Obama: Latin America on equal footing with U.S.

Obama: Latin America on equal footing with U.S.

www.cnn.com

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A day before embarking on a trip to Latin America, President Obama described his planned talks with Latin American leaders as discussions among equals

"Times have changed," Obama told CNN en Español Wednesday. Referring to his planned meeting later this week with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, he said, "My relationship with President Lula is one of two leaders who both have big countries, that we are trying to solve problems and create opportunities for our people and we should be partners.

"There's no senior partner or junior partner."

Obama and Lula da Silva are among leaders scheduled to attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Obama refused to criticize the leaders of Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador, who have taken measures to change their constitutions to extend their holds on power.

(visit the link for the full news article)

What do you all think of this? What is Obama really up to? Is what he says about Mexico and Cuba a cover for Obama pushing for greater cooperation and a the North American Union? What about his comments on his refusal to criticize South American leaders? Is this leading to something bigger than co-op talks or is he just looking to improve the US's image throughout the world?

I think he's up to something personally. There's something fishy about this article to me.

www.cnn.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

America was once a great nation... but in recent decades, it has suffered a falling from grace in the eyes of the world. This is largely due to poor leadership and foreign policy. I think Obama is rightfully mending fences with the neighbors. I don't see any ulterior motive for doing it at all... but I do see the benefits for all Americans.

IRM

Regardless of his rhetoric I think he could try to be combating Russia. As you may remember-- Russia used to be going around these regions (as recently as in the Bush administration) so he may be trying to combat them. of course he doesn't want to say we're better than them to hurt them? Just a non conspiracy look at it. But of course there could be more to it.

reply to post by Frankidealist35


hmmm, I hadn't thought about the Russian aspect of it. Good point. I really hope Obama doesn't get into any escalating tensions with Russia. We should be working with them right now, not against them.

I personally feel that Latin America has been treated as an unwanted step child by the US. I think this is the reason many of these Hispanic countries are turning against US policy. Despite the rhetoric, I still don't believe the US will treat them on an equal footing. US will listen, discuss options, return to Washington and put all Latin America's issues on the back burner until something flares up.

Originally posted by jam321
I personally feel that Latin America has been treated as an unwanted step child by the US. I think this is the reason many of these Hispanic countries are turning against US policy. Despite the rhetoric, I still don't believe the US will treat them on an equal footing. US will listen, discuss options, return to Washington and put all Latin America's issues on the back burner until something flares up.

Agreed. I think he just trying to get his face out there to diffuse some of the anti-american sentiment that has built up so much over the past. Like you, I don't think he'll actually do anything about it. If anything there is some alterior motive he is working towards and needs south america on our side. maybe it has something to do with resources and distancing ourselves from the middle east.

The sad thing is, the US now really IS gonna just be another Latin American country.

Originally posted by Donnie Darko
The sad thing is, the US now really IS gonna just be another Latin American country.

can you elaborate on that? I'm not quite sure what you're getting at with that comment.