Why we have so few Allies in this war?

[CarolA]

I found this article very thought provoking.

The Arrogant Empire
America’s unprecedented power scares the world, and the Bush administration has only made it worse. How we got here—and what we can do about it now



http://www.msnbc.com/news/885222.asp?cp1=1#BODY

Those of you who are convinced that only America is right should probably not bother. Those of you who wonder why we have so few major allies in the current conflict might find it interesting.

And before you start screaming that we have 35 allies in this campaign, I know that. I also realize that a lot of our traditional allies are not with us. There has to be a reason.

I will now climb in my foxhole and let the shelling begin.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Lets see at last count we had what 35, 36 countries on board. It's actually one of the biggest coalitions ever.

 

[caitycaity]

miss jasmine:

as with most things imho quality matters more than quantity. most of the countries that support us are not committing anything but moral support. while important, i'd hardly say that it's a huge "coalition."

carol a

 

[evilqueenfan]

The news just said that it is now over 40 countries. But it doesn't matter to me if it was one country, now is the time to show support and unity.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I know, caitycaity, but I dont' agree with the article.

 

[Diane]

I read the article last night and found it quite interesting.

 

[stevets]

If deposing Saddam is right, it doesn't matter if every nation on earth is against us.

 

[CarolA]

The point of the article is not actually the current war, but our overall place in the world. It helps to read it from that point of view since there are other crisis out there besides Iraq.

 

[jamsmom]

Originally posted by evilqueenfan
The news just said that it is now over 40 countries. But it doesn't matter to me if it was one country, now is the time to show support and unity.

Well said.

 

[ennazus]

Can anyone please post a list of our current allies on this war? Or a link to the list? I'd appreciate it!

 

[JohnTBap]

The world has had its way with us and is now kicking us out of its bed.

I REALLY wonder what would happen if we practiced isolationism for even a short period of time. Let's see who the world comes running to for help then.

We are TOO DAMN NICE. Destroying countries and then rebuilding - is there ANY OTHER NATION in the WORLD who sends SO MUCH $$$$$$$$$$$ to other countries???

Why don't we keep some of that jingle in our own purse for a while and see just what kind of difference that makes in the world - and here at home.

In the words of Yosemite Sam - "MY BISCUITS ARE BURNIN'!"

 

[AllyandJack]

I just love how Kofi Anan said that we would bear the brunt of the responsibility to rebuild Iraq....like it's ever been any other way!

I look at it like this....nobody is perfect. Bush isn't perfect. Clinton wasn't perfect. Gore wouldn't be perfect. But, if you truly feel that the leader of the country you live in is an evil tyrant out to murder innocent people for his own selfish gains, then you should leave the country. Why would you stay if you felt like that? Luckily, unlike in countries that truly are ruled by such dictators, you can leave. There are many other wonderful places in the world to live. I'm sure you'll find much happiness in one of those countries where you feel the leader is doing the job to your satisfaction. I left the state I grew up in because of its leadership. I'm much happier in my new state because I have confidence and faith in its leaders. I'm not directing this toward any particular person, so I don't want someone to take this as a personal attack and me telling them to "get out." I'm just saying that someone who really feels that way about the President of the US should leave and find a place where they can be happy and satisfied with their leaders. Life is too short to live in a place where you're unhappy!

If only we could all just live in Disney World.....

 

[caitycaity]

The world has had its way with us and is now kicking us out of its bed.

allyandjack, even if some people wanted to leave -- which i don't think most people who dislike bush do, since he will not be here forever -- moving to another country, getting a job and citizenship is not easy. in fact, in some countries, it's impossible. why leave when we will have a different president in a few years?

i personally believe (and i know a lot of other who do too) that if you think something is wrong in your country, you should fight/work hard to change it, not just leave. that's called quitting, and i don't believe in quitting.

 

[Mermaid02]

Thanks for telling me not to bother to read the article.

 

[Jenzebelle]

AllyandJack,

To be frank, most of these people really truly love their country, even if they are opposed to the current person in charge. Because they love their country, they want to do what they can to change it. You don't revolutionize things or ways of thinking by sitting there meekly. Like my Gramps has always said to me - the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Why leave your friends, job, family, and the only life you have ever known in order to leave in a completely different country because you don't agree with an administration that will change in at the most 8yrs?

Why not instead write letters to the editor, picket, hold signs, get the word out about your issues in hopes your voice is heard and maybe some people will change their minds?

Because if we do what you are suggesting and just sit there meekly and let have the government officials walk over us without so much as a peep, a lot of things we take for granted wouldn't be there. For example, women would probably still not be able to vote. Birth control wouldn't be available, etc...

 

[AllyandJack]

Well...I guess we'll just agree to disagree. My point is that we have it pretty damn good over here with GW as a president. We had it good with Clinton and we would have had it good with Gore. The American people and the Congressmen and the Senators would not let an evil dictator rule the country and go to other countries and kill people for no good reason. I just don't understand why people can't have a little faith and trust in the people who are doing their best to run the country.

Nobody wants war, but I trust that the people running things are doing the right thing for our country. If the day ever came when someone like Saddam Hussein was in office, I would leave. Maybe I'm a quitter, but at least I'm not blocking the streets so hard working people can't get home to their families. I don't have a problem with people protesting the war, I have problems with people insulting America and our leaders during a time when we should all be banding together to support each other and our troops.

 

[Penny12]

You know, I really don't come out of my hole very often - especially when it comes down to politics, or something controversial, but I have to say this now...

JTB - it's choosing words like that, that gives the US a bad rap around the world.

It's what inspires the opposite effect from which you desire. Instead of people/nations/countries being grateful for intervention, they see arrogance which can then go on to breed resentment - just as it would do for any individual who has something thrown in their face time and again.

When you do things...fight wars, remove dictators, rebuild societies, etc etc. you do it because <b>it's the right thing to do</b> NOT so that you can then go on to say how great you are and how everyone should be forever grateful to you. Sometimes that is a thankless task - accept it.

Naturally...I just made a somewhat sweeping statement, and of course not every one does that, or feels that way, so hopefully no-one will take offense at my comments On the other hand, if I <i>have</i> offended anyone you can always remind me that I could be speaking German right now if it hadn't been for you

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by ennazus
Can anyone please post a list of our current allies on this war? Or a link to the list? I'd appreciate it!

http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030320-045709-7082r

 

[suzannen]

CarolA, interesting article, thank you for sharing. My company funds grantees all over the world as well as send US citizens all over the world. We get emails every day telling us of how other countries perceive us as an arrogant Goliath. It doesn't really matter whether this war, or even this particular administration is right vs wrong. The resulting world perception of our country will most likely lead to additional terrorist acts against Americans both here and abroad.

 

[glo]

There are many places in the world that you can't make an effective change in your country. Try it in Iraq, Cuba,some African Nations and see how long you protest. Change will cost you or your loved ones their life.

If where you live is so bad, then leaving is the only option for many of these people. My family and I did it. Left a country where there was no future. Risked our lives, and came here.

Wouldn't have it anyother way.