First of all, this post is written with full respect to what the American people have done for the rest of the world. If any offense is taken, just think of this as the ramblings of a naive Australian Myther.
Some people have accused the Americans of involving themselves too much in matters which don't concern them. The situation in Israel, and the Gulf War are examples of what happens when the US involve themselves in the affairs of other nations. I'm not saying they did this for their own interests, indeed, they probably had the welfare of the nations at heart. Sometimes it pays to just sit back and let people blow each other away, particularly when they are the thankless dogs who performed the atrocities we all witnessed on Wednesday.
Boasting about the good deeds done by America is not the way to win people over to your side in this debate. We all recognise the humanitarian efforts of the US, they even helped Australia during the Japanese invasion, we don't need them to be pointed out. People have accused the Americans of being arrogant, not me, but it is a fairly common opinion. Whilst the US has EARNED the right to be proud of their achievements, they come across as far greater if they don't tell anyone about them.
One part of doing a good deed is the doing, and the other part is never talking about it again. When you help an old lady across the street do you demand acknowledgement for your good deed? Chances are the answer is no, unless you are *evil*. The US DOESN'T go around asking for acknowledgement or favours in return, and people around the world should acknowledge that. The US hasn't asked for anything in return for the troops they dedicated in WW2, they haven't demanded reparitions for the lives lost in Vietnam. People should give them some slack.
On the other hand, we are all aware of their good deeds, and standing on a soapbox and announcing them will just fray the nerves of those of us who aren't American. Already we see that HGK doesn't share the common view, but that is no reason to flay his flesh from his spine.
I think it is a tribute to the US that so many countries have stepped forward to help them. If people didn't remember their past help, they wouldn't be willing to help. Many of the countries offering their assistance don't owe the US anything, but they realise the gravity of the situation, and they are willing to help.
Let's not let a terrible situation escalate into a war of words and propaganda.
LR
P.S. Maug, I did not intend any malice towards you in this post. These are just my collective views, compiled and posted in response to the last post I read, which happens to be yours. ;)
