Foreign policy is the weakness of the Democrat Party, and so far, with North Korea, all of the reasons why the American voter doesn't trust Democrats on foreign policy are obvious.

It is time to change the pattern.

For the first time in a long time, I think Bush might actually have the right idea in terms of an appointment. While many diaries are covering why Bush's specific choice of General Hayden is the wrong choice for CIA Director, it does appear that this time Bush does have the right idea in mind when promoting a Military officer to the head of the CIA. He won't win any friends in the Republican Party for his choice though, because when it comes to the CIA director's position, Republicans traditionally hate the Military.

I just finished reading the compelling diary by Juan Cole, a great post and an important read for all.

Juan is a smart guy, and I honestly believe that protest in great numbers is the only way to achieve peace, but standing against something is largely ineffective in protest, however protest works, at least historically, when people protest for something.

I have been waiting for years for the Democrat party to offer a true alternative to the Bush National Security Policy, specifically regarding the war on terror and policy for Iraq. Today the Democrats released thier concept, called Real Security.

While I am happy the Democrats finally found the issue, the lack of substance has me disappointed.

I have noticed it is difficult to discuss some topics on this forum without being accused of something. Religion usually qualifies as such a topic. My intention is to inspire open discussion on a hypersensitive topic. If you are offended, instead of labeling me some adjective that may have 4 letter word implications, please politely tell me how I am incorrect. I welcome wisdom.

When I was growing up, I trusted Tom Brokaw for my news. In the 80s I made it a habit to finish my homework so I could watch the Nightly News before my family would huddle around our TV to watch all time classics like the Cosby Show, the A-Team, or the Dukes of Hazard. We didn't have a lot of money, we were simple people, and we depended upon the morning paper and the nightly news for information.

As an adult, I haven't seen the nightly news on a broadcast station in nearly a decade, and I cancelled my morning paper almost 2 years ago. I am also more informed today than most Americans could possibly have been in the 80s getting information from the nightly news and the morning papers.

This is my first diary. I didn't want it to be, but I have struggled to figure out what my first diary should be. I am new at Kos, only been here 3 months or so, and don't know if I belong yet or not. Most of my research involves Strategic Defense Policy and Foreign Policy, and I hope over time my diary becomes a place recommend by people looking for Policy opinions regarding these topics.

I believe Progressives have to start now to start thinking strategically regarding Foreign Policy. Every day that passes is another opportunity missed, and without building from the ground up we will fall silent on the issues of Foreign Policy that could drive elections in 2006.