09-13-2001, 11:17 AM | #71 |
Jack Burton
Join Date: March 1, 2001
Location: Airstrip One
Age: 40
Posts: 5,571
|
Nation states rarely involve themselves in problems unless it's in their national interest. Intervention in Kosovo was one exception. The UN humanitarian intervention in Somalia and the ongoing safe haven policy in Northern Iraq is another.
The second world war was not fought because Germany invaded Poland. It was fought because German expansion threatened the balance of power in Europe and thereby the economic and strategic interests of Britain. The USA became involved because of the Japanese attack and because of the uncertain future of the USA both physically and economically in a future where the Axis Governments controlled two thirds of the world. Of course, apart from this the physical security of the United States has rarely been threatened. Wars or police actions have been undertaken for a number of reasons. The Gulf War was fought for economic reasons, action has been taken in Korea, Vietnam,, and Grenada, amongst others to prevent the spread of communism. I fully expect the next intervention to be in Columbia. British soldiers are currenly peace keeping in Sierra Leone and have suffered casualties there. I don't for one moment think we are there to protect the people - that's just a by product. We are there to preserve our influence in Africa. I am not denigrating the sacrifices made by military personnel in any of these actions. They go where they are told to go and do what they are told to do. But let's think about the reasons behind the reasons. It is generally to maintain our position in the world order and the people who benefit most are the rich and the powerful and the multinationals. I agree that it is time for the European nations to take responsibility for themselves in Europe and this is being addressed. I have one question to ask those who advocate American isolationism and the withdrawal of US bases around the world. Will you be needing the US bases in Britain this weekend to land a few B52's? ------------------ Save Chip - Don't let Sarah win! Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas Don't mention the score - I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it! |
09-13-2001, 11:18 AM | #72 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Azure, are there similar incidents of the scope we just saw yesterday that I haven't heard about?? I hear rather loud cries to help out overseas whenever there are terrible disasters, BILLIONS (that billions with a B mind you) In food, goods, money and human volunteers respond to crisis' world wide from this country when there is a need. Do our news organizations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars advertising that 4 people in afghanistan died when their pig fell off a cliff and they tried to save it? Nooooo but does it really call for a world wide gasp of shock? I would also like to ask, when was the last time you have heard of ANY other country sending our people aid when oh say an earthquake nearly leveled LA? Quit knocking a country that has repeatedly been there to help around the wolrs just because we don't put every incident world wide, on the news. We know that tragedys happen ...we do hear about them...and Id say we are way ahead of the curve in responding to them. When some other nation is looked to more often for help around the wolr then complain we aren't doing enough.
Whew....why do you people make me post like this??? ------------------ Disintigration is easy, If you really want to impress me, ReIntegrate it. |
09-13-2001, 11:19 AM | #73 | |
20th Level Warrior
Join Date: September 6, 2001
Location: The lighter side of life, a.k.a. Newnan, Georgia
Age: 55
Posts: 2,767
|
Quote:
------------------ "Allright! We'll call it a draw." "I'm INVINCIBLE! ... You're a LOONEY!" Dare to dream. Be bold enough to try. The day we stop learning is the day we start dying!(c) |
|
09-13-2001, 11:23 AM | #74 | |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Quote:
------------------ Disintigration is easy, If you really want to impress me, ReIntegrate it. |
|
09-13-2001, 11:25 AM | #75 | |
Guest
Posts: n/a
|
Quote:
I have to disagree. If the World Trade Center was based in Europe, Australia, Japan, or even the middle east, this tragedy would have been given just as much coverage on a world-wide level. It was not soley Americans who had interest there...it was the world. Many foreign countries had banks set up in that building...to think that this does not affect them on a financial as well as an emotional level is (politely) blind. There have been many acts on a lesser scale that have not gotten 24 hour coverage, but keep in mind that this was not a small scale attack, nor an attack on just Americans. International companies lost their businesses and the lives of potentially thousands of their people as well. It cannot even be compared to a car bombing outside any local government office in any country, Oklahoma City included. As a couple of examples, I do remember almost non-stop coverage for days on end when earthquakes nearly leveled Mexico City and India, killing tens of thousands in both incidents. This country did not turn a blind eye. Our corporations flew medical teams, medical supplies as well as food and water by the tons to help out. Natural tragedies and ones incited by terrorism are not separated by any level of importance...any tragedy on this scale that affects one country or the whole world get noticed. ------------------ You know childhood is over when a puddle seems like an obstacle instead of an opportunity. Is Too! Is Not! Is Too! Is Not! [This message has been edited by Moni (edited 09-13-2001).] |
|
09-13-2001, 11:32 AM | #76 |
Galvatron
Join Date: May 9, 2001
Location: The backwoods in Georgia *sigh*
Age: 39
Posts: 2,151
|
No I don't think they're overreacting at all. I don't think it's fair that people in their own county overlook tragedies like this in others. It's *different* when it happens to your own your front door step. I know that sounds like crap, but that's just the way it is.
------------------ Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just don't have to listen. |
09-13-2001, 11:35 AM | #77 | |
Jack Burton
Join Date: March 1, 2001
Location: Airstrip One
Age: 40
Posts: 5,571
|
Quote:
Are you aware of the influence of the British Secret Service on the American people to encourage the US entry into WWII BTW - I'm not an expert in US politics but is it Congress or the President who declares war?. I believe that the US has only declared war 5 times since the Declaration of Independence. ------------------ Save Chip - Don't let Sarah win! Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas Don't mention the score - I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it! [This message has been edited by Donut (edited 09-13-2001).] |
|
09-13-2001, 11:41 AM | #78 | |
Ironworks Moderator
Join Date: February 28, 2001
Location: Boston/Sydney
Posts: 11,771
|
Quote:
------------------ |
|
09-13-2001, 11:49 AM | #79 | |
Jack Burton
Join Date: March 1, 2001
Location: Airstrip One
Age: 40
Posts: 5,571
|
Quote:
I met a man in Richmond, Virgina who, when he learned I was from London said that it must be great living on the coast! I met a woman on a bus between New York and Indianapolis who thought England was the capital of Europe. In contrast I met a barman in Tucaho, New York who was extremely well informed and with whom I spent many an hour debating world politics. I'm afraid that the majority of Americans show little or no interest in world affairs. ------------------ Save Chip - Don't let Sarah win! Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas Don't mention the score - I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it! [This message has been edited by Donut (edited 09-13-2001).] |
|
09-13-2001, 11:51 AM | #80 | |
20th Level Warrior
Join Date: September 6, 2001
Location: The lighter side of life, a.k.a. Newnan, Georgia
Age: 55
Posts: 2,767
|
Quote:
------------------ "Allright! We'll call it a draw." "I'm INVINCIBLE! ... You're a LOONEY!" Dare to dream. Be bold enough to try. The day we stop learning is the day we start dying!(c) |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Twin Lamps | Korvanik | Miscellaneous Games (RPG or not) | 2 | 02-02-2004 03:48 PM |
Twin Peaks | Grojlach | Entertainment (Movies, TV Shows and Books/Comics) | 3 | 02-06-2003 07:47 PM |
My stats for people in the 2 towers (contains two tower spoilers) | Sythe | Baldurs Gate II: Shadows of Amn & Throne of Bhaal | 2 | 12-22-2002 10:49 PM |
Twin Lamps | Thamrys Greybeard | Miscellaneous Games (RPG or not) | 5 | 09-23-2002 04:40 AM |
Stats on the Twin Towers | Avatar | General Conversation Archives (11/2000 - 01/2005) | 14 | 09-11-2001 03:50 PM |