Do You Believe in American Exceptionalism?

[Straight Shooter]

Discuss

 

[Jagger69]

I do believe in American Exceptionalism. What I don't believe in is American Imperialism as a divine right that extends from American Exceptionalism. Au contraire, it is a golden opportunity for us to set a glowing example for the rest of the world to follow as we promote a peaceful, cooperative and tolerant existence for which the all world should aspire to attain. We don't do that. Instead, we carry the big stick and we don't hesitate to use it without discrimination. Problem is exacerbated when we can wage war on a "fly-by-wire" basis....quick and devastating air strikes from carrier-based aircraft and, worst of all, drone strikes committed on the sovereign soil of nations where we can kill and disappear without a trace.

I love my country. I love the United States of America. What I don't love is our government and the evil and self-centered capitalistic interests that really call the shots and force us into conflicts in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who support these policies are idiots who wrap themselves in the flag and then piss all over the constitution.

In theory, we have an incredible opportunity to lead by proper example. In reality, we cannot lead because the example we set is anything but proper. Alexis de Tocqueville's idealistic dream has become a military-industrialist nightmare.

 

[Ace Boobtoucher]

^What he said.

 

[pool_hustler]

I do believe in American Exceptionalism. What I don't believe in is American Imperialism as a divine right that extends from American Exceptionalism. Au contraire, it is a golden opportunity for us to set a glowing example for the rest of the world to follow as we promote a peaceful, cooperative and tolerant existence for which the all world should aspire to attain. We don't do that. Instead, we carry the big stick and we don't hesitate to use it without discrimination. Problem is exacerbated when we can wage war on a "fly-by-wire" basis....quick and devastating air strikes from carrier-based aircraft and, worst of all, drone strikes committed on the sovereign soil of nations where we can kill and disappear without a trace.

I love my country. I love the United States of America. What I don't love is our government and the evil and self-centered capitalistic interests that really call the shots and force us into conflicts in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who support these policies are idiots who wrap themselves in the flag and then piss all over the constitution.

In theory, we have an incredible opportunity to lead by proper example. In reality, we cannot lead because the example we set is anything but proper. Alexis de Tocqueville's idealistic dream has become a military-industrialist nightmare.

Excellent post.
Until we invaded Iraq I think we were able to legitimately claim a degree of relative (as opposed to absolute) ethical superiority over the other super powers. But that was a huge point of departure.

 

[BlkHawk]

Jagger pretty much summed it up for me as well, thanks for the great post.

- - - Updated - - -

Jagger pretty much summed it up for me as well, thanks for the great post.

 

[sean miguel]

People around the world believe in American exceptionalism. Some risk life and limb to get here, even after Iraq.


As for me, New Zealand, baby.

 

[Rattrap]

I believe in American exceptionalism in the past tense. The country's past is what made it great (which isn't to say there wasn't plenty of ugly in there as well, but that's the same everywhere), but it's what it's doing today that counts today. And what it's doing today doesn't strike me as exceptional.

 

[Rey C.]

I do believe in American Exceptionalism. What I don't believe in is American Imperialism as a divine right that extends from American Exceptionalism. Au contraire, it is a golden opportunity for us to set a glowing example for the rest of the world to follow as we promote a peaceful, cooperative and tolerant existence for which the all world should aspire to attain. We don't do that. Instead, we carry the big stick and we don't hesitate to use it without discrimination. Problem is exacerbated when we can wage war on a "fly-by-wire" basis....quick and devastating air strikes from carrier-based aircraft and, worst of all, drone strikes committed on the sovereign soil of nations where we can kill and disappear without a trace.

I love my country. I love the United States of America. What I don't love is our government and the evil and self-centered capitalistic interests that really call the shots and force us into conflicts in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who support these policies are idiots who wrap themselves in the flag and then piss all over the constitution.

In theory, we have an incredible opportunity to lead by proper example. In reality, we cannot lead because the example we set is anything but proper. Alexis de Tocqueville's idealistic dream has become a military-industrialist nightmare.

:bowdown: