The Myth and Danger of Non-Interventionism

American Thinker ^ | 2/18/2012 | Josh Holler

[WPaCon]

When it comes to analyzing non-interventionism, it's helpful to identify the two extremes of the spectrum of debate. On one hand, the United States could mind its own business, withdraw its troops entirely from military bases worldwide, cash in the savings, and live prosperously as America once did in its infant years. On the other hand, the U.S. can continue the advancement of freedom and democracy through its imperialistic ideals, spend money into oblivion, and dominate the world in a fashion indicative of a hegemony. The friction between these two paradigms has been present for many years, and more so recently in light of the U.S.'s economic situation.

Simply put, the first approach of returning to a period of isolationism is not an option for the United States, and no reasonable person should argue for it. Yet non-interference is a proposed and advocated position that draws upon the history of prosperity in the U.S. when it adhered to the founding fathers' wisdom and did not get involved with foreign affairs.

[Fee]

If neocons want to be an empire, then study how we became an empire. It was by staying put behind two oceans as the world powers killed each other. As in WWI and WWII we entered the world wars after the great powers of Europe burned themselves out and Japan was bogged down in China when she made the big mistake of attacking the US and Europe allies. If the US pulled back, the world will not be safe because regional and nationalistic conflicts will erupt. The world will burn themselves out fighting with neighbors and the US will simply re emerge with her economy and production centers intact.
Look at the ME as Saudi Arabia and Sunnis fight Iran and Shiites vs Turkey in the background. China will have to grapple with Japan and India in Asia. India will grapple with China and Pakistan. EU will implode with financial issues and Russia. The US can remain unscathed as the world fights. Today being a hyper superpower interfering will alarm every nation in the world. Just look at what happen to us after Gulf War One. IMHO pull back, rebuild and rest so we are available for the big one, otherwise we implode economically before we have any chance in the future. Our founding fathers were wise. They knew the lure of empire is tempting and costly thus they recommended nonentanglement and trade. They were right, Pres Wilson was wrong, we are the shining city and the New World, not the leader of the Western democracies. The US need to learn to be the monkey on the rock watching two lions fight.