OT (or is it?): American Imperialism

[Strategia_In_Ultima]

I don't think Japan has ever invaded an Islamic country.

Ask our elected leaders? Pah! When the parliament here debated about whether or not to send soldiers to Iraq, over 80% of the population was against it... and they were sent. Some time back, less than 20% of the population supported our Prime Minister.

[NullAshton]

Bush's tern will be over in a little less that 4 years. Everyone in the world will celebrate then.

[TerranC]

StrategiaInUltima said:
I don't think Japan has ever invaded an Islamic country.

Wait 5 years or until OPEC decides to stop selling the world Oil.

[RudyHuxtable]

I would just like to say that if we want to see an end to the actions the US takes, it's actually simpler than you think. It's called speaking up.

During the rise of Hitler, he began instating programs during the time of '35-'36 (sorry I don't remember specifics right now) and the people, including the international community said F-U dude, no way. The man caved. So if HITLER can cave under international pressure, so can GW. I call my Congressman whenever something goes on I don't like, but I'm only one voice. Get everyone else to do it and we'll have the power back where it belongs.

[Gozra]

I have observed that people in general have a problem with facts. If it does not support their world view then apparently it is not a correct fact. I find that it is very difficult to have a debate and convince someone that they are wrong or maybe changing their world view might be a correct thing to do. Voices advocating reason are few and far between and the ability to change your mind based on verifiable facts is a talent that is hard to find. We have slowly developed a society that stands on their rights and refuses their responsibilities and has a hard time understanding their duties. I think this situation is a product of more people living in cities and organized for group think rather than Independent style of living out in the country.
As to current events President Bush has outlined a stragety that can work against global terrorism but since we are unable by ourselves to make it work mostly what will happen is the law of unintended consequences. And liberal and conservative elements will take advantage to tweak things their own way with most of us in the middle. I think the best thing to do now is find a place to watch from the sidelines and hope to figure the best time to jump in and make a difference. Maybe the right difference.

[Alneyan]

StrategiaInUltima said:
I don't think Japan has ever invaded an Islamic country.

WW2 perhaps? Indonesia is mostly an Islamic country (among others), but I do not know if Japan conquered Indonesia during WW2 (modern history has never been my cup of tea).

And Japan has been trying to "impose their culture": mangas and animes are much more popular here than comics, and Asian restaurants are simply more common than places selling American beer. I would not call this imposing culture, however; at best, governments can try to promote their culture aboard, or make it harder for foreign culture to "invade" the country.