Reply To: Cap and Trade

[Brian H]

HermannH wrote:

P.S. The US is an empire by no definition found in history. That’s “progressive” rhetoric that is nothing more than a ludicrous, egregious, gratuitous, but politically useful insult.

Let’s see:
– 41% of the world’s military budget is spent by the US (5% of population).
– It has military bases in dozens of countries all around the globe.
– It reserves the right to pre-emtively attack countries it feels threatened by (regardless of whether that feeling is actually justified).
– It pressures other countries into joining its wars (‘Coalition of the willing’).

If you look at the CIA world fact book you will find that the US ranks as number 28 in terms of defense spending vs GDP (twice the world average). I did a quick scan of the top 50 countries on that list and I didn’t find many that are shining examples of free and democratic societies.

Also have a good look at the Project for the New American Century. An important part is the last section titled “Associations with Bush administration”.

And of course there is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Empire.

In general, the definition of what constitutes an empire is likely a fluid one. There is a good chance that future generations of historians will lump the current US together with previous empires.

That’s not to say that the world would be a better place if the US were crushed to pieces.

Typical misrepresentation. The bases are in NO countries that don’t want them, and most howl like banshees when their removal is contemplated for strategic or cost reasons. The justification for the ME wars is something for another locale, but I can refer you to some very grateful Iraqis etc. who say things like

[what] makes me declare my love for America is that it is good luck to those who Atdf funds reflects his love of people, so I can expression of feelings of loyalty and fidelity from them without hesitation or fear that you accuse me of the receipt of funds or courtesy to them, I write in compliance with the orders of conscience and moral values, reason, religion and God .. Asking that we honor, loyalty to the owners of the credit, known and beautiful … As the preferred and the blessings of America is not on my own, but on the whole across the world, including their knowledge of science and human values … I am happy to express my love for them.

in response to accusations that his current efforts shuttling between London and Baghdad are the result of some nefarious American bribery or brainwashing (he’s a prominent architect and businessman). His English is a bit choppy, but … 😉

Or perhaps you’re just onside with Chavez who’s threatening (suicidal) war with Columbia because the Americans continue to help train and equip them. Don’t get too excited; his generals will deep-six him before they stick their hands into that buzz-saw.