dc_dux

I would suggest we are losing our eminence because we have lost our moral authority, both in the eyes of many Americans, and among our allies around the world, through many of the policies and actions of the current administration.

Here is just one perspective on one specific Bush action:

In a letter (pdf) to Congress about Bush's plan to unilaterally reinterpret the Geneva Conventions, Colin Powell recognized both the moral implications and the risk to our own troops:

“The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk."
~ Colin Powell

Eminence requires a demonstration of leadership and leadership requires a capacity to listen and not simply bully those who may not support your "cause.". And it requires a recognition that imposing our military might should not be always our first option.

__________________
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
~ Voltaire