of them are killed every day. And the Christians in North Korea and Indonesia are faring very well either.
Art says
I am of the opinion that Gen. Mattis is confused, at best.
Every other country in the world puts themselves above their allies and enemies, not doing so is treason.
I have to wonder which countries Mattis would put before America?
We know that Biden will put China before America and possibly Cuba, they were the two non-Muslim favorites of his hero Obama.
I’m convinced he will put the EU ahead of America because he doesn’t understand the international politics the started WWII, which are very similar to what the EU is doing.
E T says
I do not understand why people are talking about what Biden will do. Everyone should know by now he did not win the election. Anyone who believes he did may have been dropped on their head. Stand up for President Trump, do not believe for a split second that Joe 30330, the sadly failing, demented old man won. Look at all the numbers of house seats that are being declared for the Republicans. The lying press said they would lose 27 seats.
Take a good look at the number of votes Donald Trump had in the states where they quit tallying at 10:30 pm on Nov 3 and then poof by morning Biden had won. HA HA HA Soros be sayin the joke is on the little people who will believe ANYTHING.
TRUMP WON, the criminal liars, the Democrats, the media ( including Fox News), the techs, Antofagasta, BLM, Bernie bros, Soros lost to the Patriot President.
I am taking bets, if anyone is interested.
Infidel says
I agree that Trump won, but fear that time is not on the side of his legal team to gather what’s necessary. Let’s see how it goes in SCOTUS
But I agree w/ you: I’m not paying any attention to Biden’s pageantry. It’s only worth anything if and when he’s confirmed the winner. And until then, I’m not gonna talk about the Trump presidency in past tense
E T says
There are still eight house seats not called yet, Republicans are leading in all of them. – x there truly was a. If red wave.
It is very hard to hide a landslide. No wonder they Hollywood, Soros and the other evil actors are hustling raising billions to fight for senate seats in Georgia.
What will they do when it is declared a Trump victory with Senate and House?
Keep you glass half full — We will not have 4 more years of Barack Obama telling the world how vile the West is.
They can go to hell, they cheated, lied, clawed their way through the swamp – ENOUGH a clean sweep.
E T says
Republicans just picked up another seat in California — up 11 now and the polls/ media liars told us they would lose 27 seats. Ha ha ha. What a bloody disgusting group of treasonous bleeps the democrats are.
Boycott Hollywood, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Say goodbye to big tech. Destroy them like they have destroyed so many lives.
Small businesses are dying but Amazon owner is now a trillionaire!