We made history this week, once again. In a small way, at least, but no insignificant. We apparently (and I have no proof, but it seems likely) convinced our European allies France, Spain, and Portugal to deny flyover permission to the plane carrying Evo Morales, president of Bolivia. In other words, we diverted an aircraft carrying a head of state to something other than its intended destination, not because of an emergency, but because we suspected that whistleblower Edward Snowden had somehow been secreted aboard the flight in an effort to offer him asylum. That was not the case, of course. Not that it would have been ample justification for diverting the Bolivian equivalent of Air Force One, but then … since when does the U.S. need justification to do anything to a nation as powerless as Bolivia?
The reaction from South America has not been positive, as one might expect. Leaders from Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, and other countries have gathered in solidarity with Morales (who is now back home). This will likely be viewed by Washington as the usual suspects railing against American imperialism, blah blah blah. I’m sure Juan Ferarro will be on NPR tomorrow talking about how over the top their reaction is. But let’s consider this: why would we provoke such a negative reaction so gratuitously? What the fuck is the Obama Administration playing at here?
I have to admit, Obama’s foreign policy credibility has been seriously on the line this week. First, revelations about spying on our European “partners” – they’re completely pissed off at us. Then managing to instill hatred on both sides of the Egyptian divide. And now, manufacturing a major diplomatic row with South America over dead zero. (Ironically, John McCain and Lindsey Graham are hopping from devastated capital to devastated capital in the Middle East, mostly complaining about the only sensible thing Obama has done in foreign affairs – namely, not listen to those two about Syria.) Playing bigfoot with Evo Morales, though, is just plain low. Bolivia has taken enough shit from us. We are way out of line on that score.
So, happy fourth of July. As always, patriotism is about working toward something better than what we have. That option is still wide open, friends.
luv u,
jp
