Fernando;

Our attitude since the end of WW II has changed from “head in sand – no involvement with international affairs” to “we must control the world to enjoy our freedom at home”. One extreme to another.

If something happens to another country, say terrorist’s acts, and no United States Citizens or property are involved we are indifferent. If one United States Citizen is involved we may elect or demand response. Such response will be in any manner of formats – economic sanctions, to military intervention.

If the world conforms to the ideal of the United States then citizens of our country should prosper. Should citizens of other countries prosper at the same time then that is a by-product of our effort but perhaps not the intended result.

Our international record is mixed and contains good as well as bad examples. Some citizens of other nations love us, hate us or could care less. When our citizens are abroad they are sometimes attacked by persons that hate the United States.

What is the answer to all this? There is no real answer, as things will continue in some unknown direction. From time to time people will look upon the situation and reflect. Things are working or things are not working. We will have changes in governments throughout the world. Relationships between nations will change for better or worse.

Our society is material centric and uses a great deal of the world’s natural resources. In fact we use a disproportionate amount of the worlds natural resources comparing our population to the worlds population. We will do what we deem necessary to survive. That puts us in a state of conflict with the rest of the world that does not share our viewpoint.

When you are a rich and powerful nation the eyes of the world are upon you. Some United States citizens are members of groups or as individuals believe in conservation of resources and value the fact there is only one world. Some of our citizens are concerned about our materialism and try to lead a more balanced life.

What we experience today is only a snapshot of the world, as it exists. It changes constantly and what was once a rich and powerful nation may disappear if history tells us anything. The reasons for such changes seem simple. Nothing lasts forever. A time will come when some country will become more powerful than the United States. Let us say that country will be China. Then the world will have someone else to complain about.

Tom