RE: The other side of the world

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RE: The other side of the world - 11/1/2008 12:56:51 PM

popeye1250

Posts: 18104
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: New Hampshire
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Well I'm certainly aware of other countries and have been to about 40 of them.
Both in the military and on my own.
My geography is very good actually.
My, problem (and many other Americans) lies in the fact that I don't want my government interacting with so many foreign countries.
And that usually means "foreign aid" and immigration.
I think something like 72% of Americans think that, "we're headed in the wrong direction" there.
We need to be closing embasseys not opening more.
Look at that $1Billion dollar monstrosity of an "embassey" in Iraq!
It's very clear that our govt. isn't *listening* to us on this, "free trade" and a host of other issues!
Like George Washington said; "We should not involve ourselves in foreign entanglements."

< Message edited by popeye1250 -- 11/1/2008 12:59:01 PM >

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RE: The other side of the world - 11/1/2008 1:09:52 PM

kdsub

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Joined: 8/16/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: meatcleaver

I'm not certain that individual Presidents have that much power anyway, it seems from here it is the forces behind the President are what drive US policy. I think Eisenhower said or implied, the forces of the US state are beyond one man's (President's) control.

The forces behind the President are the people...there is no secret organization or person pulling strings... that is a notion of those incompetent at managing their lives and need someone or something to blame.

Certainly there are a few congressmen willing to take bribes for legislation...but not many… They eventually get caught or loose their set.

Butch

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RE: The other side of the world - 11/1/2008 5:34:48 PM

seeksfemslave

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The unspoken reason for the interest in the US, which I've have said it before and I will say it again because it is true, is that England is the de facto 49th state of US with the motto the kiss arse state
Historical note: we joined before Alaska and Hawaii.

I am going to seek election as a Senator and join hands with Ms Moose Pie Sarah, hi heels tight skirts, Palin Gawd bless 'er soul.

Our first legislative act will be to declare war on Scotland The intention here is not to defeat Sctland but to provide excitement for unemployable miscreant youth in perpituity.
Tax subsidies will be removed from Northern Ireland and Wales and it is expected that within very few generations the scroungers should become extinct.
Meanwhile I will build security walls around Liverpool and Manchester but as a humanitarian gesture I will provide a meal of mushy peas and chips to be delivered once a month by Sarah riding naked on an Alaskan snowmobile.
Atomic bombs will be detonated in an East West line at the Watford border in order to allow southern England to float off and bump into north west France.

That leaves the midlands to run things, produce cars machinery and wealth of all kinds, as has always been the case and generally prosper and live happily ever after.

< Message edited by seeksfemslave -- 11/1/2008 5:41:34 PM >

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RE: The other side of the world - 11/1/2008 7:21:14 PM

Shekicromaster

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Joined: 4/5/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: corysub
Thank you so much for the even handed post. We don't see too much of that from people across the pond. I would remind those over there who joke about America only aware of her existence. It's true, and necessary, that every country do things in their national interest...and why I think the failed United Nations should be abandoned.
However, America has been a country with the biggest heart on the planet when it comes to aiding friends around the globe with blood and treasure. The younger Europeans don't seem to remember the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after the devastation of WW2, the strength of U.S. military presence when thousands of Russian tanks and their satellite countries were threatening freedom once again...and today, still giving in blood.

I don’t know that much about the WW2 history but are you really that sure it was pure altruism? There was no national interest in all that? If nothing else to have more international influence and stop the communist expansion that would than be a bigger treat to the USA too? And I’m in no way criticizing, there is nothing immoral, especially not in this case. But at the end it all comes down to interests behind the actions and polished diplomatic phraseology over them. When it is in our interest we will support democracy, but we will also support dictatorships if our interest is there… And if we have no (strategic, economic..) interest we certainly won’t send our army somewhere that easily. Again not criticizing, it’s just the way things are, the reason USA are more in the focus is because of their military (and other) strength, so they have more impact. But in their own ways every country normally tries to expand their interests first. I just don’t believe in political altruism, even in the instances where there have been some at the end it proved to be a mistake. Realpolitik at least to some extent I’m afraid is our reality. But maybe that’s just pessimism. Hope so :D

quote:

You are very correct in that the result of the U.S. election will impact coutries around the world. The possiblilty of a radical change in our government will impact and polarize the States, and quite possibly lead to a more isolationist approach to global politics...or worse, a softer approach to dictators who want nothing better than to destroy our way of life...and yours. As the old chinese curse goes.."May you live in interesting times"...and we are...

Oh well, I have doubts in some in radical changes. Changes might be in methods.. using gloves is more popular than guns but strategic interests will probably remain the same. Yes, but from their point of view you are trying to destroy their way of life. And are much more successful in doing that.