Do you think America commands the respect of the world? (1 Viewer)

[aps]

Bwahahahahhahahhaha

Here is the breakdown of this poll on MSNBC:

Do you think America commands the respect of the world?
* 13272 responses

Yes
7.9%

Yes, but ...
15%

No
77%

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626766/

I voted no. We have tortured people. We have lied to America and the world about Saddam Hussein and WMDs. We have given the UN the finger. We have claimed the high ground when we don't have it.

America has lost some serious credibility since 9-11. We had the high ground and the sympathy of the world, and we totally screwed that up.

 

[ptsdkid]

Bwahahahahhahahhaha

Here is the breakdown of this poll on MSNBC:

Do you think America commands the respect of the world?
* 13272 responses

Yes
7.9%

Yes, but ...
15%

No
77%

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626766/

I voted no. We have tortured people. We have lied to America and the world about Saddam Hussein and WMDs. We have given the UN the finger. We have claimed the high ground when we don't have it.

America has lost some serious credibility since 9-11. We had the high ground and the sympathy of the world, and we totally screwed that up.

***Sorry to see that you're losing a grip on reality. I wouldn't call wrapping panties around a prisoner's head...torture. No one lied about Saddam. It won't be long before they string him up. Where were you when we found those WMD's in Iraq? We need to do more than just give the third world leaders of the UN--the finger. We need to get out of UN Dodge quickly. Who is claiming the high ground? We got attacked; we're in WWIII right now, whether you realize it or not. How have we lost credibility, and to whom should we care if we aren't credible in their eyes? What have they done for us? Since when has any country been sympathetic toward America. How many foreign countries come to our aid when we have a natural disaster? Zero...that's how many. I'm not even going to waste my time by telling you of all of America's humanitarian committments around the world. You probably wouldn't believe me if I did.
So Aps, how's my favorite female DP member? That be YOU!

 

[aps]

***Sorry to see that you're losing a grip on reality. I wouldn't call wrapping panties around a prisoner's head...torture. No one lied about Saddam. It won't be long before they string him up. Where were you when we found those WMD's in Iraq? We need to do more than just give the third world leaders of the UN--the finger. We need to get out of UN Dodge quickly. Who is claiming the high ground? We got attacked; we're in WWIII right now, whether you realize it or not. How have we lost credibility, and to whom should we care if we aren't credible in their eyes? What have they done for us? Since when has any country been sympathetic toward America. How many foreign countries come to our aid when we have a natural disaster? Zero...that's how many. I'm not even going to waste my time by telling you of all of America's humanitarian committments around the world. You probably wouldn't believe me if I did.
So Aps, how's my favorite female DP member? That be YOU!

Gawd I adore you! You slam my words right and left and then tell me I am your favorite DP member! I love it!

:cheers:

I'm doing just dandy. How about you? When are you going to walk on the wild side and date a liberal?

 

[mpg]

No, because of jealousy. The vast majority of countries desserve to be respected. The US desserves to be respected but we aren't because of jealousy. The US is the land of Harley Davidsons, Rock & Roll, blue jeans, and Hollywood. You can debate all you want about whether or not these are legitimate reasons to be envious, but there are no legitimate reasons for any country to be envious of another. That doesn't stop people from being envious. The US's pop culture is very popular around the world. We're also the most powerful country in the world by far, and we also have one of the highest standards of livilng in the world. If you don't think that all of those things combined are enough to make billions of people jealous, then you're clueless about the human mind. People don't hate the US because of our policies. They hate our policies because they hate the US. It couldn't be more obvious.

 

[Loki]

Bwahahahahhahahhaha

Here is the breakdown of this poll on MSNBC:

Do you think America commands the respect of the world?
* 13272 responses

Yes
7.9%

Yes, but ...
15%

No
77%

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626766/

I voted no. We have tortured people. We have lied to America and the world about Saddam Hussein and WMDs. We have given the UN the finger. We have claimed the high ground when we don't have it.

America has lost some serious credibility since 9-11. We had the high ground and the sympathy of the world, and we totally screwed that up.

This is kind of a juvenile attitude. Trying to apply high school concepts of interpersonal relationships to geo political interactions is more than a little naive.

 

[Iriemon]

The US may be feared today, that is not the same as respected. We used to be a lot more respected around the world, precious little evidence of that today. Nowdays, I don't even respect what our government is doing myself.

 

[aps]

This is kind of a juvenile attitude. Trying to apply high school concepts of interpersonal relationships to geo political interactions is more than a little naive.

If you have nothing to add to the thread, get out.

 

[CoffeeSaint]

No, because of jealousy. The vast majority of countries desserve to be respected. The US desserves to be respected but we aren't because of jealousy. The US is the land of Harley Davidsons, Rock & Roll, blue jeans, and Hollywood. You can debate all you want about whether or not these are legitimate reasons to be envious, but there are no legitimate reasons for any country to be envious of another. That doesn't stop people from being envious. The US's pop culture is very popular around the world. We're also the most powerful country in the world by far, and we also have one of the highest standards of livilng in the world. If you don't think that all of those things combined are enough to make billions of people jealous, then you're clueless about the human mind. People don't hate the US because of our policies. They hate our policies because they hate the US. It couldn't be more obvious.

You're right; this country does have blue jeans, Harleys, rock 'n' roll, and Hollywood. But so does every other country. Levis may be more expensive in Japan, but you can get them there.

On the other hand, we have a truly appalling national debt, a longstanding habit of throwing our weight around, a lack of a positive international reputation, and McDonald's and Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Culture-wise, our most famous artists don't compare, our authors do not have the same respect or cache, and other than rock and jazz, our music is crap: what American composer can compare with Mozart? What American opera singer can compare with Pavarotti?

Not to mention the fact that I doubt anyone would envy a country that twice elected Chimpy McFlightsuit president.

I think our government has lost respect; I think our people still have the mixed reviews we've always had as tourists; I think our scientific achievements are respected; I think our culture is a joke. Our pop culture is number one, but that only makes us the prettiest Barbie doll on the shelf.

I don't think that America is particularly envied. Our wealth may be, but our country? No.

 

[Loki]

If you have nothing to add to the thread, get out.

If you can't stand criticism don't start threads.

 

[jfuh]

We used to command great respect. But then there are those that feel we're the top of the world. Our arrogance, our go it alone attitude and say **** you to the world has received exactly what is to be expected. No respect.
while we still have tremendous respect for being a super power, but then there is little else other ppl around the world would respect America for anymore.
Arrogance will not turn it around ppl - America does have things to learn from other countries.

 

[afr0byte]

I wouldn't call wrapping panties around a prisoner's head...torture.

From what I've heard, that is torture to a muslim man. So, yes, we were torturing them. Whether you think it'd be torture doesn't come in to play.

. Where were you when we found those WMD's in Iraq?

You mean the 15 year old weapons that no longer posed a threat?

 

[TurtleDude]

Bwahahahahhahahhaha

Here is the breakdown of this poll on MSNBC:

Do you think America commands the respect of the world?
* 13272 responses

Yes
7.9%

Yes, but ...
15%

No
77%

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626766/

I voted no. We have tortured people. We have lied to America and the world about Saddam Hussein and WMDs. We have given the UN the finger. We have claimed the high ground when we don't have it.

America has lost some serious credibility since 9-11. We had the high ground and the sympathy of the world, and we totally screwed that up.

its to your political advantage to denigrate America but the MSNBC poll is a joke and has no basis in reality. that same Poll said Kerry was going to win the election -IIRC-something like 77% to 20% in late October of 2004. Its a site that caters to the left. I agree that American lefties and their allies internationally have driven down america's image but working with CIS I can tell you the number of people trying to gain citizenship here from other nations is even higher than it was 20 years ago

 

[disneydude]

Hey Turtle:

I would love to see you post that poll. I think most people on these boards followed that race pretty closely and I don't recall ever seeing a poll like that. Pretty much every poll had the race within 5 points for months up to the election. I think either you are making it up or you are mistaken.....but prove me wrong.

In response to the post. There was a time where America was greatly respected in the world. That was up until the time GWB took office. This is probably the biggest failure and blunder of the Bush regime. Not only have they destroyed America's standing in the world, but when given the opportunity to rally the world around us after 911 and having the chance to pull this country together from the huge cultural divide that he created, he squandered it all to fulfill an imperialistic urge.

I think that whoever takes office after Bush will have a huge job ahead of them to rebuild our image in the world. I do think it can be done. The damage is not irreperable but its going to take a person who can restore honor and integrity to the whitehouse and hopefully honor and integrity to this nation.

 

[Calm2Chaos]

From what I've heard, that is torture to a muslim man. So, yes, we were torturing them. Whether you think it'd be torture doesn't come in to play.



You mean the 15 year old weapons that no longer posed a threat?

It's not torture in any way shape or form. I guess murdering your own people with home made bombs is ok? Give me a break.

The exsistenace of the weapons was there, the point is made.

 

[Calm2Chaos]

I have two answers.....

1.) Dunno........

2.) Don't care..............

The world and the countries within it do whatever is best for them at that individual time. The US is no different, we have to look out for our best interest also. I can't muster much of a concern of how other see us.

 

[TurtleDude]

Hey Turtle:

I would love to see you post that poll. I think most people on these boards followed that race pretty closely and I don't recall ever seeing a poll like that. Pretty much every poll had the race within 5 points for months up to the election. I think either you are making it up or you are mistaken.....but prove me wrong.

In response to the post. There was a time where America was greatly respected in the world. That was up until the time GWB took office. This is probably the biggest failure and blunder of the Bush regime. Not only have they destroyed America's standing in the world, but when given the opportunity to rally the world around us after 911 and having the chance to pull this country together from the huge cultural divide that he created, he squandered it all to fulfill an imperialistic urge.

I think that whoever takes office after Bush will have a huge job ahead of them to rebuild our image in the world. I do think it can be done. The damage is not irreperable but its going to take a person who can restore honor and integrity to the whitehouse and hopefully honor and integrity to this nation.

The MSNBC poll is not scientific-you can vote as many times as you clear your cookies as you want. You know that,and I know that. As I said, when the best and the brightest stop wanting to move here, then I will listen to your claims. That France and Germany are mad that we exposed their incestuous relationship with the Ba'athists means nothing to me.

 

[disneydude]

I have two answers.....

1.) Dunno........

2.) Don't care..............

The world and the countries within it do whatever is best for them at that individual time. The US is no different, we have to look out for our best interest also. I can't muster much of a concern of how other see us.

Yea...because being isolationist makes so much sense.:doh

There was a time (pre-Bush) where we saw the intelligence in engaging in forming coalitions with our allies. Now Bush wants to be like the school yard bully that flexes its muscles and talks tough....but one sock in the nose and they go running into submission. Like all the Bush Supporters that are so willing to give up the freedoms that our soldiers gave their lives for....just for a little security illusion.

America once stood for something. It once had the respect of the world and was envied by people around the world. Bush has destroyed all of that.

 

[TurtleDude]

Yea...because being isolationist makes so much sense.:doh

There was a time (pre-Bush) where we saw the intelligence in engaging in forming coalitions with our allies. Now Bush wants to be like the school yard bully that flexes its muscles and talks tough....but one sock in the nose and they go running into submission. Like all the Bush Supporters that are so willing to give up the freedoms that our soldiers gave their lives for....just for a little security illusion.

America once stood for something. It once had the respect of the world and was envied by people around the world. Bush has destroyed all of that.

Do you have any proof supporting the claim that Bush "has destroyed all that". DO you think the president should subordinate US interests to foreign concerns in order to garner favoritism with them?

 

[mpg]

You're right; this country does have blue jeans, Harleys, rock 'n' roll, and Hollywood. But so does every other country. Levis may be more expensive in Japan, but you can get them there.

On the other hand, we have a truly appalling national debt, a longstanding habit of throwing our weight around, a lack of a positive international reputation, and McDonald's and Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Culture-wise, our most famous artists don't compare, our authors do not have the same respect or cache, and other than rock and jazz, our music is crap: what American composer can compare with Mozart? What American opera singer can compare with Pavarotti?

Not to mention the fact that I doubt anyone would envy a country that twice elected Chimpy McFlightsuit president.

I think our government has lost respect; I think our people still have the mixed reviews we've always had as tourists; I think our scientific achievements are respected; I think our culture is a joke. Our pop culture is number one, but that only makes us the prettiest Barbie doll on the shelf.

I don't think that America is particularly envied. Our wealth may be, but our country? No.

Ofcourse I know that you can buy Harleys and Levis in Japan. Those are just examples of the world copying the US. You missed an obvious point.

Our debt isn't large compared to other countries. As far as our pop culture is concerned, I'm not saying that it's superior, I'm merely saying that it's popular in many countries. I'm not saying that the US is better than other countries, but other countries go to great lengths to copy the US, at the same time that they say the US is sh!t.

Hatred of the US predates Bush. There's little doubt that he made it worse, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Appeasement isn't always the best thing to do. As I said the problem predates Bush, so that eliminates him as the cause.

 

[mpg]

We used to command great respect. But then there are those that feel we're the top of the world. Our arrogance, our go it alone attitude and say **** you to the world has received exactly what is to be expected. No respect.
while we still have tremendous respect for being a super power, but then there is little else other ppl around the world would respect America for anymore.
Arrogance will not turn it around ppl - America does have things to learn from other countries.

When the US tries to influence other countries, we're perceived as bullies. When other countries try to influence us, we're perceived as arrogant if we don't let them dictate our policies.

 

[Iriemon]

When the US tries to influence other countries, we're perceived as bullies. When other countries try to influence us, we're perceived as arrogant if we don't let them dictate our policies.

That's what happens when you're the big dog.

 

[mpg]

That's what happens when you're the big dog.

That's correct. It's almost impossible for the US to be respected. Policy alone certainly can't do it.

 

[disneydude]

its not difficult for the US to be respected. Historically, the US have been very respected and envied. However, when you engage in isolationist policies like GWB has and you engage in the type of foreign policy that GWB has and you refuse to engage to diplomatic relations like GWB has....you lost that respect because you become viewed as being arrogant, ignornant and stubborn.
Its not a matter of the US giving up its interests for the sake of foreign interests. I doubt that you can say that during the period of time from say the 30's - 90's that the US sacrificed its interests to please a foreign country. What its about is building coalitions, working together on shared interests, and seeking out the support and cooperation of our allies. How ironic is it that George Bush ran for office on the idea that he was a "bridge builder" and yet he has burned more bridges among our allies around the world and has created a huge cultural divide in this country. I guess that's what you get when you get "the decider" as your leader (one who makes all the decisions) vs. a uniter/consensus builder.

 

[TurtleDude]

its not difficult for the US to be respected. Historically, the US have been very respected and envied. However, when you engage in isolationist policies like GWB has and you engage in the type of foreign policy that GWB has and you refuse to engage to diplomatic relations like GWB has....you lost that respect because you become viewed as being arrogant, ignornant and stubborn.
Its not a matter of the US giving up its interests for the sake of foreign interests. I doubt that you can say that during the period of time from say the 30's - 90's that the US sacrificed its interests to please a foreign country. What its about is building coalitions, working together on shared interests, and seeking out the support and cooperation of our allies. How ironic is it that George Bush ran for office on the idea that he was a "bridge builder" and yet he has burned more bridges among our allies around the world and has created a huge cultural divide in this country. I guess that's what you get when you get "the decider" as your leader (one who makes all the decisions) vs. a uniter/consensus builder.

so should the USA pursue what is best for the USA even if that upsets-say the French who were in bed with Saddam-or try to appease nations who do not worry about our interests? Obviously, in some cases it will be in the US interests over the long run to subordinate short term goals for long term cooperation but it appears that some on the left use foreign interests as reason to bash Bush

 

[Loki]

its not difficult for the US to be respected. Historically, the US have been very respected and envied. However, when you engage in isolationist policies like GWB has and you engage in the type of foreign policy that GWB has and you refuse to engage to diplomatic relations like GWB has....you lost that respect because you become viewed as being arrogant, ignornant and stubborn.
Its not a matter of the US giving up its interests for the sake of foreign interests. I doubt that you can say that during the period of time from say the 30's - 90's that the US sacrificed its interests to please a foreign country. What its about is building coalitions, working together on shared interests, and seeking out the support and cooperation of our allies. How ironic is it that George Bush ran for office on the idea that he was a "bridge builder" and yet he has burned more bridges among our allies around the world and has created a huge cultural divide in this country. I guess that's what you get when you get "the decider" as your leader (one who makes all the decisions) vs. a uniter/consensus builder.

The us has invaded two countries since 9/11, hardly isolationist. Coalitions, I'm assuming you're refering to europe, will only work if the euros feel it's in their bests interests. It isn't.

Europe isn't united. It has no standing army. It has no unified government. The individual states have varying reasons to stear clear of a war in the middle east from crappy militaries to too many moslems in their country. No need to piss off the natives on our streets. :shock:

Added to all of this all of these countries pretty much get most of their oil from the middle east and if that's not enough they sell everything they can to the moslem countries, think small arms, bmw's, jet fighters and nuclear power plants. Coalitions with the euros is pretty much not going to work.