Center Op-ed: Nevada’s Early Caucus Brings Opportunity – and Responsibility – LV Review Journal
FROM OUR READERS: Nevada’s early caucus brings opportunity — and responsibility
We must choose candidates who will demonstrate our moral leadership abroad
For the first time in our state’s history, our early caucus means that Nevadans are poised to play a key role in the presidential nominating process of both parties. This is an enormous opportunity for us to communicate what we believe are the key priorities for our nation.
Needless to say, we hold differing views on a great number of issues. But we do agree on this: The next occupant of the White House, no matter who it is, must have a bold, strategic vision for America’s role in the world in the 21st century.
We recognize that we live in an interconnected world and what happens overseas effects us each and every day here in Nevada — from economic trade to global terrorism and the potential for the spread of infectious diseases.
We also share the view that the nation cannot rely on military power alone to guarantee our national security. The next president should listen to what the nation’s top military and foreign policy experts are saying: that America needs to put greater emphasis on using non-military tools of global engagement, including development and diplomacy.
We are heartened to see the bipartisan consensus growing on the issue of global engagement. Decrying the neglect of the “soft power” methods that were so important to winning the Cold War,
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently called for greater investments in foreign assistance, diplomatic and communications programs, trade promotion and other “civilian instruments of national security.” Just recently, three significant reports — including a 20-member commission appointed by President Bush and the Congress — all called for elevating international development within the federal government and more closely integrating development assistance programs with our trade and national security goals.
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