Who You Calling Arrogant?

Lost in the euphoria of the Obama European tour last week was the stunning lack of objectivity of the American media. If they had bothered to pry their eyes away from the Obamas and reflect on several of his conversations, they might have reported news to the American people that would have given them pause for reflection.

First, consider the meeting President Obama held with his Chinese counterpart last week. China had invited the new president to visit Beijing — Obama accepted. Obama also vowed to work with China to garner more influence with the International Monetary Fund. And what did we, the American people, receive in kind? Nothing. No concession or pledge to work to reduce the threat posed on the Korean Peninsula by North Korea. Oh, nice missile test launched by the North Koreans a few days back.

Next, President Obama noted to his Russian counterpart that America has “drifted” in its relationship with Russia. Let me see, in the last few years Russia has: invaded Georgia, threatened Poland, cut off natural gas shipments to Europe — and America has drifted? No, the American media overseas were too distracted to report this while they twittered about whether the first lady placing her arm around the waist of Queen Elizabeth II was appropriate behavior.

No, my favorite event coming out of the Obama World Tour last week that was scarcely reported was that the president of the United States declared that America has “failed to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world” and has “shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” towards its allies. Where to start?

First, America has taken a leading role over the past 100 years to liberate Europe from brutal dictators not once but twice. At significant cost to American lives. To suggest that America has somehow failed to appreciate the leading role of the Europeans is a remarkable statement. I only wish the Europeans would appreciate America’s leading role in the world to liberate those who have been oppressed by fascism, communism and tyranny.

Next, for the president of the United States to declare that his own country “has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” towards its allies on foreign soil is repugnant. In one sentence, the American president has given voice to America-haters around the world, who scorn our freedom, liberty and very way of life. Why the American president would seek to insult his country while on foreign soil is truly beyond me. That the American press would ignore such a significant statement tells far more about its objectivity, or lack thereof.

The next time the president of the United States thinks he should insult his own country, which he was elected to protect and defend, perhaps he should look in the mirror first to see the one who is truly arrogant.