Is America unfairly targeted as the world's problem solver?

[Loren Booda]

Is the United States a target simply because for the first time in history there is a true world power (the U. S.), who is expected to solve all global problems, without disrespecting outsiders, and must adhere to a higher standard than other nations?

Please tell me if you know of another country held to the same expectations as the United States. Personally, I am ashamed of the attack on Iraq, and believe that the majority of Americans also are. Don't consider America only as an agglomeration than individuals with many differences and commonalities they are willing to share. I admit that we could do a heck of lot better, but who else is providing a role model? Let them step up.

 

[kat]

I'm more ashamed for those who used the oil for food program to fill their own pockets and were willing to turn their backs on the Iraqi people as long as they were making money on Saddam being in power. When are you people going throw around the same vitriolic claims about that as you do the U.S.? Who in YOUR govenrments/countries filled their pockets on the lives of Iraqis while abusing the oil for food program?

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

What Have They Solved?

Loren Booda wrote;
"Is the United States a target simply because for the first time in history there is a true world power (the U. S.), who is expected to solve all global problems,..."

I would ask you to inform me of JUST ONE problem they have solved?
I can think of ABSOLUTE ZERO.

Kat seems to have had a thought!;
"I'm more ashamed for those who used the oil for food program to fill their own pockets and were willing to turn their backs on the Iraqi people as long as they were making money on Saddam being in power."

http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20040321-101405-2593r.htm

The French and the Russians were making money off the oil (of course they were!). They had LEGAL deals with the government of Iraq.

 

[kat]

who is expected to solve all global problems

this explains the anger and delusional rantings. What kind of people really think like this?

Li'l tidbit..the "legal deal" (subjective opinion BTW) and the Oil for food issue...2 different subjects..just an FYI..maybe you forgot because those "natural drugs" were interfering with your analytical abilities.

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

Kat;

You are a first-rate candidate for Prozac/Lovan.

I BET YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED SOME FORM OF PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION IN YOUR LIFE BY A DOCTOR!

 

[kat]

lol, using all caps is a sign of emotional instability...not to mention..rude, yelling and all that..
Please wipe the dribble off your bottom lip. There..now, that's a good boy.

 

[russ_watters]

Please tell me if you know of another country held to the same expectations as the United States.

Simply put, there isn't one. And I'm ok with that.

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

I again request an answer (ONLY ONE);

Loren Booda wrote;
"Is the United States a target simply because for the first time in history there is a true world power (the U. S.), who is expected to solve all global problems,..."

I would ask you to inform me of JUST ONE problem they have solved?
I can think of ABSOLUTE ZERO.

Come on Russ, Kat...
Just one...

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

I can hear the Crickets chirping...

















Hell, will freeze over before I get an answer on this one...




















Chirp, chirp, chirp...

 

[kat]

Well..I used to think that the creation of the internet would solve a lot of problems..but then I see the disinformation and crap spread around on it by people like you..and then I have to rethink that...hmmm

 

[russ_watters]

I again request an answer (ONLY ONE);

Loren Booda wrote;
"Is the United States a target simply because for the first time in history there is a true world power (the U. S.), who is expected to solve all global problems,..."

I would ask you to inform me of JUST ONE problem they have solved?
I can think of ABSOLUTE ZERO.

Come on Russ, Kat...
Just one...

The first problem we faced as the leader of the western world was rebuilding Europe. That was an unqualified success.

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

Rebuilding Europe?

Fantasia is a wonderful place.

Pray tell, what was rebuilt?

Not counting Berlin Walls, NATO Alliances.
You're not honestly going to say that America reconstructed Europe?
If you are, you're wrong...

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

Bit of Extra Genocide...

I do recall the Americans exterminating the Partisan Avengers (after the end of World War II).

 

[Nommos Prime (Dogon)]

Wonderful American Actions Since WWII (I'll List 55!)

I've posted this before, but cop-it once more...

We have ONE (DUBIOUS action) so far. Put forward by faithful Russ.

Here's my list (I didn't write it - but I've checked it ALL out);

Heres the American style;
CIA and USA military Terrorist Actions since WWII;
http://www.word-power.co.uk/catalogue/1842773690
1. China 1945 to 1960s: Was Mao Tse-Tung just paranoid?
2. Italy 1947-1948: Free elections, Hollywood style
3. Greece 1947 to early 1950s: From cradle of democracy to client state
4. The Philippines 1940s and 1950s: America's oldest colony
5. Korea 1945-1953: Was it all that it appeared to be?
6. Albania 1949-1953: The proper English spy
7. Eastern Europe 1948-1956: Operation Splinter Factor
8. Germany 1950s: Everything from juvenile delinquency to terrorism
9. Iran 1953: Making it safe for the King of Kings
10. Guatemala 1953-1954: While the world watched
11. Costa Rica mid-1950s: Trying to topple an ally, Part one
12. Syria 1956-1957: Purchasing a new government
13. The Middle East 1957-1958: The Eisenhower Doctrine claims another backyard for America
14. Indonesia 1957-1958:War and pornography
15. Western Europe 1950s and 1960s: Fronts within fronts within fronts
16. British Guiana 1953-1964: The CIA's international labour Mafia
17. Soviet Union late 1940s to 1960s: From spy planes to book publishing
18. Italy 1950s to 1970s: Supporting the Cardinal's orphans and techno-fascism
19. Vietnam 1950-1973: The Hearts and Minds Circus
20. Cambodia 1955-1973: Prince Sihanouk walks the high-wire of neutralism
21. Laos 1957-1973: L'Armee Clandestine
22. Haiti 1959-1963: The marines land, again
23. Guatemala 1960: One good coup deserves another
24. France/Algeria 1960s: L'etat, c'est la CIA
25. Ecuador 1960-1963: A textbook of dirty tricks
26. The Congo 1960-1964: The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba
27. Brazil 1961-1964: Introducing the marvellous new world of death squads
28. Peru 1960-1965: Fort Bragg moves to the jungle
29. Dominican Republic 1960-1966: Saving democracy from communism by getting rid of democracy
30. Cuba 1959-1980s: The unforgivable revolution
31. Indonesia 1965: Liquidating President Sukarno…and 500,000 others. East Timor 1975: and 200,000 more
32. Ghana 1966: Kwame Nkrumah steps out of line
33. Uruguay 1964-1970: Torture - as American as apple pie
34. Chile 1964-1973: A hammer and sickle stamped on your child's forehead
35. Greece 1964-1974: '**** your Parliament and your Constitution,' said the President of the United States
36. Bolivia 1964-1975: Tracking down Che Guevara in the land of coup d'etat
37. Guatemala 1962 to 1980s: A less publicised 'final solution'
38. Costa Rica 1970-1971: Trying to topple an ally, Part two
39. Iraq 1972-1975: Covert action should not be confused with missionary work
40. Australia 1973-1975: Another free election bites the dust
41. Angola 1975 to 1980s: The Great Powers Poker Game
42. Zaire 1975-1978: Mobutu and the CIA, a marriage made in heaven
43. Jamaica 1976-1980: Kissinger's ultimatum
44. Seychelles 1979-1981: Yet another area of great strategic importance
45. Grenada 1979-1984: Lying - one of the few growth industries in Washington
46. Morocco 1983: A video nasty
47. Suriname 1982-1984: Once again, the Cuban bogeyman
48. Libya 1981-1989: Ronald Reagan meets his match
49. Nicaragua 1981-1990: Destabilisation in slow motion
50. Panama 1969-1991: Double-crossing our drug supplier
51. Bulgaria 1990: Teaching Communists what democracy is all about
52. Iraq 1990-1991: Desert holocaust
53. Afghanistan 1979-1992: America's Jihad
54. El Salvador 1980-1994: Human rights, Washington style
55. Haiti 1986-1994: Who will rid me of this man?

NEED I SAY MORE?

 

[studentx]

answer a question Nommos: how was the 90-91 gulf war a terrorist military desert holocaust? LOL

 

[member 5645]

answer a question Nommos: how was the 90-91 gulf war a terrorist military desert holocaust? LOL

THE HIGHWAY OF DEATH! IT WAS A CIA/MOSSAD CONSPIRACY! AAHHHHH, MY FOIL HAT!


Normally I wouldn't go this far, but Nommos has already put this thread on such a fringe :)

 

[Njorl]

Is the United States a target simply because for the first time in history there is a true world power (the U. S.), who is expected to solve all global problems, without disrespecting outsiders, and must adhere to a higher standard than other nations?

Please tell me if you know of another country held to the same expectations as the United States. Personally, I am ashamed of the attack on Iraq, and believe that the majority of Americans also are. Don't consider America only as an agglomeration than individuals with many differences and commonalities they are willing to share. I admit that we could do a heck of lot better, but who else is providing a role model? Let them step up.

I think most of the wealthy, democratic countries are held to the same high standard for their actions. The US is more active than other countries. Inactivity, when it is wrong, is rarely criticized. When it is, the entire world, or the UN is criticized for inactivity, diffusing it. Active mistakes (or even correct actions) are much more harshly criticized.

Compare the criticism about Iraq to that concerning the Rwandan genocide. The US, France and the Netherlands all were in a position to unilaterally stop it. None of the three acted. Even accepting the worst case description of the war in Iraq, the Rwandan genocide was monumentally worse. Yet, the criticism is non-existant by comparisson.

In a different vane, I personally hold the US to a higher standard, because what it does, it does in my name. The tortures at Abu Ghraib were worse than other torture (to me) because I paid to have it done. If I don't do something about it, it becomes my torture. I don't want that. It isn't so much that I hold the US to a higher standard, as it is my duty to uphold that standard.

Njorl

 

[Njorl]

I'm more ashamed for those who used the oil for food program to fill their own pockets and were willing to turn their backs on the Iraqi people as long as they were making money on Saddam being in power. When are you people going throw around the same vitriolic claims about that as you do the U.S.? Who in YOUR govenrments/countries filled their pockets on the lives of Iraqis while abusing the oil for food program?

Kat,
Originally, I was horrified by the initial evidence. Since then, it has been revealed that every bit of documentary evidence implicating UN or foreign entities in the scandal has come from Ahmed Chalabi. There has not been one shred of corroborating evidence from any other source. Considering that, in all likelihood, Chalabi is an Iranian intelligence asset, I think it is not wise to accept his evidence at face value. No nation in the world has more reason to discredit and weaken the UN then Iran.

The US is certainly in no position to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program. Our president has destroyed our credibilty in this matter. If the UN is discredited as well, then it and the IAEA will also have no credibility.

Njorl

 

[Loren Booda]

Njorl,

Thanks for your usual balanced commentary. Any other comparisons to the Rwandan genocide or to similar global ignorance out there?

Nommos,

When 21st century propaganda suddenly divulges an overarching conspiracy by Americans to restrain the world, without much responsibility by other first world countries, it seems somewhat a confabulation of those "peace" drugs gone to war. What would have been the effect of us not having intervened in the conflicts you mentioned?

I suggest a revision of your own country's history, including the destruction of the Aboriginal culture and people. What else can Australia lay claim to, or are you all immaculate? Can you point that all-knowing finger at your own people? Give up the lotus.

 

[Kacper]

Now seeing as to how I am an American who lives next to American military base in Germany I can say the America did a real good job in turning the tables of World War II when France collapsed and Britian was nearly out of resources. Also Yeah there was a Berlin Wall but there was also a Berlin airlift. Also, where is the Berlin Wall today? Yeah there is Nato but there also was Wilson's fourteen points. Speaking of which answer this question "Who started/founded the United Nations?" Wait, we are doing real good in the Phillippines, Afghanastan, Colombia, Indonesia, and even Iraq (which has lasted a year so far and things are a million times better). Why don't you do something other than look at the dirty liberal headlines and reading things off of liberal websites and learn about the real situations. I highly doubt that you know anything about foriegn policy. D.I.M.E. do you know about that? All of those "terrorist attacks" that you listed how many of them do you really know about? Why did the U.S. take the action they did? How do you justify something as a terrorist attack when it benefited the people of that country?What ones can you explain? Where did you even get this kind of information? Why don't you actually learn something then argue your side of the fence because you really aren't putting any real points out on the table. America has solved alot. Learn your facts.

 

[russ_watters]

Rebuilding Europe?

Fantasia is a wonderful place.

Pray tell, what was rebuilt?

Not counting Berlin Walls, NATO Alliances.
You're not honestly going to say that America reconstructed Europe?
If you are, you're wrong...

Yes, the Berlin wall is a good example. If you go there even today, stand where the wall was and look to your left and right, you'll see an amazing contrast in the level of development of the two halves of the city. One half was run by the US, the other by the USSR. The difference is clear all over Europe, but Berlin is the place where you can see the highest contrast ratio.

And do I need to bring back my "The US is the Light" thread? A satellite photo (composite) of the world at night shows, among other things, that South Korea is an island of light with nothing north of it. Again, high contrast between American influence and communist (in this case Chinese) influence.

Any other comparisons to the Rwandan genocide or to similar global ignorance out there?

How about Yugoslavia? Genocide was going on there as well but no one except the US was willing to do anything about it. Clinton (his one big foreign policy success, and a lucky one at that) ended it and the UN took over the peacekeeping after the US did the dirty work.

And I'm not sure ignorance is the word you're looking for: apathy might be better. Often attributed to Americans, the fact is its human nature for people to be apathetic about things that don't directly affect them.

 

[russ_watters]

Nommos...

I wonder if he sees the irony in attacking the US in a thread titled "America the scapegoat?" Add that to Njorl's point about actions being scrutinized while inactions are not (its hard to scrutinize 'nothing') and the point is pretty well made.

 

[kat]

Kat,
Originally, I was horrified by the initial evidence. Since then, it has been revealed that every bit of documentary evidence implicating UN or foreign entities in the scandal has come from Ahmed Chalabi. There has not been one shred of corroborating evidence from any other source. Considering that, in all likelihood, Chalabi is an Iranian intelligence asset, I think it is not wise to accept his evidence at face value. No nation in the world has more reason to discredit and weaken the UN then Iran.

There were already accounting issues that were not being addressed reported years ago, this had nothing to do with Chalabi and still have not been addressed. I think we will find that there is far more to this then meets the eye. Particularly where the evidence given by Chalabi was specific to only one year.

The US is certainly in no position to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program. Our president has destroyed our credibilty in this matter. If the UN is discredited as well, then it and the IAEA will also have no credibility.

Njorl

Sorry, but I think the IAEA lost it's credibility a long time ago. Weren't they the agency who stated that Iraq did not have nuclear capability just before Israel destroyed it?

 

[selfAdjoint]

There were already accounting issues that were not being addressed reported years ago, this had nothing to do with Chalabi and still have not been addressed. I think we will find that there is far more to this then meets the eye. Particularly where the evidence given by Chalabi was specific to only one year.

Probably there are accounting issues. Probably somebody should be fired. But this is a mibnor scandal compared to the scandals afflicting the Bush administration, and the tendency of the right wing bloggers like instapundit to devote themselves exclusively to a shaky UN scandal when the floods of hitherto secret documents are unravelling all of Bush's crdibility is transparently just a spin issue.

Sorry, but I think the IAEA lost it's credibility a long time ago. Weren't they the agency who stated that Iraq did not have nuclear capability just before Israel destroyed it?

What they destroyed wasn't "nuclear capability" but a nuclear reactor which they thought MIGHT provide plutonium - which would not in itself have been "nuclear capability". There's a little matter of designing and building nuclear devices, engineering them to go into nose cones, and so forth. You could be sitting on a ton of plutonium and still not have "nuclear capability".

 

[member 5645]

What they destroyed wasn't "nuclear capability" but a nuclear reactor which they thought MIGHT provide plutonium - which would not in itself have been "nuclear capability". There's a little matter of designing and building nuclear devices, engineering them to go into nose cones, and so forth. You could be sitting on a ton of plutonium and still not have "nuclear capability".

http://www.nci.org/i/ib113095.htm

Sorry for not highlighting the main points - I need to run! will later!