Open Season On America

Is it me or was it astonishing to listen to Mexican president Felipe Calderon actively and openly criticize the Arizona law on American soil? As I've always understood it, it's bad form or plain poor politcal etiquette to do such a thing.

Imagine if an American president said as much about Mexico? He would be seen as meddling in Mexican affairs.

From The Economist:

The Arizona law marks a new nadir. Mr Calderón called the measure “backward” and “discriminatory”. (As opposed ot Mexico's wonderful record on deportation. Rich coming from one of the most corrupt nations on earth). His government issued a travel alert, which will discourage citizens from visiting the state. The governors of Mexico’s border states said they would boycott a routine meeting with their American counterparts in Phoenix.

Will the state visit break the pattern? Diplomats from both countries note that their daily collaboration has improved. Co-operation on security is probably closer than it has ever been. American officials have begun searching southbound traffic and seizing illicit cargo. The Mérida initiative, a scheme under which the United States has offered Mexico modest anti-drug aid, has been extended and tweaked to emphasise strengthening institutions, such as the judiciary. Mexico has extradited suspected narcos in unprecedented numbers. Mr Obama shares Mr Calderón’s opposition to the Arizona law, calling it “misguided”. He would like to enact a comprehensive immigration reform.

Ok. So produce it. What's he waiting for? To corner the Hispanic vote for November?

Has anyone noticed that since Obama has taken power it's open season on America? He takes his grievances about America abroad. That's one odd signal to send other nations. I understand there are certain aspects of American life Obama doesn't like but he doesn't have to talk so openly about it. Certain things are just best kept inside the family - like the Arizona law. He could have just said, "that's cool Calderon but this is an American matter and we'll handle it." Capiche?Cosa Nostra, dude. Cosa Nostra.

But that's me. I'm one of those guys that if my buddy is acting like an idiot in a bar and starts a fight I'll stand by him. Only later will I lace into him and tell him he's an idiot. Chastising him by siding with the other guy in public would be pretty weenie of me.

President Obama gives the impression he's embarrassed of his country. People are beginning to notice it.

***

That being said, according to Politifact Obama has told the truth (or close to it) 115 times as opposed to lying 75 times. With a "half true" tag of 53. Not a bad ratio.