With the election only weeks away, the next leader of the United States of America will be faced with a number of issues not only nationally but globally. Acts of terrorism are now the major threat in the world and how America responds on behalf of other countries will be at the forefront of the next administration.
The question is: should America just let other countries fend for themselves and part from our foreign policy of global engagement, or should we press on with being the umpire for conflicts around the globe?
Exploring the history of how America became the world’s policeman is a film by James Shelley and Elizabeth Cobbs – AMERICAN UMPIRE – airing on Public Broadcasting Stations nationwide. Be sure to check your local listings.
AMERICAN UMPIRE is a 56-minute documentary narrated by former anchor of PBS NewsHour Jim Lehrer that takes a critical look at America’s role as the world’s policeman. It explores our origins as a neutral republic and our transition to a highly engaged superpower after World War II.
Since the end of WWII and the adoption of the Truman Doctrine, presidents from both political parties have told Americans that we must umpire the world’s conflicts and if the U.S. does not do this job, the world will not be safe. Today we spend more on defense than Europe, Russia, and China combined. While at the time Congress debated the Truman Doctrine the U.S. enjoyed the highest per capita income in the world, today we rank 17th.
“AMERICAN UMPIRE seeks to open up a national discussion about the foreign policy of the United States in an important election year,” says director and producer Jim Shelley. “More than anyone, presidents decide foreign policy and define our national vision,” adds Professor Elizabeth Cobbs, writer and producer, who is also interviewed for the film.
As we experience acts of terror on U.S. soil, must the U.S. continue to play the world’s policeman or is it time for a new paradigm to replace the Truman Doctrine?
Bottom line: As one who loves history, I found the documentary compelling. Even those who prefer to avoid anything related to history, this film will raise questions that will likely influence or cement who you choose to vote into the presidential office. Be sure to check when this airs on your local PBS station.
The Military Wire, hosted by Mike Schindler, interviews some of America’s most elite men and women who have served this country in hopes that you the listener will gain an “ah-ha” moment that will help you move your life forward.
Mike is a US Navy Veteran, an award-winning author, and has been featured on Yahoo Finance, the Boston Globe, NY Post, USA Today, Q13 Fox, and numerous other media outlets discussing why today’s Veterans are truly one of America’s Greatest Assets. Mike is the author of two highly endorsed books, “Operation Military Family: How Military Couples are Fighting to Preserve their Marriages,” and “U.S. Veterans in the Workforce: Why the 7% are America’s Greatest Asset.”
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