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WASHINGTON -- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio delivered a foreign policy speech at a D.C. think tank on Wednesday in which he called on the U.S. to continue its involvement throughout the world, especially in the Middle East hot spots of Iran and Syria.
Attempting to show off his foreign policy chops, Rubio argued for an American foreign policy that remains engaged in foreign lands, saying the U.S. should become involved in Syria, and arguing that military action may need to be taken to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
"I disagree with voices in my own party who argue we should not engage at all. Who warn we should heed the words of John Quincy Adams not to go 'abroad, in search of monsters to destroy,'" said Rubio at the Brookings Institution. "I disagree, because all around us we see the human face of America’s influence in the world."
Rubio, whose speech did little to dismiss the vice presidential speculation surrounding him, stressed the need for America to build coalitions when becoming involved in foreign affairs, saying there is no other country "to hand off the baton to, even if it were wise to do so."
But such coalition building should not hamper the U.S. from leading on the international stage, he said. The Florida senator criticized President Obama for "an overreliance on institutions, global institutions whether its the security council or its the United Nations to take the lead on some of these issues." He cited Libya as a case in which the president waited too long to lead, and results were stifled because of inaction.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, in independent who caucuses with Democrats but backed Republican Sen. John McCain for president in 2008, introduced Rubio, praising the junior senator from the Sunshine state for his pragmatic foreign policy views.
Rubio did not mention presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney, though the views he espoused on Wednesday line up well with the former Massachusetts governor, who he campaigned with earlier in the week in Pennsylvania.
Rubio said he believes foreign policy should be "non-partisan as much as possible." But for a war-weary country, further American involvement anywhere in the country can be a contentious issue. The senator said part of the problem in Afghanistan is that the U.S. has not made a long-term commitment to the country, and some Afghans fear the prospects of cooperating with allie forces if Taliban were to rule again after the coalition leaves the country.
And Rubio made clear that military action should be on the table in Iran. "We should also be preparing our allies, and the world, for the reality that unfortunately, if all else fails, preventing a nuclear Iran may, tragically, require a military solution," he said.
But, the Tea Party favorite did express his desires to building coalitions before beginning any foreign entanglement.
"America has acted unilaterally in the past -– and I believe it should continue to do so in the future -- when necessity requires," he said. "But our preferred option since the U.S. became a global leader has been to work with others to achieve our goals."
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For All of You who wanted to Play in "The SandBox Games" of Bush/Cheney, just Remember, a barrel of Oil was $25 before that bunch took office, it Now is $100 a barrel.
If America wants $10 a gallon Gas or more, if America wants $200 a barrel Oil, I suggest you Vote Republican!
If ya Don't, it's simple, Vote Out All Republicans from Local, State, & Federal offices, this November!
You Betcha !
Occupy SoggyBottom!
What Rubio is discussing is more wars and more fat contracts for more fat "defense" contractors. More blood for oil, more unfunded military "adventures," more vacant chairs, more orphans, more widows and widowers, and more parents watching their children die before they do.
Obama/Biden 2012
Moonbat Wayne, still with the vacuous lies from the post-9/11 Bush policies. Didnt you know your messiah Obama sends unmanned drones to kill terrorist suspects and their families, without trial?
Why is Obama doing this? Is this blood for oil?
Gas was 1.87 when BoBo took office - I sure miss those days!
Sen. Marco Rubio is so ill-informed and misquided. When will Rubio address those scandals he is being accused of?
Well said, Rick and Wayne!
dontgivemethepenguin
[Gas was 1.87 when BoBo took office - I sure miss those days!]
6 months after it reached the all-time high (National Avg.)
which still stands and only dropped then because the economy collapsed.
Thank you Jody. For republicans, oil, money and power are more important than American lives. A republican in the White House virtually guarantees yet another war...........or two.
Thanx Dennis, Most Real Americans have'nt lost thier memories of just a little over 3 years ago. Sadly, some have, such as Bodiddly above.
Last night I watched Part 1 & 2 of "Money, Power & WallStreet, the Economic Collapse of 2008", its Really sad to watch, seeing Real Americans fall for the Line of $hit that Republicans then & Now, put forth!
You Betcha!
Occupy SoggyBottom!
Once again the GOP is out of touch with what America wants .This idiot " Rubio" is yet another GOP war monger .This is why the people need to vote on all war's and the extent at which we will engage in it ! Congress and the senate has led us done this path before look how Bush lied and we are still paying for it ..
He goes on to say:
So Rubio is a neocon who supports the Bush Doctrine! And like Romney and Paul Ryan he wants to increase defense spending, even if it means ending all entitlement programs for the American people.
A Romney and Rubio ticket would be the blind leading the blind, and both with half-cocked guns in their hands!
What's ironic is the criticism toward President Obama who has been aggressive and not isolationist, and most of all, he along with Biden and others (Clinton) have represented our country well. Where's the beef?
GOP Republican Prez and VP candidate pushing for wars they can profit from at the expense of everyone else but them. GOP no-bid contract buddies funding their campaigns will make billions while the middle and low income taxpayers will be made to fund the wars with higher taxes and the lives of their kids.
Why is it that their only solution to problems is to go backwards? Back to failed policies. Why not go forward with new energy technologies and ideas as our global competitors are doing? Why does it work in other countries, but can't be done here? And wouldn't it be nice to hear a cry for putting Amricans back to work in a war on pollution, on environmental degradation, and on dirty air and water out of these guys?
Instead, we get the mantra that less regulation and oversight is better for us to solve our problems. Instead, they want to stay with old ideas with a history of problems that were a source of our economic demise.
Why? Grover and Rove said no. Not part of their ideal. 'Let them eat cake' so long as we make a buck.
So, we are at a crossroads in America. We the people must go to war using our vote to take back our country from these GOP war mongers who would have us under their thumb and of third world oil dictators until every drop runs dry.
Remember in November - Vote the GOP out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aw, Rick- y'mean y'don't want us to get behind Senor Rube-io, and rattle them swords like good 'exceptional' American citizens? What he doesn't say, though, is how we're going to pay for it. I'm guessing, tax the living sh!t out of the middle and lower class folks.
(hey- when did I, of all people, turn republican??)
It is funny how many moonbat posters put up pictures of their dogs....before they knew Obama liked dogs...literally really, really likes dogs!
Welcome back drive-by-observer
Hey, Bob you are not a newbie. You know drive-by-observer always had that picture. Too bad Willard doesn't like his dog enough not to toture him.
Maybe he will once PETA goes after him.
Drive by, American(International) Companys forgot to plan LongTerm when they offShored Millions of American jobs overseas. They thought these Foriners would keep wages so low, that thier profit margins would continue to RISE. However, the Foren Workers had other Plans, they wanted a piece of the Pie also.
So now, Thier(Corparations) Cost have Risen Tremendously & now they have No other Choice but to Bring the Jobs back to Americans. However, all is not Lost for'em, as they don't havta worry about Labor Contracts(for now) & can hire those same Workers at a fraction of what they were once Paid.
In the meantime, Foren Countrys will be hesitant about doing Business with these NumbSkulls in the Future, as they'll think, that they'll PackUp & leave again, once the profits are'nt there!
Kiss My Grits!
Occupy SoggyBottom!
Gee Bob #s - still can't get off that dog story. Well, we understand why .. now that the GOP/TP folks have educated us on man-on-dog action, and have redefined 'lap dog' for us, we know you are simply nervous that you are going to lose your 'best toy-friend'. Not to worry Bob .. Obama won't be eating your boy/doggie-toy .. he gave that up as an adult.
Marco Rubio would be a great selection for Vice President, even though I am partial to my state's Governor.
Whether or not he is selected for VP, Mr. Rubio has a bright future. With his intellect and charisma, he will likely be on a national ticket at some point soon.
I know why you're partial to'em Bob############, if it's Stinks like $hit, You're partial to it!
It Is That Simple Bob#########!
You Betcha !
Occupy SoggyBottom!
Some intellect .. can't even figure out his own history, much less the history of this country. Just what we need in a leader, another history revisionist on the order of Palin, Bachmann, and Gingrich.
The Obama Administration navigated through the replacement of two Middle East dictators whose time had come by the will of their citizens. They did this without boots on the ground or the loss of American lives.
The Middle East will remain dangerous and dynamic, but being engaged without committing troops was masterful diplomacy. Rubio is dead wrong to criticize the Administrations performance.
It is time that the other interested nations participate in policing the tough neighborhoods. The bi-polar balance of power is long gone Mr. Rubio.
Of course these TPGOP candidates want to spend American lives and resources on war. They aren't sending their kids to fight, get disabled or die--it is our kids--not a single one of the Romney sons have served their country in the military. And TPGOP certainly aren't spending their own money--they are using taxpayer money that could be much better employed in rebuilding our own country for a change. I find it very strange that TPGOPers are so against taxes and domestic spending, but they willingly spend trillions on wasteful stupid wars that we have no business starting in the first place! Yes indeed--we believe in the sanctity of life!
"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly
Not only do they not send their children to fight, nurse, they don't pay for the wars either---they keep giving themselves tax cuts and then argue to raise revenues by cutting social programs that help the poor and middle class. Easy for them to be war mongerers.
Rubio.....'The senator said part of the problem in Afghanistan is that the U.S. has not made a long-term commitment to the country'
I'd like to know Marcos' definition of 'long-term'!
How many more lives need to be sacrificed? How much more money spent?...and just when will those poppy fields be destroyed?
The news is reporting threats against Rubio's life - Probably Fisty Redhead
MSNBC should ban you bo for even insinuating such a thing. You are not welcome here.
Agree Wayne.....Be gone BotheDog, unless you have something meaningful to add.......
BoTheDog
The news is reporting threats against Rubio's life - Probably Fisty Redhead
Naw
Probably it's an angry Amber Stone
Who IS this Amber Stoner? Why would Rubio have a healthcare lobbyist’s travel on his credit charges? And why do the two of them seem to show up in the same place (some resort towns) the same day or within a day or two of each other? Can Rubio explain why she travels for him? with him? There are 17 trips by this Amber Stoner on Rubio’s credit charges within this database which is not complete, and to get ALL his credit card records would require a court order but I’ll bet if someone got that court order they would find more entries of Ms. Stoner’s travels. Just what is going on here between Rubio and Stoner? Is this appropriate for the “Family Values” Tea Party candidate?
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2010/09/30/just-what-is-going-on-here-between-marco-rubio-healthcare-lobbyist-amber-stoner/
==========================================
Ummm, Looks like Amber got dogged out!!!
BotheDog is a re-reg with a couple dozen AKA's.
Bev,
That Marco is a real studly dudly isn't he...?
If this is in fact true - he can kiss his lust for the VP slot adios!
Fiesty, if you go to the political carnival they have studly dudly's recipts posted. That's just one reason he is saying "No", "No", "No".
Also, not that many Hispanics have Rubio Fever. Now the Supreme Court decision.
See ya Rubio; wouldn't wanna be ya.
[Just what is going on here between Rubio and Stoner? Is this appropriate for the “Family Values” Tea Party candidate?]
Well, Rubio is a liar...exaggerating and embellishing his family's emigration timeline. Rubio can never accept the VP offer...too many skeletons in the closet.
...sad, really...
Well, isn't that just sweet, Mr. Rubio. Let's go fight some more wars for the heck of it on the off chance there's an enemy to be destroyed. Here's a question for you, Rubio, how do you propose to pay for it? Eliminate social security, medicare, education, intrastructure spending, research and development? Would you raise taxes on the wealthiest 1% or do they continue to reap the benefits of your wars while the rest of us pay the treasure price and our young men and women pay with their lives.
Just once, I would like to see a reporter take these chicken hawks to task and demand some answers. They're all huffed and puffed up blowing fear smoke yet it is our country, our people who suffer for and pay the price of the GOP's irresponsibility.
Couldn't agree more, Jody. Is there any conflict that the Republicans would walk away from? Eisenhower was right to warn of the military-industrial complex. Of course, Ike probably wouldn't be allowed in the Republican party today.
Steeler Fan, it boggles the mind. Everytime I hear John McCain or any of the many GOPers say we cannot leave Afghanistan, we must stay, I wonder how much longer and how many more lives it will take to satisfy their desire for war.
Afghanistan will be the same isolated, ungoverned backwater in a thousand years that it is today. We can thank St. Ronald for our involvement there. He wanted the Russians out of there and now we are there in their place and will ultimately leave with nothing to show for it.
Bob in Virginia-5210392
Marco Rubio would be a great selection for Vice President, even though I am partial to my state's Governor.
So tell me are you partial to vaginal probes and state rape too?
Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is, perhaps the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instrument for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emolument is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds are added to those of subduing the force of the people. The same malignant aspect in republicanism may be traced in the inequality of fortunes and the opportunities of fraud growing out of a state of war, and in the degeneracy of manners and of morals engendered by both. No nation could reserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.
Those truths are well established. They are read in every page which records the progression from a less arbitrary to a more arbitrary government, or the transition from a popular government to an aristocracy or a monarchy. James Madison
Think about it, the biggest share of today's massive debt is the by-product of Reagan, Bush and Bush's wars because they didn't even bother to raise taxes to pay for them.
During the GOP primary, with the exception of Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman, every republican candidate was ready to start another war with Iran, North Korea and now Syria. Now the audition for VP begins and it seems Marco Rubio has joined the neocons in promoting perpetual war. Isn't it time we started investing in this country again and on something other than war and the implements of war?
I should add that within Marco Rubio's words and all the other GOP candidates' words who were so quick to promote the notion that war is the first and best answer to solving foreign problems lies the real legacy of Ronald Reagan; their unwillingness to pay for wars and military might is part of that same legacy.
Jody, Iowa
During the GOP primary, with the exception of Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman, every republican candidate was ready to start another war with Iran, North Korea and now Syria. Now the audition for VP begins and it seems Marco Rubio has joined the neocons in promoting perpetual war.
So true; methinks when Rubio goes on FOX Noise he sits in the green room with disgraced Ambassador John Bolt-on who talks about nothing but war. In fact, bombing is his only answer to every question FOX NOISE asks during interviews.
Jody, Iowa
I should add that within Marco Rubio's words and all the other GOP candidates' words who were so quick to promote the notion that war is the first and best answer to solving foreign problems lies the real legacy of Ronald Reagan; their unwillingness to pay for wars and military might is part of that same legacy
Yet, despite what you said; it was Reagan who wanted nuclear disarment. But what do they know?
Republicans Are Against Reagan’s Nuclear Weapons Policies
There is NO difference between what Reagan wanted and what President Obama has done, NONE!!! From Sec Gates to the Chiefs of Staff, recommended this done, and they should have. The ONLY difference between Reagan and Obama’s policies is that Reagan was a repub, and Obama is a Dem. The Tea Buggers were not around, the conservative and libratarian extremist was TOTALLY behind Reagan, but when Obama does what Reagan could not, then its a problem. Horse pucky!! We know that the conservatives, libratarians, and tea buggers want Obama to fail, but THAT is not going to happen. With Obama being successful has been the nightmare of the far right, and that dream is becoming reality, which I doubt they can handle. Thanks President Obama for making the world a little safer because of your persistence, job WELL DONE!!!!
http://www.progressinaction.com/republicans/republicans-are-against-reagans-nuclear-weapons-policies/
Yes, Reagan did want nuclear disarmament while he covertly fought a war in Afghanistan against the USSR, and illegally engaged in wars in South America ala Iran/Contra.
This is really sad.
The presumptive TeaPeople nominee is using Rubio as his foreign affairs go to guy. Mittens is afraid of foreign policy!
Let's bring it all a little close to home Rubio. How do you really feel about Cuba/Castro?
Rubio wants a war here and there to increase manufacturing and reduce the population.
I just watched Rubio's speech on foreign policy. He lost the last page of the speech and had to ask his handlers if they had it. For goodness sakes who's in charge of these two men's campaigns - Elmer Fudd?
Yup - Dumb and Dumber 2012 - not exactly two bright bulbs!
Lies of the GOP & Tea bagger, Citizens United and all the Alec corps ( WALMART ) that pay off the Politician. Its all about the Wealthy getting richer and the middle class getting poorer.....They don't want to help the poor, I do mean the poor not the lazy good for nothings...Who are the one's that leach off the taxpayer. The Wealthy: they get welfare both for themselves an for the Corps. ...But it seems that the Wealthy get away with it ..They steal billions and the few poor steals a few thousands. So what does the GOP want, is Screw the MIddle Class to get even with the few. As I say its the me me me and F everyone else.... The failures of the Republicans party trying to take away SS & Medicare & Health care for Woman so they can give their wealthy Blackmailers more money...To hell with the Poor and Needy. Let them freeze in the winter and stave the Old and Babies,let them die from bad water, do away with the EPA and thats what you'll have, just like all you Tea baggers want...You make me sick with your Me Me Me altitude. It just a matter of time before the masses raise up against you . Greedy and you all call yourself Christians, Christains. What a laugh: Wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WAKE UP
Has anyone asked Senator Rubio how he would pay for his proposals for increased American foreign adventurism?
Wasn't it just a couple of years ago that then candidate Rubio was all up in arms about cutting the US government's budget?
Wheere does Senator Rubio think the money comes from to go out and invade foreign countries and maintain fighting troops in those countries for decades?
Even if every single cent of non-military government spending was immediately cut, the costs of doing what Senator Rubio is suggesting would be staggering!
I wonder if Senator Rubio's Tea-bagger friends support a massive increase in government spending?
This guy looks to be one of Willard Romney's "short list" of VP candidatges. Really?
John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin might actually have been a wiser choice than Willard Romney selecting Marco Rubio. And everyone knows what an albatross around McCain's neck Sarah Palin turned out to be.
Vote out of office republican and blue dog dem from state and federal office.