Recession - Thank you America.

[famousringo]

TalonMan said:

ManusJustusNardus said:

TheZ said:
Dbot said
Hate America all you want. Just know that we will be there for you no matter how ungrateful you are. When a country invades, or terrorists attack you, America will stand by you. No questions asked.

Amen

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is a big IF in that statement. If you are being attacked by a dictator or terrorists AND we have something to gain from helping you we will. I didn't see us complaining when we funded Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan against the Soviets or when we back up Israel when it uses attack helicopters to take out a lone target on a crowded civilian street, nor did I see us run to the rescue to stop any of the African genocides. Maybe we would have saved countries like Rwanda if they had oil...

This, right here, is why the US is stereotyped as 'world police', more than anything else. You never want us around when you're zipping down the highway at 95mph - but as soon as the shit hits the fan in your personal life, we're the first one people look for.

Do you remember Kosovo? What exactly did the US have to gain for ousting Slobodan? Or, is this selective exampling by you?

 

 That was a NATO operation. European NATO members were concerned that the conflict would destabilize the region and lead to a broader European conflict, as Balkan wars have a history of doing. What the US gained was maintained stability in Europe, and maintained relations with NATO allies.

 It was enlightened self-interest, but it was still self-interest. I don't want to appear like I'm critical of the action or the reasons behind it. Enlightened self-interest is the driver behind most multi-national institutions and many other good ideas.