December 12-18, 2016:
"Alongside our outstanding military work, we have to draw upon the strength of our diplomacy. Terrorists would love to see us walk away from the type of work that builds international coalitions, and ends conflicts, and stops the spread of deadly weapons. It would make life easier for them; it would be a tragic mistake for us. " - President Obama, December 6, 2016
“You know, I'm, like, a smart person. I don't have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years. Could be eight years — but eight years. I don't need that. But I do say, ‘If something should change, let us know.’” - President-Elect Donald Trump, in dismissing daily intelligence briefings
"[The African American community] came through, big league. Big league. And frankly if they had any doubt, they didn’t vote, and that was almost as good because a lot of people didn’t show up, because they felt good about me.” - President-Elect Donald Trump in Michigan, December 9, 2016
President Obama in an interview late Monday stressed the importance of daily intelligence briefings after President-elect Donald Trump pushed back against criticism that he receives the briefings only once a week.
"It doesn't matter how smart you are. You have to have the best information possible to make the best decisions possible. [The Intelligence community is] not perfect. But they are full of extraordinarily hardworking, patriotic and knowledgeable experts. And if you're not getting their perspective, their detailed perspective, then you are flying blind." - President Obama, December 12, 2016
Mr. Stark, I have been and still am a very strong supporter of the United Nations. Like all large institutions it has its failures but the kind of “reform” that Trump desires is like that of John Bolton, in short they want to destroy the UN and its agencies, many that do vital work for peace and development, protect refugees and promote health, etc.
The problem is with its members many of whom have not helped strengthened the UN and not supported many of its peace missions and funding for critical needs for those at risk.
We need to support funding for the UN, work long-time for constructive change and reforms with other members. I doubt the trump types are up to that kind of thinking or moral responsibility.
While I pretty much disagree with everything Trump says, I may have one point of agreement, that the UN is in need to urgent reform. This is the logic behind that belief…
I would welcome any feedback. Who know…out of all this chaos, maybe some changes will be good ones.