Friday, January 13, 2012

Time for the U.S. to abandon foreign intervention

George Washington famously warned about foreign entanglements. Is it time to heed his words?

In 1945, at the finish of the Second World War, the U.S. stood as the lone superpower, wealthy, coherent and generous. In 7 decades or so, the era of American dominance was to see the world united as never before by new technology while becomiong more democratic and wealthier than ever before despite a massive increase in population and yes, more peaceable than it has been. Yet, despite these outcomes, hatred and anger at the U.S. are widespread and virulent even as American citizens suffer long work hours and inferior social safety benefits to pay for Pax Americana.

As Americans, we have an inferior wasteful and cruel healthcare system. We enjoy short vacations compared with citizens of other developed nations even as we see massive deficits incurred by various levels of our government. Although I do not agree with him on many points, in this, Ron Paul is correct. Logically, it is difficult to see how we benefit or just why we should be functioning as global overlord.

It is a fact, that the living standards of Americans are being compromised and our future mortgaged so that we can regulate and oversee a global populace which resents and even hates us for our efforts.

And to what end? American intellectual property is being stolen at a massive rate. Trade partners take advantage even as their populations despise us (go to Canada or Mexico if you don't believe this). Our debts are increasing even as we educate large portions of the globe's future leaders. Even those who's welfare and fortune has been hard won by America's efforts (per Europe) are fonts of anti-American hatred (per Margaret Drabble).

So ask yourself, why is it we should be doing this. Why not take Dr. Paul's advice, let's pack our bags and go home. We've done our part. Staying any longer is counter-productive.

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