Marin Independent Journal - Dick Spotswood: Why Marin, U.S. need to pay attention to Asia

Marin Independent Journal - Dick Spotswood: Why Marin, U.S. need to pay attention to Asia: "Which presidential candidate will promote infrastructure investment necessary to create a competitive edge in a global economy? Hong Kong's transit system is the world's most modern with the ultimate subway, excellent buses, a massive seaport and efficient airport. Likewise Singapore. Mainland China is on the verge of spending billions to upgrade its rails, ports and airfields. America will be lucky to simply maintain our existing antiquated roads and bridges. Do most Southeast Asians agree with the policies of the Bush-Cheney administration? No. Yet even in predominately Muslim Malaysia, Americans are treated with respect, though nothing beats the Vietnamese cabbie driving in the midst of a typhoon near Hue. When I identified myself as a Californian, he smiled, saying 'U.S. Number One!' It's clear that with a serious initiative by our next president to restore America's one dependable foreign policy weapon, our historical moral authority to lead toward a more equitable world, we can make major strides regaining our tragically lost global prestige. What must sophisticated Marinites look for in a presidential candidate to steer America through this era of economic transition? First, economic and geopolitical sophistication. Bubba will no longer do, whether exemplified by arrogance from the nativist political right or isolationism on the left. Any new president needs to "get it" when it comes to Asia. Second, the next administration needs to comprehend that our economic survival depends on the three "i's" of innovation, infrastructure and initiative."