« Mozart! | Main | A grim anniversary and the Law of Round Numbers »

Dear Obama, from Prague

Dear Obama,
Like most people here on the Continent, Czechs are intrigued at the possiblity of an Obama presidency. Here in the former Eastern bloc, and especially here in the Czech Republic, where the president is chosen by members of Parliament and not by popular election, many Czechs look on with a mixture of wonder and envy.
Of course your visit to Europe this week has been well noted in the press. But one thing that I personally wonder about, since this tour is intended to bolster your foreign policy credentials, is why you didn't include Prague on your itinerary. After all, just 100 kilometers from the city the U.S. has plans to build a missile defense shield for Europe. The radar would be here and the missiles across the border in Poland, and the entire system is intended to protect the Continent from nuclear attacks from Iran and North Korea.
As you probably know, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice last week was here and signed a treaty with her Czech counterpart. Meanwhile, the proposed radar has generated controversy here, as polls have shown a majority of Czechs oppose the project, and Russia has also voiced objections.
It would be interesting to hear what you and your Republican rival John McCain would have to say about it. Of course, plans for the radar have been in discussion for years, and reports here have suggested that no matter who wins in November it won't affect the outcome. President Bush, in a visit here last summer. praised Czechs for overcoming 40 years of Communist rule, and told them the shield is a part of the ongoing struggle to protect democracy.
What do you think? Many Czechs tell me they don't think the shield is necessary. Part of their reservations stem from fear that it will make their country a target, but also it smacks of old Cold War chess moves and brinksmanship especially with Putin's Russia on the march (Last week, energy supplies to the Czech Republic were temporarily interrupted, although Russian officials say it was merely an accident).
Anyway, I realize there is a lot on your plate, with Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy. But instead of speaking in front of the 'Gate in Germany, perhaps you might have come to this small corner of Europe, a small corner that is invested in democracy (there are small contingents in Afghanistan and Iraq), and could have a bigger role to play in the near future.
Just a thought.
James Tressler
Prague

Comments

Hi James, Im sorry that I have to contact you by this way. We met on Thursday two weeks ago in the pub Rozjeta zaba - with Nikol. We talked about cooperation in fotoreporting. If you think its good
idea, please contact me! Cheers!James

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

For decades we are going to rever Pelosi and Obama.

In an effort to combat deficient spamming upon my blog website, I would definitely set up a little disclaimer next to the comment box. I probably would make it possible for the journal readers realize that I really encourage these folks to feature their own individual web-sites providing that they provide some decent information linked to the post. I really do not mind doing work a little bit if they want to get a hold of a reasonable link.

You’re talking about actions. If the ACTIONS taken at the mosque violate the law, they should be punished. At this point, “conservatives” want the government to restrict speech. That’s wrong, and it will backfire.

Thanks for the post. Keep the great work.

The recession wasn't caused by a political party. It was caused by us as Americans getting lazy and giving away everything our forefathers worked so hard for. Don't blame Obama OR Bush, blame yourself.

So what would you do differently if you were President?

hostelry deals specials
prices of hotels
online caravanserai reservation software
hotel price
shield student
cheap air and hotel
trains booking
cheap belfast hotels
airlines booking
hotel five
job rank base reviews
housing org uk
bed stately palissandre
the jet hotel
criterion shelter
cheap singapore hotels
shabby checks
hotel 626
catalyst enclosure
family flight booking
palinuro
james hotel
breakfast deals may
hostelry deals nz
reasonable hotels

This was a great post, I hope you will write some more of these in the future....

I hate being so judgmental, however Sibling spouses is actually freaking creepy

Dear Obama where is the job you promised me?

Misread the headline Voter anger set to thwart Obama as Voldemort set to thwart Obama. I think that would have been a better story.

We must win big to overcome the cheating we’ve already learned about. It’s not new but what's new is that we're vigilant and are learning about this now instead of a couple months from now. will have them exposed for the cheaters they may be, just as their detrimental campaigning has shown these as liars and devoid of their own ideas. Now is not any time to slow down but rather to pile them on. It is the time to leave no doubt regarding where the American people today stand.

I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I'm very very impressed.

Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.

High quality info here! Keep up the great work. I love the feelings being expressed.

Amazing freakin blog here. I almost cried while reading it!

On the CNN website reading up on the North Korean attacks against South Korea.... my thoughts and prayers are with them

North Korea is threatening further military attacks against the South unless Seoul agrees to re-draw a disputed border

Reckless attacks on South Korean civilians are not tolerable, especially when South Korea is providing North Korea with humanitarian aid

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gives a damn about North Korea's attacks right now. The US has over 28,000 troops in South Korea.

Scenes from the apocalypse: Parliament debating the cost of a coat while nuclear-armed, nutter-controlled North Korea attacks the South

North Korea is threatening further military attacks against the South unless Seoul agrees to re-draw a disputed border

North Korea is threatening further military attacks against the South unless Seoul agrees to re-draw a disputed border

Reckless attacks on South Korean civilians are not tolerable, especially when South Korea is providing North Korea with humanitarian aid

Hey, always very good to determine other persons from the hole world in my searching, I really appreciate the time it should have taken to put together this awesome website. friendly regards

I really like the colors here on your blog. did you design this yourself or did you outsource it to a professional?

I am very thankful to you. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own BlogEngine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Keep up the good work.

Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.

I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up :)

I love the way you write and also the theme on your blog. Did you code this yourself or was it done by a professional? I'm very very impressed.

Thank you for great article. I had a very good time reading, and there were few things I was surprised by.

I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply back as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

as I website owner I think the content material here is very great , regards for your efforts.

Very fantastic info can be found on website .

Just want to say this blog is kinda awesome. I always like to read something new about this because I have the similar blog in my Country on this subject so this help´s me a lot. I did a search on the topic and found a good number of blogs but nothing like this.Thanks for sharing so much in your blog.. Greets, Sherman Pekarek

Good work! Keep it coming!

Great information

Sorry for the huge evaluation, however I am actually loving the new Zune, and hope this, in addition to the wonderful evaluations some other folks have written, will enable you resolve if it is the proper choice for you.

Arms down, Apple's app retailer wins by a mile. It's an enormous selection of all kinds of apps vs a moderately unhappy number of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, particularly in the realm of video games, however I'm unsure I would need to bet on the longer term if this side is important to you. The iPod is a a lot better selection in that case.

The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, however inferior to the iPod's. It works nicely, however isn't as quick as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. In case you often plan on utilizing the web browser that is not a problem, but if you're planning to browse the web alot out of your PMP then the iPod's bigger display screen and higher browser could also be important.

Interesting layout on your blog. I really enjoyed reading it and also I will be back to read more in the future.

I am continuously looking online for ideas that can help me. Thx!

Was sent by google. I am glad I came thanks for the information

Kudos for the great piece of writing. I am glad I have taken the time to read this.

I was very pleased to find this site.I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

Not only will these floor mats defend your carpet from mud and outside debris, but you will not have to be concerned about food stains, drink spills or filth from resources. Your car will seem a lot far better with the flooring mats, although safeguarding it at the same time. The type of safety that would perform best for a truck that is currently being employed for heavy duty operate would be the thick rubber ground mats. These rubber mats resist stains extremely properly, and are not difficult to clear; they can be rinsed with water hose as extended as you clear them while spills are refreshing. After hosing them down and letting them air dry or drying them with a towel you're all set to place them again inside your truck.

This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work :)

Gute Idee und außerdem auch schoene Homepage.

I am little curious to know more about it.........

Jeez, it's unusual to find such a great posting

Hello. excellent job. I did not imagine this. This is a great story. Thanks!

Post a comment