US here to stay in Asia, says Obama

[The Northerner]

A DECISION to increase the US military presence in Australia was a clear signal to the Asia-Pacific region that ''we're here to stay'', the US President, Barack Obama, declared last night.

In Australia for his first visit as president, Mr Obama said the decision to station Marines in the Top End and increase the visits of aircraft and, eventually, ships and submarines, should be seen as a ''clear message of our commitment to this region - a commitment that has endured and is unwavering''.

He said the US did not fear China, which has reacted suspiciously to the announcement, but given that the Asia-Pacific was the fastest growing economic region, ensuring its stability was critical to US military and economic interests.

''We're here to stay. This is a region of huge strategic importance to us,'' he said. ''We're going to be in a position to more effectively strengthen the security of both of our nations and the region.''

Read more: http://m.smh.com.au/national/us-here-to-stay-in-asia-says-obama-20111116-1njdb.html

[villager]

1. "Empire more imporant than mere domestic populace," says Obama.

n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

3. True, sickeningly true.

:puke:

[blindpig]

2. The delusion of empire n/t

[dtexdem]

4. Asia is one thing -- but is the U.S. here to stay in North America?

;-)

[Mimosa]

5. I have an intuition the President has no choices

He may have to do what he's instructed.

If he goes off the reservation certain messages seem to get directed his way iykwim. And he has children. :(

[Old and In the Way]

13. I really wonder about that as well.

Seems like an easy way to set the acceptable limits of change.

[Mimosa]

14. A powerful Secret Service would seemingly have strong presence around the White House

And bullets wouldn't be found in White House windows.

[teddy51]

6. Before you know it we will be at war with China! And the beat goes on. n/t

[sasha031]

7. that's what I'm afraid of, the new cold war

[lunatica]

9. It'll be a cold war though so everything is copacetic

Duck and cover!

[gratuitous]

8. Fuck this fucking shit

Sorry to be so vague.

[WinkyDink]

10. The continent of Australia is in Asia now?

[ellisonz]

11. It's the "Asia-Pacific Region." n/t

[fascisthunter]

12. wow.... how embarrassing similar to the right wing

blech...