just about everyone is disgusted here too. i'm trying to think of people i know in person who aren't, and nobody comes to mind... regardless of political persuasion, socio-economic background, geography, ordinary, not ordinary, etc i think most people agree with you, and the ones who are marginal in their distaste for this administration still seem to think the country is on a totally messed up path. when people get candid, even two time bush voters, it shows punditry and internet speech get too much credit. a lot of people also prefer just to get on with life and not get too involved. people block these issues out
Colin Powell - [F]ar from being the Great Satan, I would say that we are the Great Protector. We have sent men and women from the armed forces of the United States to other parts of the world throughout the past century to put down oppression. We defeated Fascism. We defeated Communism. We saved Europe in World War I and World War II. We were willing to do it, glad to do it. We went to Korea. We went to Vietnam. All in the interest of preserving the rights of people. And when all those conflicts were over, what did we do? Did we stay and conquer? Did we say, "Okay, we defeated Germany. Now Germany belongs to us? We defeated Japan, so Japan belongs to us"? No. What did we do? We built them up. We gave them democratic systems which they have embraced totally to their soul. And did we ask for any land? No, the only land we ever asked for was enough land to bury our dead. And that is the kind of nation we are. February 14, 2002 During an "MTV Global Discussion"
""We will not have the weapons to compete with the growers of the United States and Canada, who will sell corn cheaper than it's produced here," said Lorenzo Mejia Morales, president of the National Union of Mills and Tortilla Producers." Mexican corn growers produce corn at a higher cost than that sold from the USA? Even after the ethanol boost to corn? Some farmers have a serious need to look into their productivity capabilities...
I'm sorry to say but its true, overall the global view of America is shocking. I can only really talk about Africa and Europe as I live and travel in both. Personally, I have no problem with the people, hell I like Americans generally - but the stupid shit you let your government do and get away with, come on. All the usual Guantanamo, Iraq, etc We all know Bush and Blair will never be brought to trial, never mind justice. When China or India are the next global powers and they chose to start renditioning Americans off, what possible, plausible defense could Americans offer? Forget about that, just look at the make up of your society - healthcare, education (school shootings? Still very rare outside the States and Europe), the entrenched police state (more prisoners per capital, by far, then any other country), the extreme rates of mental illness, obesity, diabetes, declining middle class and the burgeoning, untaxed wealthy. If you dont see the problems or realise that there is real validity in the way most people think of your government and the mockery of democracy it is, then fair enough, its probably your last Right.
Yes, it was me, sorry bout that. Its true, I turn a blind eye everytime my government decides to do something without my approval. I know, I know, I should be stricter on them, but its just so hard these days trying to make a decent living, raise a family, plan for my kids education & my retirement, keeping the wife happy, planning vacations, holidays and visits with the in-laws, following the latest fashions trends, hollywood gosip, waiting in line for Hannah Montana tickects, the friggin list goes on and on, and yet when my government calls to ask my opinion on what they are about to get involved with, I'm just so exhuasted I simply do not have time or energy to care, so I just say, do whatever, and sometimes these guys, all well meaning of course, get into a bit or trouble.... listen you steaming turd, just because your pea-sized brain can't figure out that "We, the mother-fucking people" of this country have zero, to at best, very little control over what the hell policies are or are not made, you should'nt spout off like the asshole you truly are.
Wow, thats alot of emotion, well done. I misunderstood, i thought you voted for your government. Had no idea Hannah Montana was that big with you.
Perhaps democracy is dead, and the world is now run by oligarchies. One world government. There are rumors that US/CAN/MEX will unite into the North American Union, similar to the EU. There is talk of an Eastern Alliance, and another one which will include africa, and ?the middle east. A New World Order. On the other hand, I do believe the act of voting still has efficacy.
According to globalsecurity.org, the United States will spend more on military in 2008 than the whole world combined...$623 billion to $500 billion. In 2006, 41% of U.S. taxes went to support military spending and the cost of past wars. The United States is the most militarized country in the world but we are repeatedly told that we should fear the unknown and keep feeding the war machine.