Peanut Farmer, The Gipper and Another Middle East Tinderbox, 1980 Redux?

Dear NewsBlaze editors:

With attacks on US Embassies across much of the Middle East on the 11 year anniversary of 9-11 and Mitt Romney's and Barack Obama's statements, I am reminded of the Iranian hostage crisis and it's game changing effect on the 1980 election.

Much like Romney, Ronald Reagan drew a line in the sand and basically warned Iran not to cross it, while incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter kept his game plan of hands-off diplomatic talks.

With the new spate of attacks and candidates' reactions, mainstream American and global media branded Romney's response as rash and dangerous just as they did with Reagan.

Bottom line, Mr. Reagan won a "come from behind" victory 22 years ago that confounded many, by walking the walk and calling to American pride and resolve. President Carter lost, trying to use a modern day Neville Chamberlain approach of appeasement.

Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. I see Mitt Romney's tough and decisive actions and Barack Obama's apparent me-tooism following as a bell weather game changer.

Just like "It's the economy, stupid," I see a 2012 election September surprise of "It's US foreign policy, stupid" propelling Mitt Romney to the Oval Office this November.

It really looks like a 1980 Redux, another Middle East tinderbox, with Romney as The Gipper, and President Obama as Jimmy Carter.

Ken Hodges,
Walnut Creek, California