On 11 Sep 2002 at 12:18, Michelle wrote:
> Wow, that's a pretty interesting article... I especially like the
> point about America's perception of manifest destiny. While Joe
> argues that all of this military action and political frenzy is
> necessary because of the perceived immediacy of the threat (which may
> be the case), what about the long term follow up?
>
Long term will have to be dealt with as steadfastly as short-term. While
this has not always been the US's strong suit, since they prefer to leave
as soon as possible so not to be accused of attempting permanent
occupations or annexations, the catastrophic experience with post-
USSR Afghanistan has taught the US a lesson that I hope will be
heeded for a long time - that she cannot walk away too soon, when the
people she has endeavored to help still need her assistance.
>
> Once the dominos begin to fall, America will have to enforce all of
> the changes she has made - removing undesirable or unstable
> governments, etc. We are the superpower, but do we have the stamina to
> be the world's arbiter of governmental style, individual rights, etc.
> while maintaining our own? What financial and social costs are hidden
> in the long term enforcement of these objectives?
>
To fail to responsibly respond to devastating aggression, or the credible
threat of it, is in the long run much more costly, as it amounts to
capitulation and eventual national suicide. Whatever the cost may turn
out to be, it is less costly than the alternative - for that ends up costing
everything.
>
> Or is there a possibility of a real utopian GlobalAmerica - with
> France-America, Uganda-America, Israel-America, Saudi-America, etc?
> Like Epcot center, only without insipid music...
>
I do not think that democratization entails americanization. But
democracy combined with an informed and engaged electorate is to be
preferred to any other governmental form, for the greater global
economic good and for the personal freedoms of the citizens of the
world.
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