[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 43 (Thursday, March 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E403]]
                        NEW DOGS IN OUR BACKYARD

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, our own backyard is in jeopardy. Recently 
Colombia, our ally in the war on drugs and in combating Marxist rebels 
bent on undermining democracy in the Americas, was threatened with 
military action by its neighbors Venezuela and Ecuador. Colombia had 
taken the military initiative to eliminate a FARC commander across the 
border in Ecuador in order to maintain its own security. Yet the 
leftist and anti-U.S. leaders from Venezuela and Ecuador took grave 
offense to the killing of one of their comrades in arms, and rolled up 
tank battalions to the border to try to intimidate Colombia. 
Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed in this round, yet the United States 
should be concerned from some emerging big dogs in our own backyard.
  With our attention turned elsewhere around, other nations and 
interests have been undermining US influence in the Americas. As seen 
already, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been trying to gather 
support of other Latin American leaders to oppose the U.S. This latest 
incident in threatening our ally is a prime example.
  Yet there is an even bigger dog, and it is hungry. China is growing 
in influence in Latin America. Seeking trading, political, and military 
ties with Latin America nations, China's hunger for expansion is part 
of its goal to be a chief player in world politics. As China seeks 
greater ties and influence in South America, it will naturally rely on 
its Communist ties with Marxist and leftist leaning groups.
  What is the result of these two big dogs in our backyard? US 
influence is lessening in Latin America. For decades we stood by and 
militarily backed our Monroe Doctrine. In essence, we claim that the 
Western Hemisphere and the Americas is our sphere of influence. While 
we were able to keep Europe out, we are failing to keep the Far East 
and Communism out. Theodore Roosevelt added his corollary to the 
Doctrine, stating that the US reserves the right to intervene in Latin 
America. American foreign policy should take notice of this situation. 
While we have our chickens outside grazing, the coop is empty and under 
threat. We should hold fast to our Monroe Doctrine, and include all 
emerging threats, whether from Europe, the Far East, or ideas such as 
Communism and radical Islam. Strangers in one's backyard do not make 
for a secure household.
  And that's just the way it is.

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