What if we weren't the superpower that we are, and it was another country who ruled by dictatorship. What if they wanted us to convert to their way of life. Wouldn't we battle tooth and nail to oppose their thinking, even employing terrorist tactics? In three thousand years we haven't changed much as far as relationships between countries, tribes go have we? What does everyone think?
215007
Morally, no nation has the right to impose it's will on another. \n\nMilitarily, the US has the power to make other nations do as it pleases. \n\nThroughout history, might has usually made right. However, there are usually consequences for enforcing one's will on another nation. In time, nations/empires that impose their will usually collapse because of weakened infrastructure, citizen apathy, and internal rebellion against tyranny. \n\nI'm really confused as to why we(the human race) have not worked to build a better world. I think we're trying, but there are so many man made obstacles in our way that prevent us from building the most human friendly world. \n\nI think we'll get there, or kill ourselves in the process. Keep working to make the world a better place is all I can say.
411008
What we should do morally and what we should do politically are two different things. Some people seem to have a bad opinion of taking up for people in other countries(Iraq). Personally I would assemble a massive invasion force and decimate any warlord-led regime that preyed on the innocent and then let the people have their government back with promise of a consistent and permanent aid(financial, military, and otherwise). The way I see it whether you believe it is God that has blessed us with these wonderful freedoms we enjoy, or if you just think we're lucky, we have a responsibility to extend our hand to those less fortunate than ourselves.
672241
"through the use of fear, societies gave up their rights under the guise of security."  i think this statement sums up best all the uproar over what the bush administration is or isn't doing to 'protect' us as americans. there is a fine line being walked (and not very delicately if you care to notice the details) between "security" and "loss of freedom". and the culture of fear and separation noted in the article is all too apparent today... after all you're either a "patriot" or you "support the enemy". \n\n"those in power are of a smaller segment of society, but they hold the wealth and control" is an accurate description of where america is today. a minute percentage of people possess the lion's share of the wealth: the inequality has always been present but never to this degree. if this is indeed a part of the definition of fascism, you could argue that we are getting closer...\n\n"fascist nations... typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections." let diebold reign! here's to florida, and to ohio, proud supporters of the winning side!\n\n"governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion...." and how often to religious leaders echo the sentiments exactly of the us government? do you watch the 700 club?\n\nwhere did the platform for intelligent discussion of the issues facing the US go? why are people (being manipulated?) becoming so polarized? where has 'the beauty of the gray' disappeared to? isn't it funny how so many things in life are suddenly black and white, like apples and oranges?\n\nif you deceive often enough and use the proper (official?) channels, one of two things will happen. they will come to believe it as gospel ("this is a delicious orange! when did they start growing stems?") or they will use the knowledge they already have to resist ("THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS!" -jean-luc picard) the lies. \n\nare you really willing to doubt that this is in fact an apple? and will we be reluctant to let go of a moniker we've worn proudly for over two centuries? stay tuned...
669855
Because we want to feel like we have power over the entire world...we just do it in a more politically sound way. I think that any country that wants em should have em...they are just trying to protect themselves from us. Our governments argument is that countries like Iran cannot be trusted because of the things that they have done in thier past and the way they have treated thier people...but look at our past....Where are the Native Americans again??? oh yeah and Slaves?? and Civil war...we are just Hypocrites
262245
Your idea is great. I would love it. You can practically go anywhere in your own country !! Cool. Plus think of it, no cross border terrorism, no wars, no nothing. We wolud be living in a peaceful world. Most of the evils in this world are due to difference in any two countries. One is more developed then other this and that. Though your idea is pretty good, I am afraid that what you say beholds true! Indeed, Human greed for power and wealth will not make it possible in first place cause everyone in the political field today, atleast the president's of today's countries will want to be the supreme of this new country and there will be conflicts. And Secondly, even if it takes place, the developed will develop more while poor will become poorer as the competetio will increase far more than ever. That is a brilliant idea. But do no feel sad, you can still dream about it tonight because I know, I will. I definately will.\nSo Long. Keep thinkin of more of such ideas. Bye
134692
Well, we would have more of stuff going on just like 911. Just alot more and alot worse. I think that we are over there keeping them in check for the most part and showing them how to run a country that will satisfy most of their people. I dont think we should necessarily stay over there to fight but we should atleast be helping the "good" people out to better their selves and their people. Who knows, it might change in a few years or so.
676154
Everything you said was relative, really.  Saturnine?  Compared to what?  I think that culture is changing fairly fast.  And I wouldn't doubt that it's an exponential function, rather than arithmatic.  So, if it's not rapid enough for you, rest assured, it will speed up.  I also don't particularly think that it matters whether the earth is the special place of life or not, I think that's more the higher power's business than mine.  And frankly, I have alot more money than most elephants I know.\nI don't think any of societies mechanations are the purpose of life, frankly.  I also don't particularly think that it matters whether the earth is the special place of life or not, I think that's more the higher power's business than mine.  Who am I to argue, it's not like I'm ever going to understand the grand plan. \nSo for me and my life,I think it's all about struggle.  It's a fight to survive, and we all lose, but it's not about the outcome of the struggle, it's about the struggle.  I love it.  It makes me feel like I have direction.  And ithat direction is through as much time as possible.
137100
I am thinking that we should stop being racist and arrogant.\nI am also thinking that we are not in charge of the universe.\nI am also thinking that if we have the right to have nuclear arms so should they.\n\nAfter all, we are not better than anyone else.\nAfter all, Iran is far less dangerous than the US ehich already has its own nuclear weapons.\n\nIn the last 50 years Iran has attacked exactly zero countries. In fact, through US enccouragement it was attacked by our former clients, the Iraqis.\nThe US has attacked Iraq, Vietnam, Guatemala, Grenada, Korea, El Salvador, Cuba, Panama, Egypt, and the list goes on.\n\nMaybe we should get rid of our own nuclear weapons before we ask others to do. We dont want to be hypocrites, right?\n\nBy the way, Iranians have never claimed or said they are developing nuclear weapons. Only the US has made this claim. And I sure beleive what W and Cheney say, right? ;-)
561644
I think that's possible but we do not all speak or think in the same language and that make a start to the difference,History reminds us what a same language tried to do and how it failed so in order for this to come we would all have to decide what we are not going to do againe.
15740
There is a price for our freedom and security. I will have to go with freedom. In freedom comes the security and stability our great nation needs. However we need to stand by the decisions that have been made. Children need to feel free and secure. And as parents we need to set that path for our future. Well the only way we can become the greatest nation is for us to pull our heads out of our 4th point of contact and really desire and respect the sanctaty of respect for our leader(s). How can we expect other nations to respect and to fear us when we dont respect our leader? We belittle him and make fun of him. Why? because we know that we can't make the right decision. This world is about damn if you do and damn if you don't. Either way someone isn't happy. As a nation we need to become one and support our freedom. Let those know that we are greatful for their sacrifices.
269924
If people freely roamed the world, language barriers would be rampant as would disease, and my personal belief is that the entire world would be separated into a thin very rich crust, and a subsistence level remainder of society. Meanwhile violence would be the norm, if at a somewhat more controlled level than some of the genocide areas.  That would be better for some in the world than what they have now, but would be much much worse for us.
167442
If mankind were meant to be perfect, we would resolve the world's problems in non-violent, diplomatic ways that would benefit all parties involved. Hell, if mankind were meant to be perfect, there would BE no terrorism or conflict. Too bad we aren't. In the meantime, I do agree with you, but there's nothing to be done, so unless you want to start one of hundreds of strikes that I'm sure are taking place all around the world against wars and everything - all of which are going unanswered, I must say - then I suggest that you deal, for we will never find a way out until we strive for the path of good.
622805
No.  The only "utter stupidity" is thinking we can insult the majority of the free world and still stay on good terms with them.  Also, interference with the affairs with other countries will not earn us any friends.  People don't like to feel like they have no say in their destiny and that goes for independent nations, too.
130269
Are we alone? Probably not. It would be fairly conceited to think otherwise. What is the 'grand secret' the government doesn't want us to know? I really doubt there is any secret. I don't believe any foreign intelligent life has ever visited the earth. Frankly, if they have the technology to cover the vast distances to visit us, then they would have no interest in doing so. If it was the land they were interested in, then we would not be hear anymore. They probably could anihalate us in the blink of an eye.
653883
I see where you are coming from very clearly.   And I must say I agree with you completely.\n\nYou are asking us to put ourselves in the shoes of  people from other countries and ask ourselves, how would we like to be treated as we are treating people of other countries.  \n\nI would feel that I was being taken advantage of, humiliated and completely disrespected.  I would also feel someone was trying to take over my land and its resources as well as my way of life.  I would also be able to tell that they were hiding their true intentions behind things like democracy, and a war on terror.\n\nI would not be a happy camper and would probably resort to defending my honor and people against the invading force.\n\nI'm lucky I am not from another country !
285150
Yes, It is possible to someday have a "New World Order."  I mean this in the most positive way.  It will take time and some revolutionary type of thinking however.  I have traveled all over the world and I have found that we have more in common with people of the world than we have differences.  People want the same things--good health, happiness, economic opportunity, to raise a family, hope and just governance.  We are closer than many will lead us to believe. It will begin with a vision of common grounds regarding shared values and the continuous denouncing of evil and evil rhetoric.  Certainly, there is going to be hatred and contempt, but we cannot let a small minority of "Terrorists" threaten our very existence.  People are basically good and will choice good over evil once their primal needs are satisfied.  The problem with a world society is one of fairness to all people and sectors of the world.  This becomes a major obstacle to world peace and is probably the one thing that can prevent the evolution of governance to that level.  That notwithstanding--doesn't it sound a lot better to visualize world peace than to live in a world full of hatred and violence?  And a world in which we are united against those who create chaos.  I could envision a day when we are governed by a board of our peers that are responsible for ensuring just and competent governance.
88285
Probably not,  We would need one language, one culture and total political agreement.  There has not been peace for thousands of years, I doubt if we start anytime soon.