[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by flamesfever

• You can take any action and look at it cynically or the opposite. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Wow, you think that one up by yourself? That was deep. Can I use that in my dissertation?

• By being over critical of the US, you play into the hands of extremists.

But what happens when the United States is just as extreme as those extremists they are "fighting"? Sorry, the United States reaps what it sows.

• The US has already shown signs of becoming more protectionist in nature i.e. the softwood lumber dispute, BSE etc. Many believe that one of the main causes of the Great Depression of the 30’s was a rise in protectionism throughout the world.

The United States has been protectionist in its economy for decades, and will continue to do so to its advantage. Criticism has nothing to do with it. Making money has everything to do with it.

• The world needs the US and no country more than Canada.

You're right. The world NEEDS the greatest consumer of products to remain consuming. What they don't need is the United States trapsing around the globe trying to install their twisted little version of democracy, only to see it blow up into a bloody civil war. America should do what it does best, and that's consume.

• The US is sacrificing its young men and women in battle, is increasing its indebtedness, and is receiving very little appreciation for anything it does.

Now why would anyone want to show them any appreciation? No one asked them to go into Iraq. That was their choice and they did so under the objections of the international community AND their own military leadership. So no one will be shedding a tear when there is a long line of body bags and casualties heading back to the United States, they brought this on themselves.

It seems obvious, at this point in time, that the US is over sensitive to criticism. Who wouldn’t be under the circumstances?

If the United States is sensitive to criticism, then they should not play in spaces where they will draw criticism for their actions.

Just my opinion

It is that.