A Frightening Picture of American Superiority

The Independent ^ | February 5, 2003 | Johann Hari

[Kip Lange]

1 out of 1 Conservative Kips Agree: "Europeans watch too much American TV" :-)

And that *is* part of their problem. It's in his first paragraph. Europe (Old Europe) doesn't understand America. Never has, never will.

[Brian Allen]

This piece of post-modernist pornographic poop deserved a septic tank alert.

On one of those stinking "democRATic" potty posting places.

On FR it deserves pulling.

[BlueLancer]

There's never a Pinochet around when you need one ...

[RightOnline]

Leftist liberal tripe.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

"In an episode called "A Proportional Response", Bartlett finds out that his personal physician, amongst others, has been murdered on a trip to the Middle East. His security chiefs recommend "a proportionate response" to the American deaths, but Bartlett shouts that he wants "a disproportionate response". He explains, "Under the Roman empire, a Roman citizen could go anywhere he wanted in the world, because all over the world people knew that if they touched a citizen of Rome, the wrath of the entire Empire would rain down upon them. That is how Americans should feel.""

"So he decides, basically, to bomb the hell out of the Middle East, until he is finally talked round. Remember: this mindset is prevalent even in the Democratic Party. "

Well, yes. This odd article captures some of America accurately, such as our vigorous defense of our citizens, but makes wild and hilarious mistakes. What's wrong with defending our citizens? Why should we take crap from anyone? This is portrayed as "American imperialism", but if we can help our citizens in trouble, defend them any where in the world, why shouldn't we?

I think the writer needs to read Machivelli's, "The Prince". He said "It is better to be feared than loved. There is a deterrent effect if people really believe we're going to level their country if they attack us or support those who attack us. This is not a Christian approach, but a pragmatic one.

[gaspar]

Hari is a political schizophrenic. On the one hand he is the crypto-Marxist with a secret love affair for totalitarianism, on the other, by virtue of his profession he considers himself a limey elitist who can look down on every extant race, religion and political philosophy. In other words, he would not be a pleasant dinner companion, nor someone you would take to the Super Bowl.