U.S. can set positive example for the world

Michael Pravica, Henderson

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 | 2:05 a.m.

Regarding George Will’s obtuse, painful to read and verbose column Sunday discussing “the need (for Barack Obama) to supplement soft power (diplomacy) with hard power (military force)” and somehow “muddle through without breaking too much crockery,” I have some suggestions.

Too many of our leaders seem to speak and understand only the language of force/military power. No conflict was ever resolved solely by military force but instead by patient diplomacy, respect for all humanity and rebuilding trust. Sadly, we live in an era in which, because of our increasing militaristic and unilateral efforts in such places as Iraq and the former Yugoslavia, we are losing and alienating our friends and gaining ever more enemies. As a result, America’s influence in the world has been waning.

So, instead of acting like the world’s big bully/policeman, why don’t our leaders start behaving in a manner similar to those of Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi: Lead by example, not by force, wherever and whenever possible. America can do much more for the world not by “muddling through” but by setting a positive example (as it once did) for the world to follow.