fOn Sun, 26 Dec 2004 16:25:30 GMT, "CatNipped"
wrote:

OK, this is probably totally inappropriate for this group, but other rants
are allowed and this one has been building for some time now.

I'm getting tired of America bashing. I'm getting tired of Americans
agreeing that we should be bashed.

Are we, as a nation, perfect? Of course not. Have we done things that we
should be ashamed of? Of course. But so has every other country that has
ever existed. To quote a popular guy, "Let ye who is without sin cast the
first stone." We are *NOT* a nation of evil, greedy, stupid, egotistical
maniacs who are out to conquer the world.

Here are the things I'll concede:

Does America put its own interests first in its policy making?
- Of course, ALL COUNTRIES DO!

Is America "selective" about its economic and military support
internationally?
- Absolutely. The U.S. is not a "bottomless well" of financial aid and good
will.

Does American foreign policy contain some prejudices and favoritism?
- Naturally. Lawless regimes or those opposed to the U.S. will not be viewed
favorably.

Will America manipulate a country or political situation to advance its
goals?
- Necessarily, as world politics are a dangerous chess game. Remember the
U.S.S.R.?

Are some of the many "conspiracy theories" about the U.S. government true?
- Probably one or two of the more "sane" theories are in fact true.

All that being conceded, that does *NOT* change the following facts:

NOT ONE MAJOR NATION could truthfully answer "NO" to any of the above
criticisms either. Only in a perfect world without rivalry is this
possible, and we are most certainly NOT in a perfect world.

Only America can say it has liberated many countries from occupation or
oppression and "COLONIZED NONE!"

America is still the "land of dreams" as evidenced by people of ALL the
world's nations immigrating to America, including those nations professing
to hate the U.S.

America is a positive force in the world as recorded by its actions
throughout history which have propelled mankind forward.

America, a young nation of just 228 years, achieved economic superiority
ultimately because of it's many tolerances for the ways in which a person
may pursue life, liberty and prosperity.

To quote journalist Neil Cavuto:

"This whole foreigners versus the U.S. thing brings out strong feelings.
And I won't lie to you: I have clear biases here. I love this country, so I
take exception when people criticize this country. I'm no fool. I know
we're not perfect. But I know we're still the last, best hope on this
planet. So to those foreigners who question us, some questions for you:

# If we're so greedy, why do you crave our money?
# If our culture's so base, why do you seek out our movies?
# If our people are so tacky, why do you hunger for our tourism?
# If our fast food is so passé, why do your countrymen rarely pass up going
to a McDonald's?
# If our people are so stupid, why do your people seek out our universities?
# If we're so backwards, why do you buy our computers?
# If we're so unconcerned about the world, why did we commit $15 billion to
wipe out AIDS in this world?
# And if we're so selfish, why are we always there when you need us?

Maybe it's just me, but I cannot -- for the life of me -- remember the last
time I saw peasants in rickety boats, risking life and limb to come to your
country. They risked it all to be in "this" country. Now, I'm not asking
you to love us all days. But maybe think about us this Normandy anniversary
day. Dead men do tell tales. Hear them.

Someone said I had a problem with foreigners. That's not true. I just have
a problem with lying and ungrateful ones."

Back to my own comments...

America has been responsible for most of the inventions of the modern world
that make life easier, more enjoyable, and including medical inventions,
longer and more satisfying.

America is always there when disaster happens anywhere in the world - how
many other countries send *us* help when a major hurricane hits or an
America city is hit with a devastating earthquake?

OK, I could go on like this for pages and pages, but I think you get my
drift.

I'm not asking that everyone else in the world praise us, or even give us
our due, however grudgingly. I'm only asking that you quit taking every
opportunity to criticize, "bash", and sneer at us just because it's
currently the fashionable thing to do. I'm asking Americans to quit hanging
your head and agreeing with those who bash us.

No, we're not a perfect nation, but I don't know of any other nation,
present or past, that has been so caring, so generous with it's money and
volunteers, so willing to try to "save the world", so adamant in trying to
spread freedom, wealth, and happiness, and so willing to sit back and take
the criticism without ceasing that help in retaliation.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. In fact I'll sit back and wait for the
firestorm (even from some Americans, I'm sure) that this will surely
generate for the gall of me for being proud of my country and tired of being
demonized just for where I live.

Hugs,

CatNipped

The only thing that I have to add to the above rant is AMEN!!

Hugs, CatNipped!!

Nan