Posted on 11/29/2001 7:05:18 PM PST by IncPen
First Things First I would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to those of you who have been injured, suffered, lost loved ones or have been otherwise adversely impacted (as all Americans have) by the truly tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and through plane hijackings on September 11, 2001 by a group of terrorists. One cannot help but wonder what is really going on in the minds of these outlaws. Based on the research I have conducted, and having read literature and seen numerous programs on television, the directives, which encourage the terrorists to kill mass numbers of innocent men, women and children in the United States and elsewhere are clearly forbidden by the best of Islamic traditions and writings. In fact, many Islamic clergymen have come forward and clearly stated that these actions have nothing to do with Islam or the Koran (the official book and teachings of Islam). No matter what your religious denomination, race or beliefs, it defies logic to believe that those who commit such attacks will end up in paradise and remain with God. The teachings of the Old Testament tell us we are all (Muslims, Christians, Jews) the children of Abraham, and as such, we are all equal in the eyes of God. Before I discuss the root cause of the problems in the Middle East, I would like to take a moment to explain why many people in the world do not deserve what America has done for the world. Having lived more than half of my life in these United States, I have come to the realization that there is no other country in the world that compares to America in any way. Here are my thoughts and why: 1.) Human Rights Champion. The United States is one of the most prominent champions of human rights, not only within the U.S., but also throughout the world. 2.) Land Of Opportunity For All Religions, Races And Minorities, Including Women. Few other countries in the world even come close when it comes to providing equal opportunity for its citizens, regardless of religion, race, gender, etc. It is a known fact that a major contributing factor to the unsurpassed progress and economic power of the United States is that America is a melting pot of virtually all nations. Indeed, America's doors are open to those who seek to become a part of this great society and let their ambitions take them as high as they can go. If America had kept other nationalities, religions and races from entering the U.S., America would not be such a phenomenal success story and, indeed, the world's leading superpower, bar none. Indeed, America is so fortunate because it has opened its arms to receive everyone. 3.) America Is Always A Trusted Ally. Those of you who have had dealings with or have done business with other superpowers know full well that while some superpowers may renege on their original promises, the United States does not. A case in point is Desert Storm. This war was started by America and its allies to protect the territorial integrity of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia from Saddam Hussein's attacks. Indeed, America spent billions of dollars and sacrificed the lives of some young men and women in the line of duty only to protect its allies, namely Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In fact, had it not been for the strong and powerful determination of the U.S. in defending these countries, you can bet your bottom dollar that Saddam Hussein probably would have taken over all of the Middle East by now, and under such dictatorship, no fanatics or anyone else could express opinions without getting shot. 4.) America Is A Superpower With Empathy. It has been said that actions speak louder than words. Our country shows its truly superior leadership and empathy by actually sending millions of pounds of food, medicine, blankets, etc. to the Afghan refugees. In short, because the U.S. is an empathetic and civilized culture, where protection of human rights is truly practiced, it showed its graciousness and nobility by actually sending humanitarian aid provisions to the refugees of a country with which it is at war. 5.) America Is The Educational Source For Many World Leaders. Indeed, many world leaders, business leaders and technology leaders are trained in the United States' universities and related institutions. Practically every cabinet member of every country includes several people trained in the United States. I ask, how could such a wonderful country that has done so much for the world be considered evil? 6.) The United States Is A Global Leader In Technology And Innovation. Every country in the world is currently using technology developed in the U.S. to increase productivity, solve medical problems and improve overall lifestyles. In every country, when you turn on a computer, the first thing you are likely to see is Microsoft Windows, reminding everyone in the world that this technology comes from the United States. 7.) The United States Is Also A World Leader In Foreign Aid. The United States is among the top five countries in the world to provide foreign aid annually to needy countries. This is another noble tradition by America that has continued for years. The problem is that in many countries, 95 to 98 percent of the foreign aid goes into the pockets of the rulers and people close to the rulers...not to the needy. But that's another problem. My question is, would an evil country consider the selfless acts of providing aid to foreign nations, even those with which it is at war? 8.) The United States Is A Leader In Finance For The Rest Of The World. Through the establishment of the World Bank, the U.S. has also championed the provision of trillions of dollars annually in financial support and loans to needy countries. While such actions are well intended, most countries that receive such loans never have any intention of paying them back. I ask, if America is not a good country, what do you call the other thieves who, for a variety of reasons, accept money from America, put it in their own pockets and give nothing to their people who need it? When You Compare, There Is No Comparison A Great Source Of Problems In The Middle East Is Its Vast Oil Reserves On the other hand, if certain other superpowers were to take over the Middle East, they would do so to take ownership of the oil fields from the leaders of those countries and bring strict dictatorial rules. Thereafter, they would forever control (and I really mean forever) the oil fields and never release them. Proof In The Pudding 2.) When the Russians captured Berlin in World War II, they never left for 45 years and they actually put up the famous Berlin Wall. No German was allowed to visit friends or relatives from East Germany to West Germany. I am sure the intelligent Muslim and Arabic nations as a whole realize these facts of life. Oil-Producing Nations Of The Middle East Need A Strong Ally In Summary If you ask me, "Does the world deserve what America has done for it?" my answer is a resounding "no." And...I am extremely proud to be an American. As usual, I welcome all of your comments. Sincerely, |
Too bad it was buried - it should be printed where all can read it - especially those from the middle east who blame America for all that has happened.
Probably not, but we are here anyway.
Any nation that will take our example (in law and in fact) will get loads of help from us.
We are a generous people. We help anyone we can.
We are also a fiece people. The world is now learning a simple lesson.
It is much better to be with the Americans than against them.
'Nuff said.
5.) America Is The Educational Source For Many World Leaders. Indeed, many world leaders, business leaders and technology leaders are trained in the United States' universities and related institutions. Practically every cabinet member of every country includes several people trained in the United States. I ask, how could such a wonderful country that has done so much for the world be considered evil?
How is adding more non-English speaking TAs to teach math to us helping us, when we can't understand what they're saying? Trust me, it happens. Plus, every space occupied by foreign students is a space that could have been taken by an American boy. Why aren't we taking care of our own first? Additionally, many foreign students act as spies who come to take specialized knowledge back to their own nations to use to compete against us.
John, I think this needs your attention
That particular slant on why we are hated had never occurred to me, probably because I never had a rich brother, but it makes sense. Could it be true? Have to think on that one.
I believe his point is exactly what you perceive as a problem: we share the good things that we have. It's like the saying, "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat once. Teach him to fish and he'll eat forever." It's about breaking the cycle of dependency.
What else do you have a problem with?
Best of? Weasle words.
In fact, many Islamic clergymen have come forward and clearly stated that these actions have nothing to do with Islam or the Koran (the official book and teachings of Islam).
The silence is deafening. Where are the fatwas calling for the death of these people who would damage the majority of "peace-loving" Moslems?
Oh, and make sure that you wish me a Merry Christmas with all your heart. Say it out loud.
Lots of nations may perceive American imposition of their standards as universals as a negative. China falls into this category. Serbia as well. Don't laugh at this one, but if Star Trek got anything right, it was the idea of the Prime Directive--non-interference in the development of other cultures. After all, the technologies used against us by Osama and friends are Western technologies that Arabs and other non-Westerners should never have been given access to.
2.) Land Of Opportunity For All Religions, Races And Minorities, Including Women.
Somehow I have a hard time seeing what those Haitians have given us, for example.
4.) America Is A Superpower With Empathy.
Anybody who knows anything about politics will realize that food drops in Afghanistan are meant to generate good PR and keep friendly Muslim countries on board with the program. I'm not criticizing realpolitik, I think that's the only way to go in this world, I'm just taking issue with our not being honest about it.
7.) The United States Is Also A World Leader In Foreign Aid.
This is the clincher...with all this talk of generosity and compassion and the like, where the he!! is it in the Constitution that the U.S. owes other countries a living, or is responsible for educating foreign citizens. Heck, the Federal government has no business having a Department of Education for domestic purposes, for that matter.
The subtext of the article might be right at least: Americans are the world's suckers. We're being used and abused. Time to cut the world loose.
Ummm... cheap labor?
Well then, let's teach foreign folks how to fish via the internet, shall we?
Virtually any real estate in the world can be converted into a garden with knowledge, so the poverty excuse is not credible anymore. Exactly what we do decide to teach/make available is important. For example, making the specifications available to all via a public trial of the defendants of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center was not such a good idea. Wouldn't you agree?
So, do you think it was 100% PR? Could you give an example or pure altruism among or between nations in history?
Exactly! Good reply, good post.
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