There are very few people who posess the ability to walk into a situation that the world regards as untenable, sit down with parties that don't want to negotiate, and hammer out agreements that are regarded as win-win by all sides involved. Bill Richardson, Governor of my beautiful homestate of New Mexico, is one of these rare people.
When it comes to brokering accords and peace treaties and disarmament agreements, Bill Richardson is second to none. Why is this? Well first, Richardson understands that we live in a big world, one where many cultures and peoples are just struggling for very survival and human dignity. He understands that the US is not some insular, magical place whose interests should not dominate a world view, but take place among others. He understands that in order to solve problems you must first go to the parties involved and talk. This is why the Save Darfur Coalition asked Richardson to intervene, and paid for him to travel there.
Richardson understands that sanctions do little to impact governments, rather further impoverish already marginalized people. He doesn't regard talking as a sign of weakness.
Right now, this great man is in Darfur. He has met with Al-Bashir. He has met with the rebel leader, actually gone to the camp and sat down and talked, and is going back again. Richardson believes that this issue is too important to go back to NM, and his potential presidential run, without first making a deal.
The Associated Press released this article today...
Richardson, Sudan Leaders Meet
We have an opportunity here, that few people are really talking about, but it is time. In the past 6 years our national image has been tarnished, our world political situation destabilized, and America has become a less safe, less respected nation. We need a leader who is respected by other world leaders, who has a more global view, and the experience and wisdom to correct what damage the Bush Administration has done to America. There is only one person I trust to be able to bring about change, and that is Bill Richardson.
Of course, foriegn policy is not the sole responsibility of a POTUS, and Richardson has some pretty impressive domestic creds going for him as well. Here in NM, a state that has struggled with poverty, poor health care, poor education, and poor infrastructure. Under the Richardson administration improvements have been made to schools, hospitals, public transportation, industry, energy development and environmental efforts. This is why he was reelected by 70% of the vote.
I have read commentary on other diaries about Richardson saying things like "He would make a great Veep," or "We need him as Secretary of State!" HUH? Wait a minute...think about this. We would rather select for the highest office in the nation a suit with no foriegn policy experience? No experience solving problems for a state? What are we, republicans???
Barak Obama couldn't get a meeting with President Al-Bashir, he tried. Do we really want to nominate someone based simply on charisma, looks, or novelty? Obama is, I believe to my soul, a great man with a great future. The problem is if we don't fix the immediate PRESENT, Obama's and the rest of America's future is in doubt.
We need to bring our A game to the next presidential elections. This means nominating someone who garners respect everywhere, has experience, and wisdom. It is time to get serious about winning the White House. We need Bill Richardson.