Originally posted by dotcom
Originally posted by Skeptic
History is filled with examples of imperialism. There are many countries that have expanded their power and influence well beyond their borders. The U.S. is no exception. Power tends to demand more power. The greater the power, the greater the likelihood such power will engulf lesser powers, in one way or another.
Thank you. You admit imperialism has a lot to do with power than a mere definition of the word.
England, France, Spain, Germany, Russia, and Japan once had their stint with global imperialism.
How come you give all these examples but incessantly accuse the US of imperialism? At some point in your argument, imperialism=power, was not the issue, but how the power is used. Were you, then, suggesting it is okay to be imperialistic=powerful? If you have a problem with imperialism, it means you have a problem with western culture which is the foundation of it's civilization as Deco's linked article correctly states:
"In the same way, the belief in equality requires leftists to be indifferent or hostile to Western culture, regardless of its virtues, and to excuse and celebrate non-Western cultures, regardless of their vices., because Western culture is currently the successful and "dominant" culture. Indeed, under the inverted moral order of leftism, the more backward or even savage a non-Western culture happens to be, the more we must puff it up, cover its sins, and blame its catastrophes on ourselves.
At this point, you should re-evaluate your understanding of the issue at hand.
- You hate power only if the US has it
- You love power when countries like China has it
- You ignore the link between success and power=capitalism
- You ignore the link between western civilization and success
- And many more
China had for centuries been only regionally imperialistic. They had the power and capability to extend their reach globally, but chose not to.
" chose not to" is not going convince even a kindergarten kid. Give us reasons why China was not able to extend their reach globally. You are insinuating that their failure was based on choice explaining your bias and shallowness on the topic. What choice? Give us its name.
Now, it is the U.S. that has become the greatest power in the world, and many administrations have chosen to extend this power and influence, with the often unforeseen consequence of eliciting negative reactions among countries who would rather not be subjected to this power and influence.
Again, you are creating an impression this power was purely accidental and each and every country including Saudi Arabia had an equal chance of achieving it, is that correct? So why do you have a problem if the dice fell on our side?
History repeats itself. Yet, as we become more and more civilized and knowledgeable, one would think we would have learned from history.
Incorrect statement. History repeats itself for those who know history. Those who recognise historical power as an ingredient of civilization become more civilized and knowledgeable, those who detest it become ignorant, weak and vulnerable to atrocities like the holocust, communism and terrorism. That is the truth you cannot handle
