| Author | Message | ||
     Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 715 Registered: 12-2004 |
I couldn't resist James. You could have started it yourself actually. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 174 Registered: 6-2006  |
He is talking about someone with a big butt. Most things are bigger in the US and that is why there are a lot of lardasses. However, my favorite restuarant in Buenos Aires, Aguellos Anos, serves a 1 kilo steak for less that ten bucks. Two point two pounds is a big steak. And boy is it good. Our foreign aid checks are bigger also. Thirteen billion dollars a year the American taxpayer doals out to help poorer countries. Not too many people know that. | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 4 Registered: 5-2006 |
I normally don't jump in on these discussions, but I couldn't help in asking what is the % of this foreign aid in the total US budget (difficult to determine at the office of management and budget website)? If I'm not mistaken, historically it hovers around 1% maybe 2% at the most of the total budget. Whereas, a bulk of the budget goes to defense. And also, does anyone deny that we (from the US) are not a nation of lard-asses? Just random thoughts, sorry if I offend anyone. Roberto, Lard-ass es una palabrota típica que significa “gordito.” Hay otras. Mil gracias por toda tu ayuda con este foro. Es fascinante y muy útil. Un saludo. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 714 Registered: 12-2004 |
Ahh... me imaginaba also asi. Gracias Daniel. Todos contribuyen. | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
In the unlikely event that the keeper of our site chooses to start a thread about the politics of American foreign aid, I will be happy to join this discussion. Gug | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 716 Registered: 12-2004 |
We will make this one fit somewhere. | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2006 |
So this will be the place where one could dispute that Americans aren't lardasses and we are the most generous in all the world in regards to the U.S. government's contribution to foreign aid? Please, enlighten me on these matters. | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2006 |
Wowweeeee. The US is the "most generous" giver of foreign aid. In terms of absolute dollars. But, why the quotes? Well, it is because the USA is the most stingy and self-interested giver in the developed world: the US ranks twenty-second of the 22 most developed nations in terms of percent of its gross domestic product. WOW! But that isn't all. 80% of that goes to American owned countries. Of the people who know how much the US gives, I bet not many of those know how *little* it gives.:-) Almost 13% of that aid goes to Israel and almost 10% of it goes to Egypt. Israel, of course, is very, very needy being poverty stricken. (sarcasm) I could not find how much Argentina gets but she is fortunate in being self sufficient. For sure, she doesn't need to import beef. And, she doesn't import any oil or gas for her own use though she imports some to sell to another nation. | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2006 |
James, from your input, I believe we are on the same page. But I didn't want to jump to conclusions. I agree, in terms of absolute dollars, 13 billion seems quite generous. But when compared to the defense budget (and I think the reconstruction of Iraq...foreign aid, no?...falls within defense apropriations), it pales in comparisson. I am no believer in statistics and mathematics in general. It can all be twisted for any argument. For instance, you must know the old saying that if there were 7 people in a room and one of them was Bill Gates (or name your billionaire), then statistically, all 7 are filthy rich. Anyway, according to this survey... http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Debt/USAi d.asp The US is greatly lacking in amount of foreign aid as a percentage of the GNP. Note the chart titled: Net ODA in 2005 as percent of GNI I hope my opinions are not offensive and I am interested in any conflicting views. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 176 Registered: 6-2006 |
I doubt the US will apologize for being able to generate such a huge GDP. I guess there are some very efficient people walking the streets in those 50 states. The people who are getting that *little* foreign aid don't seem to be complaining very much. Educated taxpaying US citizens are familiar with what the government does with our money and who gets what percentages. The US owns Puerto Rico. It was ceeded to the US after the Spanish American War by Spain who owned it before the war along with Cuba and the Philipines. Every once in a while Puerto Rico has free and fair elections where the people vote on whether the majority wants to remain a US possession or be a soverign nation. They always vote to stay. Obviously they know a good thing when they see it. Cuba, which was given its freedom as a result of the US victory after that war, isn't free anymore. Cuba survived on foriegn aid from the Soviet Union until that dictatorship failed. Venezuala has stepped in to fill the void somewhat but even that aid from money they earn selling oil to the US isn't as much as the USSR gave. We don't own any other countries. Before we stick our chests out too far, Venezulas oil is also helping pay Argentina debts. Everybody needs somebody. As noted elsewhere Americans are the very good tippers, the best according to waiters in France, Italy and Spain. I keep wondering, if the US is so bad, why do so many people who live around the world want to get in. There are so many that there has to be quotas and lottries to limit the numbers. The US has done a lot of bad things. But let those who have never sinned cast the first stones. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 177 Registered: 6-2006 |
The US does spend a lot on its military. It got into the habit in World War II. In the first half of the 20th century the US wanted nothing to do with European wars. After the second world war the US spent billions to help rebuild Europe and Japan and kept over one half million of its men maning the barricades to keep the Soviets from taking over. It hasn't been cheap. Study this, how many times has the US asked its allies in Europe and elesehwere to raise their military budgets so the US could spend less? The attitude has pretty much been, why should we, we got you. So the rich guy tells his body guards to kick the s--- out of he two thugs beating up the homeless guy and then gives the homeless guy a thousand dollars. Do you think the homeless guy is going to question why he isn't getting more and why he has such big body guards. | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2006 |
I cannot disagree with your point in we Americans being kind-hearted, generous, industrious, etc. I am proud to be from the US, but I am not happy about the government and the way we are treating the world and isolating ourselves from everyone else. We supported brutal dictatorships in Africa and Arabia and subverted democratically elected leaders in Central and South America. And because of all this, we are finding ourselves "living by the sword" in regards to foreign policy (forget the aid...we'll deal with that once Iraq is bombed to oblivion). And now it's coming back to bite us in our lard-asses. The US and its people aren't bad. I hope this wasn't implied. Like I tell my friends (we all being liberal) when they tell me how great Cuba is (I happen to be of Irish-cuban ancestry...pure American) I always reply, that the balseros only go one way. I only want us to live up to be the great country that everyone perceives. We can do better, we can be more generous, and we don't have to all be such trigger-happy cowboys. And with that, I bid you all a good night. | ||
| Jorge New member Username: Jorgeschiffer Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2006 |
REPUBLICANS spend all the money in war... democrats not... we need clinton back to take again the economy. | ||
| Jorge New member Username: Jorgeschiffer Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2006 |
in Puerto Rico we dont want to be a state, we r very good right now. puerto rico como dicen "no fue cedido por los espanoles" puerto rico fue invadido en aquel momento por los americanos en la guerra hispano-americana y se apoderaron matando a civiles in 1898, in 1917 the shafroth act conferred U.S. citizenship on puerto rico, in 1952 luis munoz marin firma la constitucion and pr adopted our constitution as a Free Associated State or Associated Commonwealth, but we need to be honest, americans dont want to leave puertorico... why ? los primeros soldados que llaman a la guerra representing U.S de donde son ? of course PR, hay varias bases en la isla, example ft buchanan kinda big lol, U.S will not close that base... puerto rico es mas que un negocio por ser un lugar donde sobra el consumerismo... por ejemplo... borders, walmart, home depot, radio shack, jc penny, sears etc todas esas cadenas nacionales donde mas venden en TODA LA NACION Y SUS 50 ESTADOS es en Puerto Rico. c'me on thats something called "business"... for the usa... | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2006 |
A few points: 1.Along with the American defeat of the Spanish in the hyped up Spanish American War, The Philipines also won a war against Spain, a war for their independence. That was until American Sugar interests prevailed on the President(McKinley)and the US *invaded* the Philipines brutally murdering somewhere between 300,000 and 1,000,000 people in the process. 2.At the time, the Philipines, proud of their new independence, had elected a democratically elected government. At first, the Americans were welcomed until the people found that they had arrived, not to assist but to conquer. 3.When the poster points out proudly that the US is unlikely to apologize for being rich, my sense is that he misses the point. That being that while we have vast wealth, we are tight with it. But that isn't the worst of it. We use it as a cudgel to get other nations to do what our leaders decide we want. shrub Bush famously used quite openly, twisting the arms of nations to make them join us in the ill conceived and ill executed invasion of Iraq, an exercise that wiser nations and wiser people in our own country understood was going to be a debacle. As to Argentina benefiting from Venezuela, no question that the dictatorships of Argentina were contributory to the Argentinean plight but it is quite reasonable to point out the onerous loans by the great powers that have been widely used to put less wealthy nations under the heal. On a talk list that I attend, a rather bright member said this, "I'm proud of being an American, for I have the right to say publically that I am deeply ashamed of my government." "Therein lies one of the few differences between the Bush Administration and the Breshnev Administration" | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2006 |
Oh, in addition, while we don't occupy and directly govern many other nations, there are other more efficient ways for an emperialistic nation to dominate other countries. I direct your attention to the Shah's Iran, Hussein in 1960s Iraq, Pinochet in Chile, and the vast and widely diverse, especially in the Caribbean and Latin American regions, American dominated nations. Such American dominated governments were designed not to benefit the peoples of those nations but American big business. Haiti has been invaded so many times one can hardly count, The Dominican Republic, Panama, Venezuela,of course, Batista in Cuba and on, and on, and on. It is probably not prudent to push out our chests because we don't own diverse pieces of land. We have "owned" them and we continue to "own" them. Why do you *think* I am exploring leaving? It isn't because I enjoy so much being a bully and a torturer. | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 178 Registered: 6-2006 |
Good points Daniel Show me a large nation in history that did not invade someone at some time. Gotta work | ||
| Tom Woodson Intermediate Member Username: Diverdown48 Post Number: 179 Registered: 6-2006 |
The Phillipines never won a war against Spain Admiral Perry sunk the Spanish Fleet at Manila at the beginning of the Spanish American war and landed an army to win the Phillipines. Later freedom was given to the Phillipines after the Japaneese invaded in wwII | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2006 |
Show you a large nation that didn't......?Like my response to those who say that others torture, I ask, is *that* the standard that you want for our nation? "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ......" | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2006 |
Ahhh...Manifest Destiny. Are we reliving history? I don't particularly think that our foreign policy is to conquer and occupy, but if you are of the "Peak Oil" crowd, our actions in the middle east make much sense. The torture thing most certainly diminishes the perception of a noble cause in the world's eyes and brings greater danger to American soldiers abroad. And perhaps, to American tourists as well. I don't want to sound gloomy, but I feel we as a country could do so much better. Jorge, tienes razón en que Puerto Rico no fue cedido pero invadido. La guerra hispano-americano era nuestra segunda guerra de la prevención. La primera era con México 1846-48. Los EEUU no van a dejar Puerto Rico simplemente por las razones que nos dijiste. Tu isla está al centro del mar caribe y tiene mucha importancia estratégico. Y ahora con Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, demás…una importancia económica. Pero, dime, que piensan los boricuas? Sois estadounidenses o puertorriqueños? Y encontraste a una motocicleta para tu viaje? | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2006 |
<<The Phillipines never won a war against Spain Admiral Perry sunk the Spanish Fleet at Manila at the beginning of the Spanish American war and landed an army to win the Phillipines. Later freedom was given to the Phillipines after the Japaneese invaded in wwII>> Well, in that context, maybe we should say that the American Colonies *never* won a war against Great Britain. Yes, the American defeat of the Spanish fleet in Manila harbor was what precipitated the Spanish leaving the Philipines. The effect of the French fleet under Admiral Rodney that bottled up Cornwallis at Yorktown leading to the defeat of the British is quite analogous. The difference was, of course, that the French did not try to occupy the former colonies. There had been a serious revolutionary effort lodged in the Philipines beginning in 1896 and Revolutionary Government of Emilio Aguinaldo developed a revolutionary constitution of the Philippine Republic. "This document was formed when Emilio Aguinaldo formed a revolutionary government."" This constitution was meant as a provisionary measure until formal independent order could be established "In 1898 the nationalists of the islands fought for one objective only: to have an independent State whose territory was the same as that until then occupied by Spain. The United States could -and ought to- have been satisfied by an economic compensation from the Philippines for the help extended. Or even by the free use of some port for its war and commercial fleet, Subic for example. But that was not to be. Americans blocked Filipinos from taking charge of their own country, forcing them to start a most vicious war."The United States occupied the Philipines in a brutal war in which the American general in charge essentially ordered what would be called today, an ethnic cleansing. The occupation of the Philipines by the United States was another in the sad chapter of the story of a belligerent and agressive bully, a nation whose moderen governments have used the wealth and strength of the nation to take whatever they wanted instead of using the American ingenuity and wealth to answer the challenges that the world presented her. What a horrific and dastardy betrayal of the American Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. This act against the Philipines was and remains indefensible. While I share with you the love for my nation and my hope for the fulfillment of the American dream, there is absolutely no defense for the odious acts of agression that our government has perpetrated. Among these, the invasion and occupation of the Philipines stands out. | ||
| Jorge New member Username: Jorgeschiffer Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2006 |
Daniel, ahora mismo la gran mayoria de los boricuas se consideran puertorriquenos aunque sean ciudadanos estadounidenses, hasta muchos de los que desean que puerto rico sea un estado mas, se consideran muy puertorriquenos, eso si hay alguno que otro que dice q es americano pero son muy pocos. Esto aqui es un estado mas solo que la gente habla dos idiomas espanol/ingles, no se paga taxes federales y no se vota por el presidente si no por el gobernador y comisionado residente del congreso en usa es todo, pero si te vas a cualquier estado puedes votar por la presidencia solo tienes q pagar el pasaje jaja. Nunca vamos a tener una estrella en la bandera de USA, porque ? no queremos, y segundo tampoco seremos independientes, al final de todo si se logra un estatus de aqui a 50 a~os sera una Republica Asociada que es lo mas conveniente... ya eso es otro tema del estatus. PD: no e conseguido la moto  jajaja a ver si consigo algo | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2006 |
James, If I remember my history lessons, our patriots were one of the first masters of insurgent warfare. The only major victory obtained by Gen. Washington was at Trenton, where he snuck over the Delaware during the Christmas holidays and attacked a bunch of drunk/sleeping Hessians. At this time in history, it was considered a dastardly deed and c uncivilized warfare. It wasn't until the might and financial power of France joined the fight that we were able to completely defeat Great Britain. But I must say, this topic in the forum has become most interesting. You all bring valid points and a lively discussion. Jorge, Muy interesante. Es lástima que no podéis votar por la presidencia. Es cierto que no tendiéramos el lío como ahora! Ja. Buena suerte en la busca de moto. | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2006 |
<<if>> I don't want to come across as pretending to be any kind of an expert on history. I am a reader and the reference for the following is from the excellent "Washington's Crossing" By David Hackett Fischer. The story of the Hessians being drunk on Christmas is a myth. The Hessians were very well disciplined and were not drunk on the occasion of the attack. Washington had shown his ability as a leader many times in what were tactical defeats but logistical victories. While the tactics that we think of as being characteristic of the American rebels were scorned, it was not unusual for losers on the battle field to be killed. The Hessians were incredulous over the excellent treatment of men taken prisoner on the battle field that Washington insisted on and many of them were in awe of the new nation as well as its government. Many stayed or went back and brought their families. | ||
| Lamar Starling New member Username: Lamar Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2006 |
Gentlemen, While not trying to enter a private debate I am puzzled by the the tone of some of the posts here. We Americans certainly have our share of problems but, having traveled to many other countries, I haven't seen many that offer the opportunities that have been afforded to Americans and Americas legal immigrants. While we screw lots of things up, I am glad not to have been born in the Middle East, Africa, China, North Korea, Russia and many other places. I am traveling to Argentina in November. I am sure I will see many wonderful things and many not so wonderful things, just as I have seen in all my other travels. I will enjoy the wonderful things. I pity those who can only find negative things to say about their country, personal lives, friends, etc. As far as foreign aid is concerned, I am one that feels only those who attempt to help themselves first should receive aid from others. I don't like the fact that we give aid to many nations. Many leaders of those countries receiving aid pocket the money. Others buy arms to attack their neighbor who probably received aid from us to fight off the attack. Who knows what the answers may be to attain a world free from strife. I do not believe the answers lie with the Muslims, Jews, Greek Orthodox, Catholics, Scientologists or any other religion. Nor does it depend on the so called New World Order. It may fully well depend on all countries minding its own business, I don't know. I do not envy my children or grandchildren. I greatly fear what they are going to face. Thank you. | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2006 |
Very interesting perspective. But I must argue that if the Hessians were so disciplined, why were there no scouts posted on all routes to Trenton and how were the Continentals able to rush through town spreading mayhem? This battle was fought on Dec. 26 and normally (at this time in history), armies would encamp during the winter (Valley Forge?) and much ale and other victals would freely flow during Christmastime. But many times, history is rebuked by further study. I will look into some of my own sources as well. I agree with your latter statement of the treatment of Hessian prisoners. I remember reading somewhere that many of the prisoners switched sides during this internment and eventually were awarded land grants after the war (along with American veterans). | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2006 |
Lamar, By no means is this a private debate and your opinions are most welcome. We all are in agreement that we live in a grand country and a generous country, but are in debate as to the degree of our generosity and how our actions in history are affecting us now. In ways I agree with you on foreign aid. But it seems to me, we pick and choose who to help based on how it would benefit us and it appears we could care less for those who wouldn't. I suppose we could even look within our own shores and the fiasco after Hurrican Katrina. I've heard numerous arguments about how those 'stupid people' should have simply walked out or drove out. But many of those poor folks didn't own cars and the buses for evacuation, if I remember correctly, were staged in a dangerous area. That is they were unusable because the parking lot was quickly flooded. The federal, state, and local governments were all to share in the blame there. | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2006 |
Of course, this discussion is no more "private" than any of the other discussions on the site. It seems that Roberto allowed the creation of a monster. I accept credit (blame) for more than my fair share of dissing of the US. But, look at your post: "While we screw lots of things up, I am glad not to have been born in the Middle East, Africa, China, North Korea, Russia and many other places..." Let me ask again, do those nations really represent the standards that you want to hold our nation to? The bar is hardly high. The concept of our Constitution is so incredibly unique, so wonderful, so full of hope, that when we torture, when we invade, when we give aid that is predicated only on a nation's agreeing to accompany us on an ill conceived, ill planned, morally reprehensible and illegal by international standards invasion, we walk all over our founding documents, all over our flag. This is the origin of my disdain for American foreign policy and the reason why I am looking to leave. I do not perceive that our foreign policy in the mid east has changed a drop no matter which party has been in power and I do not see any significant example of a "George Washington," who would strike down a man who tortured an enemy soldier, on the horizon. Instead, there is a plethora of fear, a plethora of cowardice in our politicians. Our founding father, George Washington, would weep as he must have when Benedict Arnold betrayed his country. As for giving aid....look for example, at Venezuela's relationship with Cuba. Both profit, Cuba getting energy, Venezuela getting doctors. The US turned down Cuba's offer of doctors after Katrina, I believe. Real bright. If the United States looked at foreign aid with imagination, we could gain the same kinds of advantages as that example time after time. That is win/ win foreign policy, not a foreign policy predicated on taking advangage, as ours mostly is. | ||
| Lamar Starling New member Username: Lamar Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2006 |
Daniel, Thank you for your welcoming me. I also agree with you regarding the foreign aid. We give it to those we need at the time. This is true with the Shah of Iran, Noriega, Marcos, Peron. I do not like the fact that as long as the dictators are our "friends" we look the other way. I met Marcos at our Diocese in Los Angeles many years ago. Looking back, I recalled later on in life how well someone could live on $6,000 per year. The Marcos' certainly lived well. We knew he was skimming, but he was our friend at the moment. I personally don't understand why Noriega is in prison. He did everything we asked of him. While being a conservative in many of my beliefs, I really to like to think about issue before I make a decision. I get just as ticked off at my party as I do everyone else. Somtimes I think we need a benevolent dictator ourselves. Someone that will make a decision. When I was an Army Officer I had a sign in my office that read: Do something, even if it's wrong. That way I'll at least know you're alive. Our politicians could use that sign. The Katrina issue goes along with my thought process of one helping ones self before depending on others. I truly have mixed feelings about the money we are pouring into New Orleans. Hopefully it will become a btter place than it was. | ||
| Lamar Starling New member Username: Lamar Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2006 |
James, Your points are well taken. I certainly want to hold our nation to higher standards than I do the rest of the world. That being said, what has been absent from your posts is ridcule for other nations that have in turn done really rotten things. Our Middle East Policy is indeed rather faulty. I have truly tried to remain totally open to the problems faced by all in the region. I disagree with the fact that Israel has nuclear weapons. I have said many times in the past that if we get into a nuclear war, Israel may be the reason. And before I get attacked from many fronts, I am not anti-semetic. But I disagree with Israels policy as much as I disagree with anyone elses. They, like us, are not perfect. I also do not agree with the idea of the US not having a trade agreement with Cuba while having one with China. These thought processes invite ridicule from some of my friends. I do not mind however. I realize that one cannot measure good if one is not has nothing to judge good my. And it is all in the mind of the person doing the measuring. Have to go for now. I must make some money for my vacation to Argentina. Thanks all | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2006 |
It is quiet interesting for me to find that we agree on exactly *every* item. The absence of trading with cuba seems a manifestation of our fragile egos. Our attempted and aborted invasion of Cuba with the subsequent embarrassment at the Bay of Pigs, that based on our manifest lack of confidence of capitalism as opposed to Communism (which is inherently faulted and could never suceed) led to our fear of Castro which led to our attempt to oust him which led to our embarrassment which led to fifty years or so of sanctions which hurt the Cuban people and the American people. Stupid. The same was true of the sanctions against Hussein's Iraq. The only thing that I do not agree with is your implied assertion that I should be criticizing other nations. Why? Until I am able to influence my own nation to greatness, how can I criticize other nations? On another site, the Mooney Talk List, I have severely criticized Israel's policies. I deplore the deaths in East Timor. I dispised the deaths in China. In two out of three of those, the United States is implicated as supporting what was done. Let us make our own nation great. Let us put her in the postion of always supporting what is right and just for the world for everyone involved. Then, there may be isolated situations that we may find where we can and should criticize other nations. Why isolated? Because when the greatest nation in the world acts as it should, others will follow our example. Gug | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2006 |
Now we are moving to the Cuba question! Ha. To tell you the truth, I have many questions about our nation's policy towards Cuba and the powerful influence the Cuban-American Community has on Florida's politicians (and since 2000, Florida=America). I too find it sickening that I can visit Communist China and even Vietnam for that matter, but cannot legally go to visit my 2nd and 3rd cousins in Cuba. Isn't this a violation of my Constitutional rights? Most of my family would deliver me a head-butt in the style of Zidane if they heard me say such things. But why is it that visiting Cuba is so heinous while sending remittances is not? Both would allow the cuban government to take their cut (which, I believe is the basis for such an embargo). And as for the Cuban doctors ready to assist the victims of Katrina...I feel the administration made a big mistake in not allowing them in. The best thing that could have happened is an improving relationship between our two countries. But we all weren't born yesterday. This was simply a political move by Castro and he probably knew darn well that Bush would never accept his "aid." Also, most likely, many of the doctors would have defected and been an embarrassment to Castro. Lamar, sorry to hear you were an Army Officer...(insert joking tone of voice). I too was an Army Officer and probably the only liberal platoon leader in Clinton's Army of Peace (as I like to call it...insert sarcasm tone now). | ||
| Gustavo Flores Junior Member Username: Xgustax Post Number: 38 Registered: 6-2006 |
whats the point of this thread? haha | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2006 |
To get it all off our chests so that we can enjoy the planning of our trips to Argentina and leave behind our angst. What do Argentines think of Americans or America in general? Curious minds want to know. Ha. | ||
| Gustavo Flores Junior Member Username: Xgustax Post Number: 39 Registered: 6-2006 |
nevermind | ||
| James Guglielmino New member Username: Jgug1 Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2006 |
Didn't you see, Gustavo? Roberto couldn't resist. "I couldn't resist James. You could have started it yourself actually." To be serious though, I didn't really think this delightful and oh, so helpful site was the place. That is why I needled Tom Woodson about his original pat on the head to American foreign aid...Sorry, Tom. I *did* also warn that if there was a place for it, I would cheerfully donate to it. | ||
| Gustavo Flores Junior Member Username: Xgustax Post Number: 40 Registered: 6-2006 |
Daniel Mexico is part of North America NOT central America.... haha | ||
| Daniel New member Username: Daniel Post Number: 14 Registered: 5-2006 |
Gustavo, When did I ever say that Mexico was part of Central America? I told Jorge that Mexican American War was probably our first pre-emptive War in 1846-48. Also, this thread may shed a bit of light on some of the issues in the forefront of North American politics and issues in our news. It seems, or is apparent, that this country is becoming dangerously polarized not only in regards to other countries, but with ourselves. "You are either with us, or against us." Liberal vs. Conservative. Republican vs. Democrat All of this is not good enough for me. Perhaps our seemingly meaningless rambling, will not help you understand what is going on in this country, but it may be beneficial to others to know what we are all about. | ||
| Roberto Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 721 Registered: 12-2004 |
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