A leader, not a scarecrow, is what our nation needs when it comes to foreign policy. Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin are up to their old tricks again, using scare tactics to further divide America and push their own out of touch, Bush-like agendas.

When it comes to foreign policy, Sen. Barack Obama has stuck to his principles and held fast to his plan for the United States. He was against the war in Iraq from the very beginning, and in 2002, he spoke out against it saying the war would lead to “an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs and undetermined consequences.” Today, Obama is calling for a phased and responsible timetable to withdraw troops and revitalize our military.

However, opposition wants you to believe that Obama is “naïve,” and “inexperienced.” His most controversial plan calls for meeting with foreign leaders, like those in Iraq and Iran, without preconditions. This plan is one that even McCain’s own foreign relations advisor Henry Kissinger agrees with, as any political fact checker will confirm.

Obama feels that it is necessary to meet with all leaders — friend or foe — because the world will be more willing to support America when we are willing to come to the table. As a country that excels in diplomacy, we have yet to exhaust our non-military options. Secluding ourselves and not engaging in conversation makes it harder for the U.S. to gain international trust and cooperation.

If a “maverick” is what the people seek, then they should look for a candidate with independent thought who is on the forefront of change. Obama has recognized that the plans recently set in place need serious reform, and is the leader for which we have been waiting.