The World's Policeman
(Originally written 1/31/02)

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I can understand a "need for speed" or many other needs, but a need to police the world ? Wouldn't it be more profitable and less dangerous to be "slightly isolationist" ? Let the nations make requests of the US that really desire to "be a friend". Not every country is going to take this course of action. Not all nations are going "to like you", no matter how hard you try. So, why force it upon those who will just resent it - below the surface. This way, there are a lot less enemies made and a reduced amount of hatred directed toward the US.

This "world policeman" idea started with the Monroe Doctrine relating to the "Western Hemisphere". Succeeding administrations continued to "spread the Doctrine" from just the western hemisphere, and began applying it everywhere. In the mid 20th century, the slogan was "Roll Back Communism". I say, "if they don't like their own government - let them get rid of it!"

Why should a superpower (like the US) have its "finger in every pie" ? Why is there unnecessary military bases all over the world ? If you haven't heard "The Cold War is Over! Sounds like a control craving to me!

Maybe, it is in the basic character of a government ? I believe it is more than that! Also, who actually pays, in the end, for these policing missions - the president, senators, representatives of the government, powerful money families, ruling elites ? No, the commoner ("the every day working stiff")!

The US or any other dominant nation is not in another region of the world to help because of the goodness of their heart. Do not be deceived! Every nation or group conducts their affairs in a manner they feel that would best serve their own selfish interests.