Quote:
Originally Posted by Splum
There is no such thing as true "FREEDOM" surely you are not claiming there is? I tell you what I am more "FREE" than most of the people on this planet and thats good enough for me. I live in relative peace, and my children and grand children will. I WILL fight to keep this country safe, strong, powerful and secure.
You and I have different moral ideals certainly but to merely dismiss me as a mindless moron would be a mistake many of our enemies have made over the years.
You cannot deny that in only 230 years we have risen to become the most powerful nation this world has not seen since the Roman Empire, there is a REASON for that. Why isnt Canada a superpower like the USA?
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Firstly, you are right, there is no absolute freedom. Our governments have enacted laws that restrict us from certain actions in order to protect the other citizens. For example; my right to punch you in the face stops at your nose.
But it is not this freedom that I am referring to. I am talking about our freedom to choose our own destiny both as individuals and as countries. Democracy was born out of the idea that government should be chosen by the people to represent the people. In the case of the US, democracy has clearly evolved into something much different than what your forefathers intended. We have a responsibility as citizens to ensure that the governments that we elect exercise their power properly without stepping over the boundaries. What you see in the US right now is exactly that...the Bush administration has taken away your freedoms and liberties to fight the war on terror. I cannot believe that you would fight and risk your life to protect a country that repays you with lies and deception. Are you willing to eat anything that is fed to you? Do you believe the garbage that they tell you? Not only do you bite down on the small piece of shit - disguised as a legitimate reason - they have given you, you thank the hand that feeds you and ask for another. “But not today” they tell you...tune in tomorrow, same bat time same bat place...and maybe, just maybe you'll get a bigger piece of shit then. Why do you insist on supporting a government that is more concerned with having enough gas to fuel your SUVs than saving and helping the people who need it...even within your own boarders (Hurricane Katrina victims)?
Trust me when I tell you that I do not dismiss you as a moron. If I did I wouldn't be dignifying your comments with a response. I just think that you are misguided and your priorities are not in check. You say that you want to fight so your kids and grand kids are safe. But what are they really safe from? You are facilitating the American way of life to be flushed down the toilet...only to be replaced with a culture of fear, hatred and deception that you are helping to create. Is that really what you want to leave for your kids? Soon more people will hate the American way of life than envy it because Bush continues to wage wars on countries and kill innocent people for no justifiable reason. As far as your enemies making mistakes about you and underestimating you; are you kidding? Remember Vietnam? Or even the wars you are fighting right now? The first gulf war waged on much longer than was originally anticipated and only half the job was done. I think it is you who overestimate the American knowledge and power and underestimate the powers of other nations. Just because you have guns and ammo does not mean you are going to win even a battle, much less a war.
People need to understand that the masses have the power, not our governments. If even half or a quarter of the US population marched on the White House you could topple your government in a day. But you choose not to because currently you have oil and relative freedom, but some day that is going to change. And then what are you left with?
Canada is not a superpower for the same reason China will become the next superpower…because of the numbers.
With respect to your comparing America to the Roman Empire; it is an interesting choice of comparisons considering the Romans walked through countries and claimed them as their own peacefully or otherwise. I think you hit the nail on the head because that’s exactly what it looks like Bush is doing at present. Installing pro western leaders in volatile countries to protect the US interest in the area (read to protect the oil supply).
I don’t want people to think that I hate America or Americans or the American way of life because I don’t. I just don’t understand people who fight tooth and nail to support a Leader and an administration that has lied, cheated, and deceived their people. It is not right anywhere and certainly does not resemble freedom or democracy. If that same thing were to happen in Canada you better believe I would be doing everything in my power to stop it.