Has America been a boon or a bane?

[ii7-V7]

Has America been a positve force on the world or a negative force? In otherwords do you think that we have had a beneficial impact on the world or a negative one? Please, support your answer. Don't just say "America Rocks!" and move on.

This sort of came up in the 911 Video thread in the Smack forum (Where this thread may likely end up) and I wanted to get everyones take on it.

Chad Dukes

[DESkins]

I think that would depend upon whether or not America happens to be goring your ox or not. If you are a (formerly) high ranking member of the Taliban, or a member of Saddam Hussein's cabinet, then America's definitely been a bane. On the other hand, if you are not particularly fond of being tortured or having to wear a burka (is there a significant difference in the two?) it's probably safe to assume that America's been a boon. I will assume that your question relates directly to current events, and confine my response to that.

[ii7-V7]

I will assume that your question relates directly to current events, and confine my response to that.

Actually just the opposite. My thoughts were along a more historical line, to include present events. Simply, since 1776 have we contributed to a better world, or would the world be better off with out the U.S. of A.

Chad

[DESkins]

Historically? The world is far better off for America's presence. We've shown that a modern democracy (something that hadn't been tried since the early Greeks) is a viable form of government, inspiring other nations to go to that form of government. We've been there to fight two world wars, defeating enemies that would have changed the world for the worse had they prevailed, and then re-built those same aggressor nations. Mind you, the Mexicans might have a beef with us for our war with them, but on the whole we've proven to be a far better friend to them than the enemy that we were a century and a half ago. Canada, well, that little incursion was solely due to the English coming at us in 1812, when they were still very much a British colony, and thus a base of possible operations against us. Economically, we've been quite beneficial to the world, giving money and aid to countries that are openly anti-American. We may be like a big kid sometimes, kinda clumsy with some stuff, but on the whole we've got our hearts in the right place and we behave decently and generously.

[dnpmakkah]

I would say most of the world has an unfavorable view of America not out of jelously but more so out of its political stance. The two wars that America has started are no where near completion and yet we still get fed lies by the politicians.

Independent reviews have shot down all imaginable reasons for the war none of which have been proven and recently the CIA has said the world is less safer today than it was pre-Iraq war. Fighters in Afghanistan and Iraq have managed to gain steam and recruit more to its cause due soley to the practice of the American military while those so-called Allies of the U.S. have been talking about possible scale-backs in its support of this war.

But that's not the end of it. Not only has America already caused damaged to the world and in many instances pushing societies back a few decades but it continues to progress in this manner. Although it might not be clear to others it is obvious to me that this nation will once again start a false war against another nation whom it wants to force into submission - Iran.

Then we have the other aspect of it. America continues to demand other nations to adhere to the law of the land but they themselves turn a blind eye to it. Kidnappings, illegal prisons around the world and numerous accounts of torchure only hurt the image of the U.S. which it proudly held before all this mess. Sure I'm rabbling about the 'macho - do as I say attitude' that America has but this is fact not fiction. Even the Pakistani president admitted that America threatened to destroy that nation if it did not help the U.S.

Most peole in this country as well as a couple nations in Europe and maybe one in the Middle East have a favorable view of the U.S. but the rest of the world I would say do not agree with the tactics the U.S. It's not too late to change paths and regain that love the world had of America. Back when it was looked upon as a savior and one who preaches and practices equality, but at this path the history books will look at these days as dark days and I'm not too certain that America will be written as the light within the darkness.

[Mursilis]

This question's easy - look at the number of people coming here, trying to come here, or wishing they could come here. Why is one of our big problems immigration, not emigration like Cuba, North Korea, China, etc.? My wife is a first-generation American of Asian descent, and while her extended family in the US like to go back to the homeland to visit, none of them think twice about staying back there for good. Sure, the U.S. gov't has made its share of blunders over the years, but the hundreds of millions of people trying to get into this country, or who have already come here willingly, can't be wrong.

[JansenFan]

Most of the world has an unfavorable view of the United States until they need something. I'm not saying that our government is perfect, or that we, as a nation, are always right. What I am saying is that when the world needs a military intervention, or money for rebuilding a nation or helping a third world country, whether it be th government, or volunteers from the population, the US is there.

[dnpmakkah]

Most of the world has an unfavorable view of the United States until they need something. I'm not saying that our government is perfect, or that we, as a nation, are always right. What I am saying is that when the world needs a military intervention, or money for rebuilding a nation or helping a third world country, whether it be th government, or volunteers from the population, the US is there.

Fair enough point taken. It does make sense however because most countries who need help either want or expect the U.S. to be at the forefront. Personally I think it's a bit hypocritcal to bash the U.S. then want its help during dire times but its just as hypocritcal for those who want the U.S. to impose its policy around the globe yet can't understand why other nations demand funding from the U.S.

Simple elementary in this case. If you are nice to people...people will most likely love you for it however, if you are mean then expect to be treated the same way and hated as well. It goes both ways I guess.

[crazyhorse1]

I will assume that your question relates directly to current events, and confine my response to that.

Actually just the opposite. My thoughts were along a more historical line, to include present events. Simply, since 1776 have we contributed to a better world, or would the world be better off with out the U.S. of A.

Chad

We have contributed to the world's being a better place to a great degree, primarily from 1880 or so to after World War 11. Before that time we slaughtered the American Indian, enslaved blacks in America, exploited immigrants to an almost unbelievable degree, as well as allowed Robber Barons to virtually enslave the great majority of Americans economically. We were also a cultural wasteland until after the Civil War, which was a disgrace.
It's true that the Revolution was a beakon of freedom to the world. After that there ensued such a dark century that America still can't admit it occurred, much less honestly teach it in schools.
After the Korean war we progressively became exploitive of other country's workers and resourses, primarily because our expansionist economy had no where to expand except overseas. Eisenhower warned of the power of the growing military industrial complex. I would argue that American aggression, spurred primarily by economic forces, was behind the Kennedy administration's assasination of foreign leaders and any numbers of scuffles worldwide, the most dishonest and horrifying being the war of Viet Nam, which was caused by both democrats and republicans. During all this there were areas and movements of some enlightenment, such as civil rights legislation and the greater concentration on women'ws rights, as well as several righteous wars--
such as the war in Bosnia and perhaps the first gulf war. However, the decline of our moral respectabily under Reagan (South American death squads, Oliver North, etc. , and now this monster Bush on his rotten, illegal, and murderous throne, is so horrendous that our country itself is the most dangerous country in the world, not only a life and freedom threat to the middle east and beyond, but also an extreme danger to its own liberty and freedom. Under Bush we have become the world's mad dog nation. Our government is currently powered by a coalition of imbecile racists, religious fundamentalists, and the cynical rich who have essentially bought the government and are now openly trying to destroy the two party system, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution for their own enrichment.
We, as a people, are allowing the rich to not only loot other nations, but also our own.
If this is not turned around, there is no question that our past contributions to the world will be outweighted in a very short time.

[UK Skins Fan]

Benefical or negatice force compared to what? In comparison to the USSR, Iran, Cuba, Cambodia, Laos, Poland, Lichtenstein?

Compared to the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Monguls, or (dare I say it), the French, British, German, Portugese or Belgian empires of more recent times?

Compared to a world where the USA has never existed?

I don't know - I only have more questions rather than any answers - sorry. Something tells me that nothing is being said about the US now, that wasn't said about the Roman Empire, or any of the dominant empires of times past. You might have to wait until the US "empire" is at an end, before judgement can be passed.

[thaiphoon]

Most of the world has an unfavorable view of the United States until they need something. I'm not saying that our government is perfect, or that we, as a nation, are always right. What I am saying is that when the world needs a military intervention, or money for rebuilding a nation or helping a third world country, whether it be th government, or volunteers from the population, the US is there.

AMEN !! Exactly my thoughts !!!

[1niksder]

Being labled the worlds only Real Super Power puts the US at the forefront of most issues. It could be blame, praise or a call for help but the US will be out front.

The question is are we really the only SP? I would say no

[thaiphoon]

The question is are we really the only SP? I would say no

Right now we are the only one. But China is fast growing into one.

Being a SuperPower is being able to project great power (military and economic) on a global scale. China currently cannot project military power much beyond a regional scale. Its economic power is growing though so its getting 1/2 of the equation done already.

[hailskins666]