I am really not sure what made me write this, but here you go.
A lot of times you hear people talking about America and how it’s foreign policy is wrong and we don’t treat other countries very well. We have been called the great Sodom and Gomorrah of this era. We are portrayed as being the evil empire by a lot of people both inside and outside of the country.
I have to be upfront and say that I am one that criticizes American Policies frequently. If what the American Government does doesn’t sit well with you, it’s a Necessary Evil.
America is the only super power, with very few other countries being close to our power in military and economic prowess. The thing the average everyday person has to realize is that to remain a super power, America has to do some unpopular things.
While the war in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t completely about oil, it has a great deal to do with it. But the main reason is to make sure that America stays on top. Now keep in mind how volatile the oil market has been. If we don’t have some of the unpopular ties that we have with Countries like Saudi Arabia, we would be paying $6 to $7 dollars a gallon for oil right now. America gets in bed with people, that may not be the most morally correct countries to do business with, but the decision is made to look out for the total American way of life.
The fact of the Matter is that we helped Saddam come into power. Not only that, the chemical weapons we are convicting him of having were initially given to him by the United States. Why did we do that? Because Iran was a much bigger threat to us at the time than Iraq and Iraq and Iran were at war. So, we chose to assist the country that would be more beneficial for our needs at the time.
America is not in a popularity contest, however, they know they have to provide some goodwill in order to remain on top.
There have been Empires all throughout history; the Roman’s and Ottoman’s were two of the most long lasting. Just like these have fallen, America will fall as well one day. The thing is, no American President wants to be asleep at the wheel to see this happen.
So to keep us as the top dog. We have to be a bully to some and a big brother to others. But, believe it or not it is done for the “best interest” of the American people.
A lot of things that governments do are not as cut and dry as some may like for you to think. The issues will never be as simple as oil, or spreading Democracy. You best believe the issues will have two to three levels complexity involved.
In the same vein, people like Osama Bin Laden have their on complex issues as their reasons to want to destroy America. So anything that detracts America from keeping its status as the biggest kid on the block will be dealt with.
Always remember, people love and hate a winner. And a lot of people love to hate a winner. Most of the time, people hate a winner because they are not in the winner’s shoes. That is the case whether it’s little league, a beauty contest or all the way up to world issues. It’s human nature.
Even though I don’t like some of the things my country does. I am glad to be on the winning team.
I agree totally. People have a misguided concept that “we” are always in someone else’s business. The fact is that we are regarded as the most powerful and others depend on us to solve their problems.
The situation in Iraq does involve oil to a certain extinct, Bush also had to look out for the safety of our country. Threats had been made and not taken as serious until 9/11. The idea of a war fought on American soil is unheard. To keep the enemies at bay we must invade and destroy. That concept I can accept. I would hate to live in the conditions these people are having to live through. We definitely have it better. There will always be casualties of war. The major concern is that America remain the dominant force it is.
Comment by originaldiva9 — September 14, 2005 @ 12:44 pm