CNN iReport

When the world thinks of the U.S., who do they see?  George W. Bush. 

Bush's preemptive war policy makes countries edgy. When Bush lost our credibility in Iraq and gave away our moral authority with torturing, he made this country less safe.

What would you do if you were a country that Bush made a part of the axis of evil? If I was them, I'd make the US look like bullies, point to the occupation in Iraq, and flame anti-American sentiment.

Bush and McCain completely underestimate the value of good world opinion. The Western world's sympathy on 9/11 was great, but we've completely worn out the world's sympathy for us now. The world thought our quest for Osama bin Laden was warranted, but Iraq was simply something else.

We need someone who symbolizes change to the rest of the world. McCain to the rest of the world is a 3rd term for Bush. Not only does the world not respect McCain, but they will think we are looking toward more occupation, more oil. The Georgia mess is already a sign of the US wanting another fold hold in the Middle East.  McCain put Russia on notice Thursday night that we're watching them.  Great.

It's understandable that the U.S. stirred up a conflict in Georgia to provoke Russia which then made Poland nervous and allowed us to put our missile system there. And Bam! Instantly throws $1 billion to Georgia? Why was it so important the US aid there? I'm not aware of any European nations chipping in (Norway apparently donated I now see).

Obama will be a sign to the world that we're not war hungry. He will ease tensions. He will help repair US world respect. He will focus on the real threat in Afghanistan (that no one in the GOP talks about for some reason). He will push Iraq to stand up for itself.

The truth is the SOONER we get our troops out of Iraq, the sooner we win. Iraq already has a $60 surplus, and it will rise rapidly. Their oil exporting is back to pre-war levels, and they will be able to fund their security. In fact, they've guaranteed security to China for their oil investment there.

When will the US show it's at least as interested in helping it's own citizens as "helping" Georgia and Iraq?  We had the biggest 4 month rise in employment in over 25 years, coinciding with another surge in oil prices. We need to redirect that $10 billion/month to Iraq back here! We need to fast track the development of high mpg/alternative fuel vehicles. We need to build those wind/sea turbines people are talking about. Any focus away from renewable/sustainable energy resources is only slowing the future. People need to know that we're putting gas behind us. People need to know that we're finally serious about ending our oil addiction. We'll be going on the patch! Finally!

McCain and her oil slick sidekick mean well. McCain has been in Washington over half of Obama's life, so Obama knows and we need to understand that McCain had his opportunities.

Our time is now. Let Obama lead us into the future and away from McCain's tenure. Let the world know we're not a Bush culture anymore.  Be proud that you helped steer America to the light of hope and away from the gloom of fear. 

Peace!