A new diplomacy.

Topic: Confronting those that hate the U.S.

Tommy Thompson: And the second one, you know, we have to tear down this . . . this really animosity that the jihadists’ movement has against America. There’s people who hate America. And I have found that the best way to treat this severe hatred is build up a counter-force. And that’s through women and children and using medical diplomacy. I’ve traveled all over the world and I’ve been blessed by it. And I’ve had the opportunity in being Secretary of Health to see that there’s one common denominator: Whether you’re a Shiite, Sunni, Kurd, Hamaas, Hezbollah, Jewish member . . . everything revolves around how you’re gonna provide good health – good security, but good health for the family. And this is with women and children. And if you’re really able to tap into that, you’re gonna be able to start a movement across the world that’s gonna be basing themselves on good health conditions and good health for their family. And that’s what I wanna do through global medical diplomacy. And I’ve got a plan laid out, and really to develop that. And I think that is the kind of ideas and positive things that we have to do in this country to show the world that, you know, that we’re not this terrible country that’s trying to invade and be able to in any way change their way of life. We gotta show them that this is America; that we’re good, we’re positive, we’re strong, and we wanna protect you. And we wanna do what is right.

Recorded on: 7/6/07