Yes, I very much dislike the style of punditry. I see its popularity as an insult and a threat. Frankly it scares the hell out of me. Krauthammer epitomizes the “freak show” gandalf described above.
“I just don’t accept the debate ultimately boiling down to this idea that we were somehow thrust into this role of the most legitmate and necessary world power innocently and are simply doing what we have to as the lesser of evils including torture”
That was directed towards Allan. It was in the context of previous discussions we had. I had brought up the idea of “special providence” which is an article of faith if you will that says the U.S. is the “CHOOSEN” I guess another word for it is chauvanism. I am not saying I hate the U.S. or find all aid, diplomatic expenditures or other capital investment altruistic either. Let’s say I am skeptical that much of the aid has too many purposes beyond empire building or economic advantage for the few. We also make lots of messes with help from international banking partners.I am proud when help pours ut in the cases or emergency. Don’t forget that our “good will” is frequently offset by sanctions and the like as well. Sanctions that the entire world does not see as fair.
Is it willful blindness or just laziness?
Can I have a third choice?
I tend to see nationalism as a dirty word. What can I say? I don’t have a favorite sporting team either.
“If you follow even the “MSM” there’s notice of rising Nationalism (for the sake of brevity I am narrowing it down to one term) throughout many countries in the world, even in Europe.
I don’t see that taking place in the U.S. indeed, we are well on our way to surrendering our sovereignty, leaning toward consideraton of outside governments and their laws in our affairs (gotta be a good “term” to sum that up, someone, please help with that).”
Maybe it has to do with supposed nascent globalism? Smaller countries feel more important and larger more important countries take a step down. The fact of the matter is that the U.S. Made a recent great effort to be a more important nation. It triggered some self conciousness in the population that is for the most in favor of defense but against expansionism .The fact that the war actually is in trouble can’t help. We don’t feel invincible. Many of us accept part of the blame. Approval ratings of our government are way down.Our economy is in trouble. Not surprising if national pride takes a hit. Just guessing?
