I Am Beyond Sick/Tired Of Being Called An "Authoritarian NSA Apologist".

[karynnj]

106. Making what many knew public means that many countries

are now using that to generate outrage - often to help their own standing in their country. You say - "It is the confidence of Americans in the current US government and in particular in the surveillance state apparatus that Snowden has harmed." Why are you unconcerned that Snowden has hurt the confidence of the American people in a DEMOCRATIC administration? Also, why do you see this this as affecting just Americans.

I do agree that part of the foreign reaction is kabuki theatre played up by the American press against Obama. Read any of the articles of Kerry going to Columbia and Brazil - that are mostly before he went - the articles overstate the "coolness" he faced, especially in Columbia. Yet the fact was he did answer questions on this in both countries. However, from the pictures and speeches linked to by the State Department twitter account, his visit did not give Fox News the desired negative pictures or sound bites. It is interesting that in the US ALL the coverage dealt with NSA.

This is partly media bias, but the NSA issue is being exaggerated - just as ALL this year's faux scandals were. However, that does not mean that this issue had no effect. There are hints of what was lost. Kerry impressed the President of Brazil by knowing Portuguese. In addition, he had a very nice visit with wounded soldiers in Columbia. In Kerry, the US has probably the best ambassador of goodwill since JFK. What I am talking about is an opportunity cost. Link to Kerry and the Brazil FM - http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2013/08/213105.htm , Brazil photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/sets/72157635056586474/ , Several Columbia photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/9494783643/in/photostream/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/9495499196/ I realize that words or a different SOS are not enough to correct the problems we have with Latin America, but this was a US shot in the foot. Now, you see Snowden as a hero; I see him as an arrogant jerk.


As to the next President, which Democrat or Republican will take a stand that YOU see as meeting your demands?