Revolutionary Moderation

Cellucci, shut up already!



You know what friends do? They don't talk about things that aren't comfortable between them, among other things.



So here's what I've found myself thinking today. The United States, and to a lesser extent Britain, have taken a stand that isolates them from much of the rest of the world. It's not a policy I agree with, but they're sovereign nations, and that means that in the end, they get to make autonomous decisions even when much of the world stands opposed. Generally, however, when you do something that pisses of so many nations, you want to do what you can to reduce the diplomatic price you pay for that. Britain (I think) understands that, and will likely be walking softly in the EU for a while. They will be publicly stressing the common interests they share with France and Germany, avoiding conflict in any way that isn't starkly opposed to their nation's interest. So what will the Americans do?



If Paul Cellucci is any guide, the Americans will keep trying to push everyone around. And Cellucci is hardly to blame... look up the ladder. Cellucci says publicly the remarks were vetted by the State Department, but I read a little deeper into that, and see "planted" as opposed to "vetted".... those comments were not ones a high-ranking member of the diplomatic service makes of his own accord.



The American government must know that it's paying a diplomatic price for this war. Yes, if the war is important enough in their minds, they�ll be willing to pay, and so they should. But why unnecessarily make that price higher by continuing to be as arrogant and selfish on the world stage as they always have been? It isn't Canada who stands alone.



By the same token, yes, members of the Canadian government needs to know when to keep their traps shut, as well... we took our stand, we're not participating in the war, and we don't need to rub American noses in that. It's time for us to step a little quietly too... take our cue from our British tradition, and not our American. Don't pay more than we have to for ethical action.