Image Control

I heard portions of a speech made by Secretary of State John Kerry where he felt it necessary to defend President Obama's failure to reassure Americans on the aftermath of two terrorist atrocities, in Belgium and in Pakistan.  He continued to express how America needs to change our image of being a bully.  We apparently need to work on the way in which we're viewed by the other countries of the world.  Consequently, the president continued his diplomatic visit with an historically hostile regime, while Americans were shaken.

I have a simple question:  WHY?

Why do we need to concern ourselves with the way we are viewed by other nations?  What do we care about the way in which they perceive us, real or imagined?

Our government needs to be concerned about keeping us safe, and if they're unable to do that, at least make us feel like we are.

Political correctness has soared to ridiculous heights when we're more concerned about our image than our well-being.

Let's be sure we don't offend those who are out to do us, our way of life, and our allies, harm.