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Originally posted by moki: I'd also note that the US is the world's largest giver of foreign aid governmentally speaking, and also the world's largest giver of private donations. No nation is perfect, and the US is far from it -- but I do believe we've done more good for this world (intentionally or not) in the last century than any other nation I can name. If you can think of a country that has done more for the world in the last century, I'd seriously love to hear it. |
But where is that aid going? This is a crritical question. Primarily, aid goes to the Contras, the Israels, the Suhartos, the Saudis, the Bin ladens of the world. it is not enough to give aid. The aid must be given responsibly.
As far as countries tht have done more for the world, you can have your pick. No country's hands are spotless, granted. But most do not demand the high cost America imposes for its "liberation."
Also, you mentioned America as being relatively benign compared to communist nations. First of all, you cannot compare the actions of america alone with those of two dozen other countries collectively. Further, Phillipino casualties alone at the hands of American soldiers between 1899 and 1902 (3 years!) are conservatively estimated at 20,000 military and 300,000 civillians. Extrapolate that to the hundred+ armed conflicts perpetrated either directly by US troops or inderictly through US led or supported natives in the past hundred years, at home and abroad, and I think a pretty clear picture of America's aggression shines through.