I find the ethnocentric attitude of so many americans absolutely irritating the so often heard statement ' other countries are just jealous of the USA' is ridiculous really what is there to be jealous of in my opinion USA does not have a lot to be proud of if you look at their crime rates, their health care system, their education system the whole socio-economic structure is appalling, their gun obsession and the list goes on... Personally I believe the iraq war is america's shame and the only reason it occurred was because of the oil. As for the whole arguement about fanatics and it being right to attack due to he fanatics well yes iraq etc are religious fanatics but who are we to say that something that is a fundamental part of their culture and has been for many centuries is wrong when so many americans are fanatics about their patriotism a fanatic all the same.
As an American I agree with most of what you have stated about our domestic issues. Although, your statements are fueled by the same ethnocentrism that you find irritating.
Keep in mind an American can't be judged by one belief or action. The US is the most diverse population on the planet which means we have a wide spectrum of views and beliefs.
I don't mind all the US hate when its mainly based on uninformed opinions from judgmental people or propaganda induced brain washing. Jealously describes some Im sure, but its arrogant/judgmental to assume. People that don't judge others by invisible borders/race/color are the one to be jealous of. They are better than the rest, but will never tell you.
Everyone thinks Iraq was over oil. It definitely was a factor but not the reason. Remember Iraq was sanctioned from selling any oil except for aid need by the citizens of Iraq. Their oil had little to no impact before the war and now is controlled by OPEC and banked by Iraq. No one ever mentions if the Middle East region's oil flow was disrupted, the world markets would CRASH overnight! The rich would be broke and the rest would suffer for decades. But that rarely gets mentioned, because many don't know or refuse to face the facts.
Popular opinion seems to forget Saddam killed 5,000 people with a chemical weapon. Sure its not Hitlers numbers, but how many have to die before its ok to remove a leader that practices genocide. He attacked Kuwait for OIL and left an environmental disaster when Iraq troops were driven out. He dodged UN inspects to the point they were rendered useless. The Iraqi citizens were silenced by Saddam army while he raped the country. His kids tortured Iraqi Olympians after a loss and countless citizens for no reason at all.
The world is a better place without Saddam and the Taliban. We owe it all to our brave coalition troops, whom some paid the ultimate price. I find it ridiculous that more free countries aren't helping these countries rebuild their infrastructures. Its draining our economy and killing our troops and civilians, but yet we're the bad guys.
Is it so bad to want all people to be free regardless how long they have been pawns to their government or lack of? Crimes against humanity or suppression aren't cultures, just dark periods of history. The US had slaves at one time, Im glad we changed the South's "culture". Women have been second class citizens since the beginning of time. Should we not fight for equality for EVERY woman or have we reached our quota?
In the last 100 years, the US has come to the aid of many European and Asian countries. Who bankrupted Russia in the cold war which freed many countries from the communist rule and possibly prevented WWIII? What would the world look like if the US didn't enter WWI, WWII or ignored military build up by the aggressive Russians and Chinese?
I guess if the "what have you done for me lately" world isn't in danger, its time to pass judgement on every level. Lucky for you it rolls off our backs and we'll be the first ones to help your country from disaster or military aggressions, but deep down you knew that. Lets hope you appreciate our sacrifices during those times at least.
Here's my judgement of the US. We don't make colonies out of our foes, we help them. We don't sneak attack anyone, our intentions are well published. We spend millions to lessen collateral damage when fighting in urban and rural areas while others bomb civilians as a tactic. We are installing a Patriot missile base to protect our allies from short ranged nuclear attacks at our expense. American volunteers are helping people world-wide in great numbers. We have taken great measures in controlling our carbon footprint.
We aren't perfect by any means, but more importantly, we have the freedom to improve.
