By Nancy Thorner -
John Bolton, who served as the United States permanent representative to the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006 and Faith Whittlesey, a two-term U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland in the Reagan Administration talked about America's security future Saturday afternoon, September 17, at Eagle Forum Council XLV held at the St. Louis Airport Marriott.
Ambassador Bolton described the upcoming November election as "one of the most consequential elections we have ever faced. Very few things in life are perfect, but this election has come down to a choice between Hillary and Trump."
Hillary was described as having been a radical in law school and as one who will do anything to be elected president. Hillary's political philosophy is already akin to many of Bernie's ideas, and she didn't have to strain much to get there.
Just as George H. Bush in his election of 1988 followed Reagan and was to represent Reagan's 3rd term as president, so it is the wish of Obama that Hillary locks up the changes made by him to serve as his 3rd term.
Legacy of President Obama's eight years in office
There couldn't be a bigger contrast when it comes to national security. What Bolton fears most is radical Islamic terrorism coming together with weapons of mass destruction. As such Bolton considers radical Islam to be more severe than it was on 9/11. As Bolton remarked: "Although radical Islam continues to spread and grow, it is not yet a nation state. Hilary doesn't really sense we are facing are radical ideology. We are at war with a radical theology, but instead Hillary treats radical Islam terrorism as a law enforcement problem."
Regarding the Iran Chemical Weapons Nuclear deal, Bolton pegged it as "the greatest act of diplomatic appeasement in history." The principle cause of instability in the U.S. is because of us. We (current administration) believe withdrawing from the world will make the U.S. a safer place. Bolton stated how the Mullahs in Iran our moving toward a nuclear weapon. Each week seems to reveal another concession that Obama has made to cinch the Iran deal. It is deplorable that the hostages weren't released until the pallets of cash were in the air. Hillary believes in the Iran deals and laid the foundation for it when serving as Secretary of State for President Obama. It is Hillary's replacement, John Kerry, who made the final concessions.
Strategic Threat Unfolding
Bolton perceives Russia to be the greatest threat in Europe and the Middle East. During the Obama administration, Russia, under Putin, has built a number of military bases. Obama is seen by Putin as a figure of weakness. Putin will push as far as he can. He will continue to do so until there is push back from the U.S., because Putin knows he can get away with it.
Regarding the Chinese, China is making claims in the China Sea with a defense buildup that involves building islands on which to construct naval bases.
And what are the consequences? This nation is under pressure and in retreat around the world because of our own policy of retreat. Reagan's way of avoiding conflict was not to persuade our adversaries that we were too weak to take the first step. A weak America is provocative, not strong, as Obama believes. Bolton expressed doubt that a national defense policy wing of the Democratic Party even exists.
In speaking about Benghazi, in Libya where four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Stephen at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Bolton called every aspect of Benghazi a tragedy. The before, during, and after were grossly mishandled.
It is not correct to say that assets couldn't have gotten to Benghazi quickly enough to help prevent the carnage, for none were ever put in the air to ascertain the truth. Instead, the charade of the Obama government had to be continued to convince the American people that a war on terror didn't exist.
And what about Hillary? Bolton reported that Hillary went home from the State Department, leaving the scene of her duty station, thinking all was fine despite a nation still under attack in Benghazi. After all Hillary did have a telephone that worked! The Lesson of Benghazi, according to Bolton: A U.S. president's ambassador can be assassinated without retaliation. The safety of our nation must always be of prime concern.
Substantial Threats from Refugees and Illegal Immigrant
John Bolton considers the security of our borders a real and important issue. We risk the same problem in this country as in England. The threat of a suicide bomber with a nuclear weapon is real, yet many Americans fail to take the threat of terrorism seriously. It will take another disaster like 9/11 for this nation to focus its attention on homegrown terrorists, as well as those Islamic radical terrorists who are infiltrating this nation through its porous borders and likewise mixed in among the poorly vetted Syrian refugees.
Bolton answers questions
- John Bolton believes there are areas in which we can work with Putin; however, there was no doubt in Bolton's mind that Russia is bent on protecting the Assad regime in Syria. China remains the biggest problem in Bolton's mind, coupled with viable threats from Iran and North Korea.
- Regarding the changes taking place in the government of Brazil, Bolton does feel that the new government should be better than the situation that existed under the last two presidents who headed it.
- Bolton sees the next election in France as interesting in that France has lost control of its borders and its country.
- Concerning Brexit, Bolton believes it was the right thing for the U.K. to do.
Ambassador Faith Whittlesey Speaks About Trump and Reagan
Trump was praised for bringing two very important issues front and center: Challenging free trade and the issue of illegal immigration which ties in with drug trafficking. Trump was also described by Ms. Whittlesey as a businessman, not of the elite, in that he relates well to the working class.
Yes, Trump has made mistakes, but he is real, while his opponent is unstable and dangerous. Trump did a good job when meeting with the president of Mexico. Hillary refused his invitation. Trump's academic success was cited when a student at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, PA, a high brain power business school. To Trump's credit, he is quick to devise solutions and is a fast learner, with a wonderful family that includes five beautiful children, a commendable trait, indeed.
In regard to the personal attacks made against Trump for comments made or actions taken:
- Putin is a strong leader, even though how he rules was not being condoned. Whittlesey believes, like Bolton, we should try to find places of common interest where we can work with Putin. After all, Russia is a Christian country.
- Trump has given money to Democrats, but this is what every businessman does.
- Trump's message is good. What is there to speak ill about lower taxes and less regulations? And consider Trump's announced choices for the Supreme Court. Check Trump's website for his proposed agenda.
Phyllis Schlafly Recognized Trump as the Candidate to Turn Tables on the "Kingmakers"
Just as a choir needs good singers to perform, so does the Trump movement need good advisors to advance its message to the American people. Check here to view Trump's key staff and advisors for 2016. Some reach back into the Reagan administration.
Ms. Whittlesey expressed disapproval of the "Never Trumpsters", believing they have done damage to Trump's campaign. Saying they will not work with Trump is childish and short-sighted given this nation is in such a state of crisis financially and when radical Islamic ideology is functioning within our borders.
The sanctity of human life is important, which Trump will honor. And let's not forget Trump's list of Supreme Court judges or the appointment of Circuit Court judges. Nine of the thirteen Circuit Courts are firmly in the grip of liberals. 35,000 cases come in front of Circuit Courts every year.
Candidate Trump has turned the tables on the Republican Kingmakers. Not to vote for anyone is a vote for Hillary, her radical agenda, a continuation of Obama's failed policies, and lots more.
Faith Whittlesey praised Phyllis Schlafly, noting two of Schlafly's books. A Choice Not An Echo, presents an understanding into the mindset of Phyllis Schlafly. She recognized early on that it was the Republican establishment that chose the Party's presidential candidates. Jeb Bush had been anointed by the establishment to be the candidate in the current 2016 presidential election year.
Although Ms. Schlafly received grief for her support of Donald Trump, her final book, A Conservative Case for Donald Trump, was released for sale the day before her death on Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2016 at 92 years of age.
