I was just reading the excellent speech on foreign policy that Howard Dean delivered today in Los Angeles, and in the middle of it I was shaking my head, realizing that what Dean's positions really are on foreign-policy matters generally don't make it into the mainstream media, which pigeonholes him as "anti-war" (he's not), or the conservative media, which of course distorts Dean's views beyond all recognition ("extremist defeatism"?).

It was bumming me out that so many people wouldn't hear what this truly not narrow-minded man has to say about the future of the United States, its security, and its relationship to the rest of the world.

Then I remembered that's what the Internet is for.

So here is the address. It's long, but it's well worth reading, especially if you care to know the foreign-policy views of the likely Democratic nominee for president.

Howard Dean: "Fulfilling the Promise of America: Meeting The Security Challenges of the New Century":

In the past year, our campaign has gathered strength by offering leadership and ideas – and also by listening to the American people. The American people have the power to make their voices heard and to change America’s course for the better.

What are the people telling us? That a domestic policy centered on increasing the wealth of the wealthiest Americans, and ceding power to favored corporate campaign contributors, is a recipe for fiscal and economic disaster. That the strength of our nation depends on electing a President who will fight for jobs, education, and real health care for all Americans.

But the growing concerns of the American people are not limited to matters at home: They also are increasingly concerned that our country is squandering the opportunity to lead in the world in a way that will advance our values and interests and makes us more secure.

When it comes to our national security, we cannot afford to fail. September 11 was neither the beginning of our showdown with violent extremists, nor its climax. It was a monumental wake-up call to the urgent challenges we face.

Today, I want to discuss these challenges. First I want to say a few words about events over the weekend. The capture of Saddam Hussein is good news for the Iraqi people and the world. Saddam was a brutal dictator who should be brought swiftly to justice for his crimes. His capture is a testament to the skill and courage of U.S. forces and intelligence personnel. They have risked their lives. Some of their comrades have given their lives.

All Americans should be grateful. I thank these outstanding men and women for their service and sacrifice.

I want to talk about Iraq in the context of all our security challenges ahead. Saddam’s capture offers the Iraqi people, the United States, and the international community an opportunity to move ahead. But it is only an opportunity, not a guarantee.

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