Romney emphasizes work to solve Middle East turmoil

(CBS News) In a speech focused on the volatility in the Middle East, Mitt Romney said the answer to political and social unrest is employment.

"Work. That must be at the heart of our effort to help people build economies that can create jobs for people, young and old alike," Romney said Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York City. "Work builds self-esteem. It transforms minds from fantasy and fanaticism to reality and grounding. Work does not long tolerate corruption nor quietly endure the brazen theft by government of the product of hard-working men and women."

In his first major address since an American-made anti-Muslim film led to protests throughout the Middle East, Asia and Northern Africa, and violent extremists attacked the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing four Americans including Ambassador Chris Stevens, Romney said he is "troubled by the developments in the Middle East."

"Obviously religious extremism is certainly part of the problem. But that's not the whole story," Romney said, "Idle, humiliated by poverty, and crushed by government corruption, their frustration and anger grows," Romney said of the large percentage of young people in Middle Eastern countries.

He said American-provided foreign aid "must play a role," but it shouldn't be open-ended. Romney said aid conditioned on "the promotion of work and fostering of free enterprise" will be a "higher priority" in a Romney administration.

The Republican presidential candidate said he would provide "Prosperity Pacts," that create partnerships with the private sector to identify challenges confronting trade and entrepreneurship.

"In exchange for removing those barriers and opening their markets to U.S. investment and trade, developing nations will receive U.S. assistance packages focused on developing the institutions of liberty, the rule of law, and property rights," he said.

Related: Obama at the U.N.: "Season of progress" in Middle East continues

Romney did not directly criticize President Obama like he did immediately after the eruption of protests, but he effectively touched on four critical developments that have led critics to question Mr. Obama's foreign policy.

"Syria has witnessed the killing of tens of thousands of people. The president of Egypt is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Our Ambassador to Libya was assassinated in a terrorist attack. And Iran is moving toward nuclear weapons capability," he said. "We somehow feel that we are at the mercy of events, rather than shaping events."

Using a common refrain heard on the campaign trail when he mentions international affairs, Romney said he "will never apologize for America. I believe that America has been one of the greatest forces for good the world has ever known."

In a lighter moment at the beginning of his remarks, Romney cracked a joke following former President Bill Clinton introduction of him: "If there's one thing we've learned this election season, it's that a few words from Bill Clinton can do any man a lot of good. All I gotta to do is wait a couple of days for that bounce to happen."

[cindystafford]

Mitt, please also pay attention to womens heart issues in your campaign. Your wife was just on the Jay Leno show and she is phenominal in your campaign but I've got to say you need to pay attention to women's health also! Our country needs you as our next President; but you need to hear more of the publics needs. You've got my vote.....would love to know that you've heard me! Take the Presidency, we can't afford not to have you!!!!!!!!!!

[rayward73446]

Romney has no idea how to accomplish what he proposes, just look at his trip to the UK, for a sampling of HIS diplomacy. he puts his foot in his mouth just about everyday on the campaign trail, I wouldn't expect that to change. He is a foreign policy moron with visions of grandeur.

[Groundlevelview]

"President Bill Clinton down fall wich brought his internet economy down to its knee was a republican legislation mistake of allowing wireless tamping and esponage to be leagal sololy under the principle, it cannot be enforcened lawfully"

President senior Bush signed into law, wireless taping communication was considered legal espynoge. His final desicion was based on mass Internet reports of being unable to enforce wireless tapping. At the time he was right from his analysis, and kept a Internet private security market from being born and this was the number one reason the dot com industry collapse during president Clinton's long term Internet economic plan.

Reversing the legislation will be our new president elect for the next four years to catipult a new strong Capitol economy.

[tsigili]

Totally against the middle east having ownership of anything in the U.S.

[TRV2009]

Romney's Knowledge About US Foreign Policy
"This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," said Romney. Americans need an explanation from Mr Romney. Perhaps Americans should ask Mr. Romney a basic economic question: Under what economic conditions is austerity is good or bad for economic growth?
Is he ready to be the US President and handle foreign and economic policy?

If Romney has knowledge about foreign policy then perhaps he should have a second thought after listening McCain's remark:

"Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Friday said Mitt Romney is benefiting indirectly from "foreign money" after casino mogul Sheldon Adelson pledged $10 million to a super-PAC that supports his presidential bid.
"Much of Mr. Adelson's casino profits that go to him come from his casino in Macau, which says that obviously, maybe in a roundabout way foreign money is coming into an American political campaign," McCain told PBS's "News Hour."

Adelson, a prominent conservative donor who supported Newt Gingrich in the GOP primary, made his donation earlier this week after a face-to-face meeting with Romney in Las Vegas. A source close to Adelson told Forbes that the casino mogul is ready to do "whatever it takes" to defeat President Obama, including "limitless" donations to the campaign. Adelson told Forbes he could spend as much as $100 million on politics in 2012."

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/232963-mccain-says-adelson-routing-foreign-money-to-romney-campaign
Romney also has an outsourcing problem. Bain Capital, with bases in foreign countries, has created jobs overseas; these jobs could have been filled by Americans. In particular, Bain Capital has created jobs in China, a strategical counterpart of the USA in the aspects of trade and national security, especially in the South and East China Seas and involving surrounding countries.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/videonetwork27713/1702672066001/Romney-s-Outsourcing-to-China-Problem

"Romney repeated his consideration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in an interview in the city with CNN, while saying he would "want to work out with the government" of Israel the timing of moving the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

With the Israelis and Palestinians both claiming Jerusalem as their capital, the U.S. has treated the issue as one to be worked out in negotiations over an Arab-Israeli peace that paves the way for a Palestinian state."

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-07-29/romney-says-he-d-back-unilateral-israeli-strike-on-iran

Romney's statement reflects his knowledge about US foreign policy. Does he know that Palestinian State is the strategic balance in the Middle East? Does he know that his statement contrasts with our current policy: " the U.S. has treated the issue as one to be worked out in negotiations over an Arab-Israeli peace that paves the way for a Palestinian state." ?

The patriotic wisdom for any politician: Never say any thing which contrasts with the current President's foreign policy.

One more Romney fact: "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," said Romney. Americans need an explanation from Mr Romney. Can any readers who graduated from the US Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth or National Defense University explains in more details ?
Romney's trip to Poland will be more interesting. Wait to see the Russian's reaction; a connection, "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very and very troubling indeed," and Poland's historical fact.?
First, Romney 's praising Polish economy is right diplomatic manner.
Second, people may connect his statement "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," with Romney's trip to Poland as a political symbol of the Cold War today.

Who would believe in Romney's claim?

[TRV2009]

Romney's Knowledge About US Foreign Policy
"This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," said Romney. Americans need an explanation from Mr Romney. Perhaps Americans should ask Mr. Romney a basic economic question: Under what economic conditions is austerity is good or bad for economic growth?
Is he ready to be the US President and handle foreign and economic policy?

If Romney has knowledge about foreign policy then perhaps he should have a second thought after listening McCain's remark:

"Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Friday said Mitt Romney is benefiting indirectly from "foreign money" after casino mogul Sheldon Adelson pledged $10 million to a super-PAC that supports his presidential bid.
"Much of Mr. Adelson's casino profits that go to him come from his casino in Macau, which says that obviously, maybe in a roundabout way foreign money is coming into an American political campaign," McCain told PBS's "News Hour."

Adelson, a prominent conservative donor who supported Newt Gingrich in the GOP primary, made his donation earlier this week after a face-to-face meeting with Romney in Las Vegas. A source close to Adelson told Forbes that the casino mogul is ready to do "whatever it takes" to defeat President Obama, including "limitless" donations to the campaign. Adelson told Forbes he could spend as much as $100 million on politics in 2012."

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/232963-mccain-says-adelson-routing-foreign-money-to-romney-campaign
Romney also has an outsourcing problem. Bain Capital, with bases in foreign countries, has created jobs overseas; these jobs could have been filled by Americans. In particular, Bain Capital has created jobs in China, a strategical counterpart of the USA in the aspects of trade and national security, especially in the South and East China Seas and involving surrounding countries.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/videonetwork27713/1702672066001/Romney-s-Outsourcing-to-China-Problem

"Romney repeated his consideration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in an interview in the city with CNN, while saying he would "want to work out with the government" of Israel the timing of moving the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

With the Israelis and Palestinians both claiming Jerusalem as their capital, the U.S. has treated the issue as one to be worked out in negotiations over an Arab-Israeli peace that paves the way for a Palestinian state."

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-07-29/romney-says-he-d-back-unilateral-israeli-strike-on-iran

Romney's statement reflects his knowledge about US foreign policy. Does he know that Palestinian State is the strategic balance in the Middle East? Does he know that his statement contrasts with our current policy: " the U.S. has treated the issue as one to be worked out in negotiations over an Arab-Israeli peace that paves the way for a Palestinian state." ?

The patriotic wisdom for any politician: Never say any thing which contrasts with the current President's foreign policy.

One more Romney fact: "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," said Romney. Americans need an explanation from Mr Romney. Can any readers who graduated from the US Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth or National Defense University explains in more details ?
Romney's trip to Poland will be more interesting. Wait to see the Russian's reaction; a connection, "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very and very troubling indeed," and Poland's historical fact.?
First, Romney 's praising Polish economy is right diplomatic manner.
Second, people may connect his statement "This is without question our number one geopolitical foe; they fight for every cause for the world's worst actors. The idea that he has more flexibility in mind for Russia is very, very troubling indeed," with Romney's trip to Poland as a political symbol of the Cold War today.

Who would believe in Romney's claim?

[DavidKingStar]

If Mitt Romney wants to win this Presidential Election he had better address these voter issues:
01.) ROMNEY NEEDS ALL THE VOTES HE CAN GET AND HE MUST BE AS SMART AS OBAMA WAS WHEN HE GAVE THE PERSON, HILLLARY CLINTON, WHO GOT THE MOST PRIMARY VOTES THE IMPORTANT POSITION OF SECRETARY OF THE STATE. ROMNEY SHOULD SEEK SARAH PALIN WITH HER TEA PARTY SUPPORTERS ANDOFFER HER THE SAME POSITON TO OUST OBAMA AND HILLARY CLINTON.

02.) ROMNEY MUST ADDRESS THE VOTER ISSUES THAT MUST BE HEARD AND THAT IS THE TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS BEING PAID TO THE LOBBISTS, BUREAUCRATS, POLITICIANS and THE UN-FEDERAL TARP 6 RICHEST FAMILY MEMBERS OF BANKERS! So whether you are a Bureaucrat, a Lobbyist, or the 6 richest TARP family members: SHIFT, WALBERG, STANLEY, MORGAN, LEHMANN and ROCKAFELLOW or just a plain American Citizen who believes in "Fair Play" for the Middle Class. Now is the time we are to STOP "Bailing Out" all of the Banks in these Socialist's Countries-in Europe with Trillions of dollars in our tax payer money from which the bulk of those monies came from the working Middle Class of a Free Enterprise economy and a Liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States-not a World Governing body called the United Nations that cannot keep the "Peace," they only can observe. Honest Politicians could obey the Constitution of the United States Government and print our own currency, then put Freddy and Fanny Mae, which is Federal, in charge of releasing funds at the discretion of Congress and the Senate where the power of Law resides.

03.) State and Federal Income Tax Payers, are hurting, because of lack of employment with their jobs being shipped overseas, like the Siemen Corporation. The Voters of the United States want you to hear us WE WANT JOBS, JOBS, JOBS to make our country strong economically as the "Super Power" we are supposed to be!

04.) WE ARE TO OPPOSE THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S PLATFORMS OF:
A.) The Democratic Platform proposed: "God, to be removed," then changed their mind. Democrats Platform proposed: "Do not to recognition Jerusalem as Israel's capital" and that opened President Barack Obama to criticism, so they changed their mind. Four years ago Democrats stated unequivocally that "Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel.
B.) Democrats to Convention Platform decided to Add Gay Marriage Support, while Voters passed Marriage is between one woman and one man. Obama's Administration is copying Hitler's Germany Propaganda! Take over the Youth and Working Class through rebellion against "Free Enterprise" to establish Socialism! Obama's support for Homosexual "SEX ACT" rights not only go against the Majority of voter who believe marriage is between one man and one woman is inspiring California Politicians to stop counter education and counseling for children who are trying to control SEX ACT lusts whether fornication with the same or opposite sex.
C.) Removal of Chaplains wanting to pray in the Name of Jesus when praying for our Armed Forces.
D.) A Federal Healthcare Plan that sets up a Board of Bureaucrats to determine Life and Death Healthcare Services or Euthanasia.
E.) Obama said he was for Teachers, Fireman, Policemen and the working Middle Class who pay the State and Federal Taxes for their services, I HEAR YOU JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. The only jobs that Obama has stimulated is paid for by tax payers like Infrastructure repair and again the Labor Lobbyists for Contractors receive the majority of Tax payer's money.
F.) As President of the United States Obama pledged to uphold all Federal and State Laws and now the State of Arizona has to sue his Administration to enforce border laws.
G.) What I am about to say now affects the safety of your children, grandchildren and your loved ones, whether you are a Bureaucrat, a Lobbyist, a TARP family member or just a plain American Citizen who believes in a "Free Press" owned by responsible News Medias: The last straw is the illegal war in Libya and the "Nationwide News announcing that Al-Qaida got our SAM Missiles-that can take our Jet fighters out and our Commercial Jet Liners down, which is fair more deadly along with Iran becoming Nuclear ready, to create a Neutron (Dirty Bomb) that if set off 180 miles above the Continental U.S.A. will wipe out our electronics for our modern weapons of warfare, missile guidance systems, Stealth Jet and Bomber systems which put the American Population in Jeopardy. Siding with the Arabs who will not keep their promises to Israel, the United Nations or the United States especially Iran and Syria is absolute nonsense.

[rksharma-2009]

Romney is feeling good the way President Clinton introduced him. I guess he needs to listen to what President Clinton said. He said that at one time Governor Romney was not a right wing nut that he is now. He supported a government programs to help young kids. We know that Romney once passed a healthcare law in Massachusetts that was used as a model to pass a national law, but he does not wants to do anything with that law any more. He is running away from that record as fast as he can. Now he speaks like a man who will say anything to get votes, but then secretly he will say things what he really means. Let me explain what a good foreign policy is. A good foreign policy is a policy that helps all Americans. The one where we are able to kill our enemies with minimum stress on our economy, the way Obama killed Laden. A policy that does not require us to physically go to a war. A policy where the leaders of those countries say thanks to what we do for them and do not encourage violent activities against US. They don't fund terrorists to come and attack us here. America is way too strong to be afraid of any of these small countries, and everyone knows it. So why not build bridges instead of blowing them off in these countries and earn the goodwill that we need to earn, which is good for America and businesses. Believe me when we win the hearts and minds of the people in these countries, then our foreign policy really works. Stop this nonsense of threatening countries that can't do much and won't do much.

[rksharma-2009]

Romney is feeling good the way President Clinton introduced him. I guess he needs to listen to what President Clinton said. He said that at one time Governor Romney was a right wing nut that he is now. He supported a government program to help young kids. We know that Romney once passed a healthcare law in Massachusetts that was used as a model to pass a national law, but he wants to do nothing with that law any more. He is running away from that record as fast as he can. Now he speaks like a man who will say anything to get votes, but then secretly he will say things what he really means. Let me explain what a good foreign policy is. A good foreign policy is a policy that helps all Americans. The one where we are able to kill our enemies with minimum stress on our economy, the way Obama killed Laden. A policy that does not require us to physically go to a war. A policy where the leaders of those countries say thanks to what we do for them and do not encourage violent activities against US. They don't fund terrorists to come and attack us here. America is way too strong to be afraid of any of these small countries, and everyone knows it. So why not build bridges instead of blowing them off in these countries and earn the goodwill that we need to earn, which is good for America and businesses. Believe me when we win the hearts and minds of the people in these countries, then our foreign policy really works. Stop this nonsense of threatening countries that can't do much and won't do much.

[Vet4hire]

I have spent a few years with the same people you want to win the hearts ad minds of. I retired in 2010 from the Army and contest that no matter what we do, no matter how many bridges we build we will always be the infidels to them. They understand one thing and that is strength. When an ambassador of our nation is raped and sodomized then murdered along with his unarmed security detail we have fallen to a point where they have less then no respect for us. We must for our financial state and in defending our nation brings our soldiers home. The part about Obama taking part in the mission is not saying much when giving permission is not the same as serving in the armed forces and earning the respect his position demands.

[lesserof2evil]

Robmee has no understanding of the middle-class Americans, but yet he now claims to understand Muslims enough to solve Middle East conflict? What a moron!!!!

[chelseadoors]

Mr Romney you need not apologize FOR America.

You need to apologize TO America for: all the lies, and half truths, the hidden investments in anti- American corporations such as CNOOC (the Chinese state oil company,) tax shelters, your insults to people who are struggling and for your flippant attitude towards those who are not rich. There is not enough space for me to list your anti-American behaviors and tactics of control and deceit while trying to present yourself as one of us when obviously you are not.