Quote Originally Posted by daihashi
I agree with this post nearly 100%.

The only thing I disagree with is the US world police situation. While it may appear that we are simply butting out noses in where it doesn't belong... if you look at a number of the situations where the US goes in and flexes it's muscles it is usually due to some UN Sanction that has been violated or ignored.

Historically the UN has not enforced any of it's policies and is generally corrupt. I guarantee you many nations in the UN are as corrupt as people PERCEIVE the United States to be. (I don't argue that there is not corruptness occuring within our government. That would just be naive to think that).

The UN makes international Law.. has an international military and focuses on human rights and other things. Yet in the history of the UN I have never seen them step beyond diplomatic action. I am totally for handling things peacefully. I prefer it. The problem is that in many situations, like in Iraq for example where they would close their doors to UN inspectors on several occassions, the UN would just roll over and take it with a smile. They might as well apologized for interrupting Saddams valuable time.

The question is when is it time to stop diplomacy and take a course of action?

Russia, France, China and several other members even abuse policies that are put in place.. like the oil for food program. Which was abused by trading weapons for oil instead of food like the program suggests.

France had several interests in Iraq in the form of oil contracts. In addition Iraq was buying military arms from Russia and China.

When you have so many countries that have a fiscal interest in a nation and ignore problems or worse.. contribute to an ever expanding problem then I feel the finger should be pointed at them as well.

The United States put essentially put the Baath party in power and to be honest, even though I am opposed to the war, I'm somewhat glad that we cleaned up ONE of the messes we made.

The WORLD is corrupt and honestly it's a bit disgusting that everyone turns a blind eye to their own wrongs and only focus on the United States.

But then again I guess it's easier to place all your blame on one nation.. heh


ps: I am sincerely glad to see this post by you and wished more people shared the mentality of looking beyond just what they see in front of them. Beyond what the media spoon feeds them. Although I do not agree with your post 100% I found it very intelligible and written in a somewhat non biased fashion.

While I'm all for arguments and debate, I find that majority of the posts in regards to this are more Anti-American (even from Americans) sentiment as opposed to well thought out posts with historical, political, economic or even current event references.

Ghandi once said that we must become the change that we want to see in the world.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I enjoy reading your posts. :thumbsup:

Thanks for your kind words. I too agree almost 100 percent with things you write. I am also glad that you can disagree with me intelligently, and not just shoot your mouth off because you don't agree. Its this type of debate that is good for the mind..not the childish bickering between those who actually don't know anything. :rasta:
That said ...you are about to disagree with me. I am going to try to make this as well argued as I can, and before you jump on me..remember we're both smart and can take a debate, right?:thumbsup:

Okay so I really wish I could find that post I did where I explain my negative views on the US. Alas, I cannot find it...but please don't think I am being anti-american. I'm not at all, its just that being anti-american is defined by saying ANYTHING NEGATIVE about the US, and lets face it, theres always negative things to say in life. So just because I criticize the country, doesn't mean I'm anti american.
Damn, I honestly am trying to find the nicest way to say this...basically, I just think your country has evolved in contrast to the vision laid out by your founding fathers. The original system of checks and balances and multiple political levels, ie. state vs. federal, the constitution and bill of rights, etc. are all great documents that shaped a wonderful country. The problem is, along the way, the US stepped into the forefront(I'd argue with their entrance to the second world war). And when they stepped into the forefront they did so very powerfully, and got a taste of what its like to be on top of the world. This has been the case since 1941, and it has only gotten more infested with power and corruption. Never do I say that other countries aren't corrupt, like you mention...just that some have a hard time swallowing the notion that great old USA isn't perfect. Well, thats what I take issue with, and thats why some things come off anti-american...some people just don't understand the arrogance you guys emit. I understand it...and realize that a superpower is always being prodded, and therefore has to clearly define its power. But sometimes America oversteps its bounds. The reason everything comes off so anti-american is that since America is the top dog, everyone has to nip at their heels. That's why as you said it seems most turn a blind eye to the fact that there is corruption around the world. And the reason its so easy to blame your one nation is because its at the top.
It is pretty hard to deny arrogance when your country ousts leaders and replaces them, starts a 'global war on terror', and basically controls the world economy. If a nation is the most powerful in the world, how can it not be arrogant??? So don't necessarily assume that people speaking the truth, whilst it may be negative, is anti-american.

Now to the part where I agree...pretty well everything you said about the UN i agree with. It is a useless waste of time even being around until it learns to set the tone. This is the connection to both of our arguments.
Your argument is the US is always having to step in to right wrongs on behalf of the useless nature of the UN. Agreed. My point is that the US thinks it controls too much...although it is responsible to a degree, its unilateral actions are much to the chagrin of the rest of the free world.
A good solution to both our grievances would be to make the UN into a more powerful body that is capable of standing without the firepower of the US. It can keep all its sanction crap, but when the time comes to do something about it, the UN should have UN troops, ones without spiderwebs cloaking the triggers of their shitty 9mm. And when they are needed, like they are in say DArfur for the part 9 years, they could be deployed. If the UN acts unilaterally its alright because its made up of all of our countries.....it comes off a hell of a lot less condescending when its not just the US. See what I'm saying?? Basically to fix the UN would solve a lot of the anti-american sentiment...because people would be less offended if an international body was controlling things, not a piece of North America.

I welcome and look forward to your rebuttal, sir
Or madame. Damn cannacom and its vague gender displays.
FreshNugz Reviewed by FreshNugz on . Nuclear Showdown: Iran Says It Won't Stop Enrichment TEHRAN, Iran Aug 21, 2006 (AP)â?? Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday that Tehran will continue to pursue nuclear technology, despite a U.N. Security Council deadline to suspend uranium enrichment by the end of the month or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has made its own decision and in the nuclear case, God willing, with patience and power, will continue its path," Khamenei was quoted as saying by state television. Rating: 5