Why the U.S. should focus on domestic issues rather than foreign issues

The United States has clearly defined foreign policy objectives and goals. While some groups claim that the United States acts as an isolationist body, the government works to improve the international community through negotiation and cooperation. Sometimes varying perspectives and values cause the United States to act in a unilateral manner, but the United States mostly looks to act in conjunction with the desires of other countries. As the largest superpower, the United States has been given the responsibility of leading the global community through its actions and words. According to Secretary of State, Colin Powell, "the American way in the world is to promote freedom, democracy, free trade and development. It is to seek security for people who have already suffered too much. It is to inspire and be inspired by other nations to work together toward a peaceful and prosperous future" (www.state.gov). Following this, the United States has established its top priorities in foreign policy. The U.S. Department of State claims that these include promoting American internationalism, focusing heavily on National Security, and curbing the evolving threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (Kraft, 2004).

Kim R. Holmes of the Department of State says, "Neither protectionist nor expansionist, American internationalism seeks to preserve liberty and to promote opportunity, human dignity, freedom, prosperity, and peace, both at home and abroad" (www.state.gov). To do this, the government has outlined some specific objectives. Allies are crucial to conduct foreign operations, so the United States has joined several international organizations that allow it to serve at the forefront of international policy. Working closely with such groups as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) have proven both invaluable and extremely frustrating for policy-makers. Frustrations exist regarding various perspectives, values, and objectives of world policy-makers. Yet, these types of organizations are crucial in keeping peace, order, and stability in the international system. When focusing on international and national security, these organizations become even more important in thwarting terrorist activity and terrorist financing. They also participate in fostering global values such as public health and safety, responsible environmental policies, and international outreach to fight hunger and disease.

With today's economic woes in the United States as well as fighting a major War on Terrorism, it is becoming more and more difficult to focus on one major policy issue than on the other. For instance, the national polls always reflect how well a present administration is handling the domestic issues as well as the foreign affairs issues. So, even though this writer has chosen the domestic side, today, both are equally important to focus on.

Our founding father, President George Washington did say it best in his farewell address for the newly formed United States of America to remain neutral in foreign affairs. He did say that it was best to be an isolationist sort of country rather than an expansionist country. Did this happen? Did anyone heed his important words? ...