Putin wants return of Soviet Union, but not Soviet Union!

[Branko2166]

Joelcool7 said:

Branko2166 said:

@JC7

We are all entitled to opinions but you keep getting yourself caught up in passing many of your opinions as fact.
You speak about camaraderie between nations like Japan and the US and yet you disregard actions like the atomic bombing of 2 Japanese cities. Do not assume that everyone in Japan is in love with America.

Regarding Germany helping out with the bailouts it is a bit more complicated than them doing it out of good will. They are doing it out of economic necessity, period.

You also mention how NATO is so costly for the US but maintaining empires has always been a huge financial burden throughout history.

I try to judge countries not by their talk but by their actions, and while German and or Japanese leaders may to an extent criticise the US from time to time they always end up falling in line in the end.

That last paragraph of yours has me worried. Seems to me that you think if a government isn't supportive of globalisation it automatically makes them bad. While in theory it benefits all, as we can observe there are always many negative aspects as well. I believe that any country should have the right to uphold their sovereignty, unfortunately we live in an age where we have countries talking one way and acting another way.

One country after another is being taken over by the United States through military action and the only thing that can protect anyone's independence is military might. That's why we can now see other powers forming counter alliances to try and deter military aggression. I suspect that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was formed for this reason.

Again I believe it would benefit everyone if there was more deterrence in the world and the less unilateral action the better.

I'm really not trying to pass any opinions as fact. As for the two a-bombs that was way in the past, its like bringing up the war of 1812 in which troops from Upper and Lower Canada with the help of the British attacked the United States and torched the White House. So by that logic are Canada and the US enemies?

I don't think I said that all Japanese are pro-American, I stated that if you went to Japan or Germany the majority wouldn't likely agree that they are under military occupation by the United States. The Japanese Government has for the most part requested US forces be in the country something that benefits Japan's interests and protects them from hostile neighbors.

Of course their are anti-American in every country, in fact their are some Canadian's who believe Canada is under military occupation by both UK and the US because we allow both countries to train and station troops on our soil. A presence of military forces isn't occupation, is that the opinion you think I am passing off as fact?

As for Germany helping bail out Greece and Italy, indeed it is very much more complicated. However Germany doesn't have to do so for its economy to flourish. I just watched BBC analysts as well as CBC program on Germany's options and the options of several countries in the EU. It would be beneficial according to BBC/CBC for the EU to split or be dissolved entirely. The analysts argued that member states of the EU that fail to maintain their economic responsibilities to the Union could be cut off and dropped from the union. This option would strengthen the strong EU member states but damage the credibility of the Union and be called into question legally and morally. However analysts argued it might be the best option for the survival of the EU and actually benefit the global economy.

The second option analysts suggested it was only briefly mentioned like one sentence on BBC but CBC dedicated about 3-5 minutes to it. Is the dissolution of the EU in its current form, try to maintain trade deals and partnerships but break the countries reliance on one another and dissolve the euro. This move is by far the most controversial however analysts pointed out that while the EU flourished it is proving to be a major burden on the global economy and the analysts suggested trade partnerships like NAFTA in North America might be more beneficial then maintaining the current EU structure.

The major problems with these options are obvious. One the legal issues and the credibility factor both would be damaged really badly, I'm not 100% sure how either action could be carried out. Another flaw is that the international community would basically be abandoning Greece and Italy and other EU countries and allowing them to collapse.

But both these options are viable and would benefit Germany's economy in the short term and likely long term. Germany doesn't have to bail out anyone. They have several options on the table as do all the other EU countries but right now they are choosing to save EU member countries if at all possible. Rather then throwing Greece and Italy under a bus.

As for globalization comment. I to believe in national sovereignty and protecting a nations businesses and economy. I am against a single global currency and such. I also don't think a country is evil for not embracing globalization, however I think it is a foolish thing for a country to do in the long term. Most countries benefit from globalization more then remaining entirely dependent on themselves. Look at the countries that are trying to stop or ignore globalization Iran, Syria , Venezuela etc...etc.. those countries are suffering and while the populations of Venezuela for example still appear to support their Governments moves will they ten years from now?

There are many problems with globalization, a big one off the top of my head is this recession. Our economies are linked so deeply that if one country goes down it creates a ripple effect that causes issues around the globe. Only thing with this is it is impossible to avoid even Venezuela exports millions and if the countries who import there products no longer need or can afford them then even the protectionist anti-globalization countries will go down in flames.

Sorry for the long response, I try not to pass off opinion as fact. But I do hear that every now and then I'll try to watch that more so in the future!

It's all good!

We're just debating some economic and political issues. It's normal to have differing opinions.

Regarding the countries you just stated have been opposed to globalisation, it is interesting to note that they all own their central banks as opposed to most western countries whose central banks are privately owned. They also have no foreign troops on their soil. So basically they are militarily and economically independent from the west. This I believe is the reason why they are in America's sights and not for the reasons often cited, including supporting terrorism or being authoritarian.

Just a thought.