You're right - in the way that a man with a million dollars who donated one hundred to charity gave more than a man with one hundred and fifty dollars and donated ninety to charity.
You're right - in the way that a man with a million dollars who donated one hundred to charity gave more than a man with one hundred and fifty dollars and donated ninety to charity.
'
yup...
it is amazing what some people just assume after being bashed over the head with propaganda for years
You're right - in the way that a man with a million dollars who donated one hundred to charity gave more than a man with one hundred and fifty dollars and donated ninety to charity.
Sort of - considering those numbers were for foreign aid (government) and my initial post was about that and individual giving - where I'm pretty sure the US is #1 on a per-capita basis.
The only people we should try to get even with...
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
America is a paradox. Like, the same people who'll expouse America's great charity are the same ones who call their own poor people, "Losers looking for a free handout"... the same people who'll say, "We help others out"... while supporting the building of a 20' high wall on her border. We uphold the generation that fought WWII... but, treat that generation like crap in the last phases of their lives. And we spew cute little catch phrases, such as, "I Support Our Troops" out of one side of our mouths and "Not with my hard earned pay" out of the other.
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
powerful post.
as for the bit ive quoted you read my mind.
The good that was done in the past has somewhat been undone by the actions of recent administrations, and many people in foreign countries have been completely offput by americas actions....which is a shame.
Of course it would be an even bigger shame if Americans dont realise that and learn from the mistakes that have been made over recent years. If they do well then...
like you said, a great country with great resources and willpower, and that should be the thing that shines through.
America is a paradox. Like, the same people who'll expouse America's great charity are the same ones who call their own poor people, "Losers looking for a free handout"... the same people who'll say, "We help others out"... while supporting the building of a 20' high wall on her border. We uphold the generation that fought WWII... but, treat that generation like crap in the last phases of their lives. And we spew cute little catch phrases, such as, "I Support Our Troops" out of one side of our mouths and "Not with my hard earned pay" out of the other.
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Progress is not made by everyone joining some new fad,
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
since anytime you even mention some of the heinous acts of our government you are labeled as "hating america" and then the "america does no good" comments start pouring in by a select few that appear to be not capable of honest critique of their wonderful government, i have decided to make a thread where we can post all of the GREAT things america has done in her short history.
i am serious, here is your chance folks. document the things you love about the USA and the GREAT things she has done over the centuries.
Freedom to say the stupid fucking things that you say on this board that would probably get you killed in a whole lot of places? That a good start?
America is a paradox. Like, the same people who'll expouse America's great charity are the same ones who call their own poor people, "Losers looking for a free handout"... the same people who'll say, "We help others out"... while supporting the building of a 20' high wall on her border. We uphold the generation that fought WWII... but, treat that generation like crap in the last phases of their lives. And we spew cute little catch phrases, such as, "I Support Our Troops" out of one side of our mouths and "Not with my hard earned pay" out of the other.
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Awesome stuff as usual! I especially like your astute observations on America as a paradox.
Peace
"The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth." ~ Niels Bohr
America is a paradox. Like, the same people who'll expouse America's great charity are the same ones who call their own poor people, "Losers looking for a free handout"... the same people who'll say, "We help others out"... while supporting the building of a 20' high wall on her border. We uphold the generation that fought WWII... but, treat that generation like crap in the last phases of their lives. And we spew cute little catch phrases, such as, "I Support Our Troops" out of one side of our mouths and "Not with my hard earned pay" out of the other.
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
5 star post if i could rate it.
this administration being shown the door will initially boost Americas hope once again. It has been an 8 year travesty. However, if McCain wins it will be at least 4 more of same ol' shit. He couldn't be worse? could he.....?
America is a paradox. Like, the same people who'll expouse America's great charity are the same ones who call their own poor people, "Losers looking for a free handout"... the same people who'll say, "We help others out"... while supporting the building of a 20' high wall on her border. We uphold the generation that fought WWII... but, treat that generation like crap in the last phases of their lives. And we spew cute little catch phrases, such as, "I Support Our Troops" out of one side of our mouths and "Not with my hard earned pay" out of the other.
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
America is indeed a paradox, I think it always has been.
Great post, and I'd like to be an optimist too but I can't help but wonder how realistic that is. I think we'll see the US fall before we see it rise as a shining example.
Comments
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
The US government is actually at the bottom of the table for foreign financial aid. Top government donors are all European countries led by Norway.
Data for April 08
http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Debt/USAid.asp#ForeignAidNumbersinChartsandGraphs
Back on topic, US military and economic assistance during and after WWII
That site says the U.S. gives the most money.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
yup...
it is amazing what some people just assume after being bashed over the head with propaganda for years
i would marry that girl
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/523832764_5b3d9277a5.jpg&imgrefurl=http://szexi.livejournal.com/&h=447&w=500&sz=111&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=dyykGrOnRB8ljM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3DSASHA%2BGREY%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4ADBF_enUS220US220%26sa%3DN
Sort of - considering those numbers were for foreign aid (government) and my initial post was about that and individual giving - where I'm pretty sure the US is #1 on a per-capita basis.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Well America does lots of good things in and for America....but beyond that there's only so many good things a country can do
I believe we USED to be a great society. The generation that helped to end World War II could have occupied the conquered nations of Germany and Japan... instead, helped them rebuild into industrial/economic powerhouses and did not treat them as 'Spoils of war'. The Soviets occupied their European neighbors... see how that panned out. I don't know what happened. We have a solid foundation in our Constitution... but, I think we tend to take those freedoms for granted (which explains why we are so willing to forfiet them in the name of Fear).
I believe we have completely missed two of the greatest opportunities in our history, because we thought so highly of ourselves and our own personal wealth, instead of looking towards a greater, global good.
The First one was after the fall of the Soviet Union. Instead of becoming a benevolent SuperPower that created friends with the people of other nations... we spread our international imperialism across the globe... taking their resources and filling the pockets of oppressive governments. America have been the ones who distributed food to starving people... instead of weapons that governemnts use against their own people.
The Second was after September 11, 2001. We had the sympathy of most people of the world. Even the ones who thought we were assholes felt we didn't deserve that. With our recent actions... they now say maybe we did.
That said... I am an optimist and I still think we can be great... we have vast potential. But, we need to look at ourselves and change the policies that have gotten us where we are. We have the principles as founded in our Constitution. We need to put them into practice. Instead of forcing our way of life down the throats of others... we should provide a shining example of what THEY can achive. Bringing McDonalds and Wal-Marts and Colt M-16s to other nations should not be what we are about. We should find out what THEY want... and help them achive what THEY want. We need to quit basing our foriegn policy on 'America's Best Interests' and shift them towards being in 'Their Best Interests'.
We also need to get our house in order, FIRST. There is no way that the wealthiest nation on the planet should have people sleeping on the streets of her cities. Maybe we need to stop being so money-centric and so selfish and share our good fortune with those who have none. If we can become a shining example... we can provide a blueprint for others to follow.
Hail, Hail!!!
powerful post.
as for the bit ive quoted you read my mind.
The good that was done in the past has somewhat been undone by the actions of recent administrations, and many people in foreign countries have been completely offput by americas actions....which is a shame.
Of course it would be an even bigger shame if Americans dont realise that and learn from the mistakes that have been made over recent years. If they do well then...
like you said, a great country with great resources and willpower, and that should be the thing that shines through.
good stuff... real good stuff!
Let's list all of the positives that have come out of Communism. Do you consider millions and millions dead a positive thing?
wait a sec...is that China?
and reveling in it's loyalty. It's made by forming coalitions
over specific principles, goals, and policies.
http://i36.tinypic.com/66j31x.jpg
(\__/)
( o.O)
(")_(")
there you go, good one
and dont forget we helped fuel the popularity of U2 and now Snow Patrol :cool:
Freedom to say the stupid fucking things that you say on this board that would probably get you killed in a whole lot of places? That a good start?
You obviously haven't read 'Maunfacturing Consent', or 'Necessary Illusions'.
Peace
http://www.myspace.com/illuminatta
Rhinocerous Surprise '08!!!
5 star post if i could rate it.
this administration being shown the door will initially boost Americas hope once again. It has been an 8 year travesty. However, if McCain wins it will be at least 4 more of same ol' shit. He couldn't be worse? could he.....?
*forever in your debt*
America is indeed a paradox, I think it always has been.
Great post, and I'd like to be an optimist too but I can't help but wonder how realistic that is. I think we'll see the US fall before we see it rise as a shining example.
naděje umírá poslední
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon