Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how quickly people sterotype a countries people with the actions of their government. By the contents of most of these messages one would have to think that the author's have met all 300 million Americans.
I don't think our government is doing enough to address global warming, and yes, the media has probably gotten out of hand. Perhaps the coming energy crisis will force governments to develope new technoligies.
Militarily, say what you will about Americas true motives behind the recent wars, but keeping WMD's out of the hands of terrorist's is an important issue. If one day a city blows up, what will that lead to?
Countries whose leadership consists of basically one man or family and who sponser terrorism (even against their own people), just should not have WMD's. If you tell me that force should not be used to stop this from happening when diplomacy fails, then tell me how we can get rid of WMD's once and for all.
As wars are not being fought with swords and arrows any more, it's not really ok to just say it is none of our buisness and pretend that it won't affect us. The world seems to be connected in every way except one, the ability to speak with one voice.
"Is America selfish?"
Of course it is, at least the Government is.
Governments act in self interest, they better .. or they'll be booted out in the next election.
Your government does the same thing, just not as effectively.
It's not our fault you were born in a Country that can't compete. Face it, America is the Worlds success story as far as Countrys go.
It's not braggin', it a known fact worldwide. That's why you hate us so much isn't it? 😀
Originally posted by The Chess ExpressI did think that your post was well thought out, and i take on board many of your arguments, but i did find a little bit of irony in the copied passage. Who is it refering to again?
Countries whose leadership consists of basically one man or family and who sponser terrorism (even against their own people), just should not have WMD's. If you tell me that force should not be used to stop this from happening when diplomacy fails, then tell me how we can get rid of WMD's once and for all.
.
Anyway, the original question of this thread is , "Is America selfish?"
Well, yes.
But show me any country's government that puts the best interests of the rest of the world ahead of their own.
Some countries are just a little more long term in their notions of what's best for them, and realise that if the world goes under, that includes them. And perhaps maybe there is an underlying notion of "it can't really happen, the world being frozen/drowned...we're so advanced!" behind the blind denials on global warming.
I disagree with Bush and his foreign (and domestic) policy, but America has done many wonderful things for the world, technology like for example, the medium through which we're communicating right now! There are low points of culture like, as previously mentioned, Paris Hilton (what is the point of her?), but there are high points too, Arthur Miller and John Steinbeck being particular favourites of mine.
And while this will grate on many people to make this admission, we in the British Isles would certainly have been well up a certain creek without a certain motive instrument in WWII.
So cheers for that America, and the wonderful things you've given the world (too many to list) but if you could just keep the rampant commercialisation and overuse of this planets all too meagre resources, we'll do the same.
Maybe if we all gave it a shot...
cheers, Gary
ps. out of interest, how many of the people calling the American government for not signing Kyoto (which I think they should, incidentally) always turn their computer/tv/video/dvdplayer/playstation/yougettheidea completely off when not in use? I know I don't always remember.
Originally posted by garyminfordI was basically referring to the worlds many dictators. If the world works together then force is not necessary. Libya is one recent success story. A couple of years ago I would never have thought that old kadafi (spelling) would have cooperated. And the recent progress with North Korea is another promising sign. Part of the reason why Iraq has become such a mess is because the world failed to act as one.
I did think that your post was well thought out, and i take on board many of your arguments, but i did find a little bit of irony in the copied passage. Who is it refering to again?
Anyway, the original question of this thread is , "Is America selfish?"
Well, yes.
But show me any country's government that puts the best interests of the rest o ...[text shortened]... layer/playstation/yougettheidea completely off when not in use? I know I don't always remember.
My own opinion is that as long as there are places in the world where people are brutally oppressed, world peace is not going to happen. Nowadys, trouble in one area affects people on the other side of the world. Can America do it all? Of coarse not. Nor should we try. Diplomacy is always the best way and diplomacy is not likely to work if it is just coming from one country.
Anyway, thanks for your comments.
Is Amercia selfish?
No but like all nations should do it looks after its interests. America is diverse, politically and culturally. It is becoming more mature and complex. America is full of good and interesting people. America is aware that it is the worlds only super power and generally acts responsibly.
The problem either lies with Bush and / or his PR Company. The American government has not been shy in defending the rich christian and jewish white middle class. By doing this they have treated other communities less fairly.
From global warming to the middle east Bush needs to improve his message and actions if he wants to be respected in the wider world. (He may not care about the wider world though).
Originally posted by invigorateMiddle class, hah. They have certainly been protecting the rich, but thats about it. They have treated everyone unfairly. Although I haven't seen any bias towards jews. And the problem is the whole administration, PR doesn't set policy.
Is Amercia selfish?
No but like all nations should do it looks after its interests. America is diverse, politically and culturally. It is becoming more mature and complex. America is full of good and interesting people. America is aware that it is the worlds only super power and generally acts responsibly.
The problem either lies with Bush and / or ...[text shortened]... if he wants to be respected in the wider world. (He may not care about the wider world though).
As for The United States of America being full of good and interesting people, I will grant you interesting, but probably better than half our country are a**holes one way or another.
Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnowHave you met all those people?
Middle class, hah. They have certainly been protecting the rich, but thats about it. They have treated everyone unfairly. Although I haven't seen any bias towards jews. And the problem is the whole administration, PR doesn't set policy.
As for The United States of America being full of good and interesting people, I will grant you interesting, but probably better than half our country are a**holes one way or another.
Originally posted by The Chess ExpressNo but I believe I have met a representative population of them. You don't need to meet everyone, I'm working on the assumption that people in L.A. are no nicer than N.Y. and that rural Georgia is no better than rural New England. I have never heard any evidence or opinion to the contrary. This is how things work, you find the average in an area and if the whole is relativly homogenous, you can make good assuptions about the whole.
Have you met all those people?
Originally posted by UmbrageOfSnowMost Americans I've met are descent people with moral values. So how do you find your average? What is the official A$$hole meter? Those cities that you mentioned contain millions. If you see a few hundred that you don't like is that your average?
No but I believe I have met a representative population of them. You don't need to meet everyone, I'm working on the assumption that people in L.A. are no nicer than N.Y. and that rural Georgia is no better than rural New England. I have never heard any evidence or opinion to the contrary. This is how things work, you find the average in an area and if the whole is relativly homogenous, you can make good assuptions about the whole.
Have you ever been an A$$hole before? Are you being one now? Most people have. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are one.
Originally posted by Bad wolfI think your list is backwards...it should be...
Bad things with America -
1. Will not acknowledge Global Warming, despite clear scientific data
2. Will not sign up to Kyote Protocol
3. Is the world's largest consumer of oil by far
4. Misleading the world about Iraq so we invade because of 'weapons of mass destruction'
5. Threatening Iran with military action about nuclear power work
6. Sharing ...[text shortened]... ve the rest of the world.
Is that ignorant?
Is that selfish?
Share with me your thoughts.
Good things with America -
1. Will not acknowledge Global Warming, despite clear scientific data(theory).
2. Will not sign up to Kyote Protocol( Go Bush!!)
3. Is the world's largest consumer of oil by far.(Keeps world economies going)
4. Invading Iraq and dealing with Terrorism.
5. Threatening Iran with military action about nuclear power work.(Weopons)
6. Sharing 'Fast Food' with the world (McDonalds)
7. Great foreign policy
8. Death penalty(Murderers, etc., should die.)
9. Far larger criminal population compared to most other countries because of Freedom.(The price we have to pay)
Bad things about America -
1. Supporting Greenpeace, and whacko environmentalists
2. Supporting the theory of Evolution.
3. Liberal society
4. Seperation of religion and the state : )It is not what forefathers intended.
5. Democrats
America Selfish?...please.....
Originally posted by checkbaiterYou got it right on.
I think your list is backwards...it should be...
Good things with America -
1. Will not acknowledge Global Warming, despite clear scientific data(theory).
2. Will not sign up to Kyote Protocol( Go Bush!!)
3. Is the world's largest consumer of oil by far.(Keeps world economies going)
4. Invading Iraq and dealing with Terrorism.
5. Threatening Ira ...[text shortened]... he state : )It is not what forefathers intended.
5. Democrats
America Selfish?...please.....