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Mike Rogers: Growing isolationism bad for US

Rep. Mike Rogers, Brighton, Michigan (R)
Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio
Rep. Mike Rogers, Brighton, Michigan (R)

Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) says he’s very concerned that war-weary Americans are growing more withdrawn from world events.

Rogers gives up his congressional seat next year as well as his chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee to pursue a new career as a talk radio host. The lawmaker has served in Congress since 2001 and has intelligence chairman since 2011.

Rogers says he sees plenty of evidence that the U.S. may be entering a new isolationist period.

“And that isolationism, if you look at history, has always treated us poorly. Always. That means less prosperity, less economic opportunity at home, and, certainly, less national security,” he told reporters in Lansing.

“This is what happens when the U.S. withdraws from the world in a meaningful way, where our friends don’t know that they’re our friends anymore, and our enemies are emboldened, our adversaries are emboldened. Turn on your TV – that’s what you’re going to see.”

He says there are plenty of ways for the U.S. to remain engaged in the world’s hot spots short of sending in the military.

Rogers says Ukraine and Syria are two places where American apathy is harming U.S. interests and security. Rogers is very critical of President Obama’s handling of foreign affairs.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.
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