ZicZachZo

I wasn't basing my assumptions based on the ethnicity of these candidates. What I meant was that I believe that Americans are tired of the stereotypical middle-aged white conservative male in the office. Which is why candidates like Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are having such an easy time raking in the dough for their campaigns. I believe that people want change. And I don't mean change in color. Because there are visionaries like Carter and Clinton that really fought to change the way America was perceived here and abroad. Carter was a little more successful because he had congress on his side a lot more often than poor Bill. So please don't take my post to be slanted based on the race of these candidates. That was never a thought in my mind and I wouldn't want any of you to think that it ever would be. Thanks.

Curb Zone

 

Hypersonic

^^ Sorry Zach

I never thought you were being racist or anything .....and I do agree with you that America probably is sick of the typical "Washington man" -- I just hope whoever is the next President is a strong leader ....because the US President's decisions don't just affect America ....they have repercussions for the entire world. There are many things we can criticize Bush for, but one thing he is not is weak.

Michael

I agree with you, and I am trying to see where it is that I am giving more weight to the Democratic party? Either way, no party that takes power will be able to keep it if they are the revolutionary one. They have to stick with their ties, and that includes Israel.

Well, I really don't know how to address this. You have a point. Any hegemonic power is going to be loved when they visit any country that is equal or inferior to it, just because they are a superpower. Nevertheless, I truly think that the US image has been tarnished to a greater degree because of the current administration. Also, your indication of the people in the states doesn't really add up, at least to me, in the end. Ultimately many Americans still thikn that they are #1 in the world while others, like myself, believe that we need to do certain things differently, and approach almost all situations differently.

Rob, I have always viewed the idea behind investing as a powerful tool for future relationsihp. As you know, investments come in many different ways. Take a look at the approach the US had in the caribbean as compared to how the Spanish dealt with it. The Spanish conquered and dominated by force and strength in numbers. However, after the many decades of Spanish rule in the Caribbean, the US treated it as it's backyard. Their approach was to set up business, invest, support, and ultimately befriend countries in the region. The countries new that they would benefit from being 'friends' with the US, and there you have one of the best ways of controlling a region that you want to control, but want to pursue it in a different direction. Your claim about the US not profitting from any oil in Iraq may be correct and it would literally be COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE in every aspect of the word for the US to DIRECTLY profit from the oil. However, what if you take a different approach? One such as the one employed in the Caribbean? You will be able to make business's function better and they will be, essentially, working for the US. Take a look at Haliburton. Their headquaters are being moved to the UAE. The region is booming and they want to be there. There is no doubt that there is a relationship between the companies interest in the region and that of the US. The approach to securing profits in the region, whether it be with oil or simply westernizing Islamic Fundamentalism, is via business and slowly approaching ties.

I know this may not look like what the US is doing, but it is. The US is attempting to solidly make a stomp in the region. Once this is done, they can pull away having good ties with governments. It makes perfect sense to me why such a plan would be the best course of action for the US.


When it comes to this topic there is a lot of talk, hence bark, but no action, hence bite. I think we, and the rest of the world, should be worried about this phenomenon. Nevertheless, I find it very hard to target. This is a new type of war that we are fighting. Hence, it makes sense to dominate the topic by using the term "terrorist" or "terrorism." Look, what needs to be done is understand first, and then attempt to communicate. The human being is very unique, and this means that one could be arrogant, closed inded, or ambitious--I know the list goes on, I am just targetting specific characteristics that are essential to my point. The American people, and the world for that matter, have to understand where this Islamic Fundamentalism is coming from. It did not just come out of no where. There are events that have occured in the past, such as Israel, that have been feeding this animal. I believe that communication is essential in fighting 'The War on Terrorism', without it we, and the rest of the world, will lose.

Hypersonic

Thanks for your valuable post Mike ....lots of good points there.

The Islam issue is of great interest to me, I believe it is going to be a major issue for the next President -- However, I really don't have much confidence that these extremists are wanting to "talk" -- they are absolutely driven by a fundamentalist ideology -- the only thing that matters is killing the infidels and destroying America -- how do you negotiate with this mentality.

As for the Israel/Palestine issue. You know, if I was to ask which country does the most to support the people of Palestine what would the answer be? ....it might be surprising for many people to note that Israel does the most to help the people of Palestine -- the Palestinians have few friends among their Arab neighbours -- it has been extremely convenient for the countries in the region (who dislike Israel) to have a "persecuted" nation (Palestine) to show the world how "terrible" Israel is. There is little stopping other Arab countries in the middle East helping Palestine and improving the lives of the Palestinian people ....but it suits the great anti-Israel propaganda machine much better to have the Palestinians suffer -- the great irony is thousands of Palestinians cross the border every day to work in Israel, side by side with Israelis -- the situation is really crazy.

ZicZachZo

Good good. I agree that Bush is not a weak man. He is a very stubborn bugger. So stubborn that he won't listen to what the majority of the American public really wants.

Hypersonic

I know I am in the minority for not hating Bush. I don't think he's been a great President, but I also think he has been constantly (and often unfairly) attacked from the beginning of his Presidency -- his opponents were stirring anti-Bush stuff long before 911 and Iraq ....constantly doubting his intelligence and his credibility. The fact is, Bush is not stupid, we know he has a relatively high IQ of around 115 and he did well on his SATs -- he was in the top 16% - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I think it is important to separate emotions and politics .....it is best not to put too much faith in any politician -- they are only human beings, not miracle workers.

I think Obama will win .....and he will be a popular choice. I hope he can turn the situation around in Iraq .....but he does need to be very cautious -- pulling the troops out of Iraq will not end the threats to America or the west.

ZicZachZo

Well I don't disagree that Bush isn't smart. But does he have any characteristics of what it takes to be a true leader?? Not really. At least not in my opinion. He doesn't appear to be very intelligent and he wouldn't get such a bad rap if he actually rehearsed what he was going to say. I can't stand listening to him speak. Watching him on television is totally awkward...

I'm not expecting for politicians to be perfect. However I am also not expecting them to only increase hatred around the world for America. I do not expect them to go into a war that was pursued for everything BUT weapons of mass destruction. I feel like I have been duped, to be completely honest. Like this administration has totally betrayed the American people. I don't trust a word that comes out of the President's mouth. Why should I? He's lied before... Why won't he lie again...?

I don't know that Barack Obama will win the election. I hope a democrat wins this next election. I am so over the theocratic bull crap that is running this country. And it would be nice to have a figure head that didn't buy into and feed that bull crap. I'm so over being American, I'm seriously thinking about moving over-seas. I hate what this country is turning into. A theocratic society that is ignorant to the world around it because the rapture is days away. The promise you, it's days away... So why not destroy all of the precious resources now while you're still on earth. Makes a lot of sense to me...

Forgive my rambling. As you can tell, I'm an upset young man. And I don't know that any politician can fix the problems that this country has. But it would be nice to have a visionary that at least has the belief that he/she can. Because it's not ok to accept anything imo. If you do that, you might as well live in China, or any other communist country. You have the right to speak out against your government and why more and more people don't do it, befuddles me.

The Artist

man COME ON now.. thats like saying a pimp is a hoes friend..
come on now.. just cause he provides her with a job.. doesent make him her best mate..

Hypersonic

LOL ...I knew you were going to comment Artist.

But really, the situation with Israel and Palestine is pretty crazy -- I mean some Israelis and Palestinians even marry each other.

The Artist

^lol they should marry each other.. so they can stop this shit..

Curb Zone