On the one hand, repudiating George W. Bush's foreign policies and general John Wayne attitude toward the rest of the world sounds like an excellent idea. He has done nearly irreparable damage to the respect and regard that other countries used to have for the United States. But (even though he may think so) he's not the Lone Ranger (to mix cowboy metaphors a bit). He's just been far more blatant and generally more rude and bull-headed than some of his predecessors (along with obviously being a little man in shoes far to big for him).

Yet, talk is cheap. I think it would be more eloquent—and convincing—to show the world by our behavior that we have decided to join the community of civilized nations.

Avoiding international strife, particularly involving military action, sanctions, economic boycotts and such through the use of quiet but consistent diplomacy is the way to change, not just our image in the world, but our character as a nation.

Don Firth