Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Dennis
I suggest that this is not a realistic statement - just look at Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, or indeed any country that has been invaded. People do not take kindly to being controlled by any foreign entity. Therefore, these statements are often seen as somewhat arrogant, bullying and inflammatory. Unfortunately, to those who live outside the US, statements like this contribute to the perception that the US is more of a bully than a global peacekeeper.
Regards
Dennis
|
It is a Very realistic statement! History is not comprised of just the last 10, 20, or 50 years. The U.S. didn't take over Japan, Germany, Russia, or any number of other countries that it had the opportunity to. Instead, it spent billions of dollars helping them rebuild - I don't believe the U.S. has ever been repaid even a penny by any of them! Is it Your perception that the U.S. is a bully? Do perceptions equal truth? Do you really think that the U.S. will conquer and control Afganistan permanently in the end. How about Iraq? Do you really think Saddam should have stayed in power?
Again, I'm not in favor of all my country's policies. But you know what? I once got tired of being slapped around when I was a skinny kid of 11 years by a bully. I took him on finally and won. From then on I refused to let unjustices go by the wayside. There's a certain mindset you get when just when you think you are secure, somebody flies airplanes into buildings with devasting results. From then on, you just don't want to tolerate anybody that even seems like a threat.
Man, I really hate to bother defending my country. But maybe I shouldn't care so much. On the other hand, I wonder if Australia was being criticized harshly in another forum - how would you react? In the end though, there seems to be much hypocrisy whenever a natural disaster happens in another country - The U.S. is well known for running to people's aid when this happens. I just think that folks have a skewed perspective about the whole of things. And notice that I am not criticizing Australia - I refuse to do so. I respect the Australian forum I am on. Is this matter really that important to Australians? I was once welcomed here on this forum, and assume that I still am. But, Gosh, one document folks, with language you don't agree with. Fine, but going off the deep end and concluding that the U.S. is engaged in some evil design to control all of space at the expense of the rest of the world is just ludicrous! And a waste of time, I guess - so I'll just let it go here and now. Can you?