Biden at Penn: US still 'well positioned' to lead world

[alp227]

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Vice President Joe Biden on Monday urged graduates of the University of Pennsylvania to take advantage of advancements in science and technology to help the nation maintain its leadership in the world.

"We are so well positioned to lead the world into the 21st century, and we have to take advantage of it," he told the 5,000 graduates and their families at the university's 257th commencement at Franklin Field.

But Biden said when it came to giving specific advice, he knew better.

"I have gained too much wisdom to offer any advice," Biden said. "Every graduating class faces unique challenges."

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20130514_Biden_to_address_Penn_commencement.html

[SamKnause]

1. Biden

The U.S. has done such a fine job leading the world. NOT !!!!

I don't recall the world voting for the U.S. to lead it.

The arrogance of the U.S. government, the military brass and the war profiteers is disgusting.

USA USA USA We are number one in war mongering the world over !!!!!!!!!!!

Where are the convictions for the Wall Street thieves that destroyed the world economy ????

Where are the convictions for the leaders of the U.S. that have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity ????

[L0oniX]

2. But ...but ...but ....we are exceptionallisticallysupercalifragilisticexpialidocious n/t

[davidpdx]

7. I strongly disagree with the wars in the Middle East

and have since they started. But I do believe there are some areas we legitimately should be assisting in. I've seen plenty of people on DU knocking all military support throughout the world over the past few days. That's beginning to sound a little like Ron Paul.

I am not in the military, nor was I of age during the last war that required a draft (I was actually born during the closing years of the war in Vietnam). My grandfather served in the Army Air Corp in WWII in a mission I can only describe as critical.

For the past 10 years I have lived in South Korea and the US has 28,500 soldiers. I can tell you without a doubt the only thing preventing the Kim family from invading South Korea along with China is the fact that the US has helped to defend the country.

Then again, I'm sure some people would like to see the atrocities committed on 48 million people in South Korea if the North Koreans invaded especially given they are already so good at that.

[freshwest]

3. I agree with Biden regarding advancements in science and technology.

As far as the kind of leadership the GOP has offered, I sincerely don't want anymore of that and we are working away from that 'leadership' model daily.

The best form of leadership this nation has ever shown has been the increase of civil rights, taking care of people, being humane and protecting the environment.

Some feel, and many have been taught, that the military and financial forces provided our place in the world to do thiose things but that is wrong, IMO.

Their actions are something I've been deeply ashamed of most of my life, despite protesting them. As a citizen, I feel I must take responsiblity for anyway it may have benefited me to any degree.

We have decide which way to go, be complicit or complacent, stand by and criticize, or enter the belly of the beast in order to change it. I see no choice other than the very last one. All others feed the beast.

[Myrina]

4. ... in unnecessary military spending, infant mortality, poverty among seniors ...

... quite a stellar record, there, Joe.

[840high]

5. +100

[Deny and Shred]

6. It may sound like semantics but ...

the term "well-positioned" is an investment/stockholder term. I dare say, part of what ails US attempts at foreign policy leadership is the mindset that treats US relations as investments, things to buy or sell, with little regard for the non-monetary fallout. Reagan ushered in the 'businessmen can do government more efficiently' meme. Deregulation, okaying conflict of interest, inside info etc. was their prescription. Rise of the 1% the result 30 years on.

I know its a small point, but terminology matters, and Ivy League grads are 'well positioned' to make big differences in the future. Reinforcing a business mindset to those who may 'lead the world' tends to sanction that thinking.

[jakeXT]

8. Did he talk about the bill by Elizabeth Warren ?