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Originally Posted by nicknick1
Only one needs to be, much like only one from ANY country needs to be. There are as many bad apples shared equally throught the world population; For a country that seems to want to increase their reach globally through militaristic might and quasi imperialism it is an interesting response to be espousing isolationism by not allowing a gloabally recognized company to conduct fair business.
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I believe Timothy McVeigh was a bad apple....good point. All countries live in glass houses...and except for Noranda and Newmont Mining leaching cyanide in third world countries, (and the annual clubbing of the harp seal pups-- still can't quite get over that) I think Canada rocks. (And Canada is like one of two countries who still sort of like us). And Whistler. Whistler kicks a$$.
As an American with a relative buried in Arlington, I submit that the United States does not choose to be imperialist or militaristic; we were dragged into WWI due to a Serbian ultra-nationalist. We were dragged into WWII (as Canada and England was) due to the failures of Versaille and the unfortunate arrival of facism coupled with damn good Panzer divisions...but, the US happened to be the last and toughest dog standing in 1945...and we basically kept the candle of democracy burning in Germany and Japan as the Iron Curtain descended in Europe and communism ruled China.
We tend to mind our own business as long as possible, but we happen have more aircraft carriers than France and things like Pearl Harbor and 9/11 tend to get our attention in a big way. When the Gitane-smoking, Hermes-wearing, Citroen-driving politicos fail to step up to the plate, the 82nd Airborne has to fill the frickin' void. If not for the 82nd Airborne, nobody in Kabul or Baghdad would have felt the power of the a purple ink stain on their finger.
Yes, the Shah of Iran likely came to power thanks to the CIA, but ask any Persian who lost a father or brother in the Iran-Iraq war, who they'd rather have in power. Ask any Iraqi with a pretty daughter if he misses living in fear that Uday or Kusay Hussei will take her for a concubine. And Kuwait--they are probably pretty damn happy about the Abrams tanks that we sent over the berms about 15 years ago.
Collectively, we want nothing more than to keep our lawns free of crabgrass, coach some Little League, have a beer at Hooters, and watch some NASCAR. History will take note that, on the night of 9/11, hordes of men wearing Dale Earnhardt ballcaps did not march in the streets and burn down mosques and convenience stores. I'd bet the safest place in the world for a Danish cartoonist is the infield of the Daytona 500.
Unfortunately, fascists, fanatics, fundamentalists, and people who execute women in soccer stadiums don't play by the rules of the ballot box. Playing by the rules means you don't kidnap Canadian aid workers when they are volunteering to help rebuild your country. Over and out.