I know I write a lot about Bernie and almost as much about Trump…..with good reason….these two candidates are the “outsiders” to this corrupt bankrupted system…..one I will support the other not so much……

I harp about the candidates and their foreign policy issues…..again for good reason…..you see the more we intervene overseas the less cash there will be for the much needed programs in this country……I am concerned about Bernie’s bona fides when it comes to foreign policy……I am always looking for clarification on the issues…..that is where I ran across this article in the Nation about Bernie and foreign policy…..

Now first off the title……”Bernie Sanders, Foreign policy Realist”

My first thought is what is meant by “realist”?

Is this realist in the international relations theory sort of way or is it the more “political correct” version of the word?

In international relations Realist theory makes 10 assumptions…….

The core of classical realist theory is best summarized in the form of 10 assumptions:

1. People are by nature narrowly selfish and ethically flawed
2. Of all people’s evil ways, none are more prevalent or dangerous than their instinctive lust for power and their desire to dominate others
3. The possibility of eradicating these instincts is a utopian “pipedream”
4. International politics is a struggle for power, “a war of all against all”
5. The primary objective of every state–the goal to which all other objectives should be subordinated to–is to promote its NATIONAL INTERESTS
6. The anarchical nature of the international system dictates that states acquire sufficient military capabilities to deter attack by potential enemies and to exercise influence over others
7. Economics is less relevant to national security than is military might
8. Allies might increase a state’s ability to defend itself, but their loyalty and reliability should never be assumed
9. States should NEVER entrust the task of self-protection to international security organizations or international law
10. If all states seek to maximize power, stability will result by maintaining a balance of power

After careful thought I have decided that the “realist” that is mentioned in this article is the more mundane and less academic definition…..that is…… Realists have a firm grip on reality and can see things for what they are, not what they are told they are. Realists have their own views and do not fall victim to propaganda, misconception, or titles.

Sorry about that….but there are times when my mind needs a good work-out session……a word turns it on and I cannot shut it down until I get the answer I was looking for…….

So Bernie is a realist on foreign policy and we go from there about his foreign policy “realism”…….

Without restraint abroad, we will never be able to focus on rebuilding our country at home.

Source: Bernie Sanders, Foreign Policy Realist | The Nation

Bernie is NO war hawk……but then Washington has a way of changing a person and not for the better…..so does the White House…..