Kerry vows to rebuild 'shredded' U.S. alliances

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N29142430.htm

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Reuters) - Democratic White House candidate John Kerry vowed on Saturday to rebuild U.S. alliances "shredded" by President George W. Bush and to restore America's international respect.

Hours before Bush was to speak at the dedication of the National World War Two memorial, his likely challenger in the Nov. 2 presidential election declared it was "time to answer the call to greatness and lead the world."

"It's time to put away pride and stubbornness," Kerry said in the Democrats' weekly radio address. "We must rebuild alliances that have been shredded because an America respected in the world will be an America stronger in the world and safer here at home."

The Massachusetts senator, who voted for the congressional resolution authorizing Bush to use force in Iraq, has since charged the president rushed to war without adequate international help or a plan to win the peace.

Kerry said Americans could honor the legacy of those who fought in World War Two by building a country once again trusted by other nations.

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[blm]

1. "a country once again trusted by other nations."

Thankyou President Kerry.

[glarius]

2. As a non-American,

in my case Canadian, I think this is absolutely imperative if the United States is to regain good relations with former allies and friends....I see NO WAY you can get back on good terms as long as Bush and his arrogant, dismissive of the rest of the world crew are running your government....Even now, as he is attempting to show a willingness to bend, one gets the feeling that he is not sincere but just acting expediently....IMO

[jayavarman]

3. I hope this is something which resonates

with voters of all stripes.

this administration has pissed away so much international good will & has got absolutely nothing to show for it

[leesa]

4. Well, it ain't gonna happen if you don't get the hell out of Iraq

[bobthedrummer]

5. There's no accurate way of assessing the damage today-much work

will be done by President Kerry's administration to repair what can be fixed imo.

But it is severe, in the long run.

NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.