*I tried to send this earlier today but I think I was unable to reach the server. If it DID arrive, please delete this repeated version. Thanks, Mike. Kakki wrote: >Well, when we try to "export" our notions of freedom, it gets us in hot water. Maybe people just don't agree with your notions of freedom. For example, ask the Chileans who voted democratically and freely for a government led by Allende and who were soon defeated in a military coup led by Pinochet with the aid of Kissinger, William Colby et al under the guise of 'restoring freedom'. As Kissenger said, "I don't see why we should have to stand by and let a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its own people". One person's sees 'irresponsibility' while the country itself believes it has made a free, democratic choice. Of course there are many excellent qualities in the US's notion of freedom, and I applaud them, but please understand that other people have other views which are equally acceptable and legitimate. I am NOT talking here about terrorist responses. >I don't agree in exploiting people, but those people coming here from Latin America have a much >better chance and opportunity than they do in their native countries. Yes they do, absolutely, and my response to your statement is 'Why is that?' >So I am not some fat, spoiled capitalist American who has never known hardship and >does not know >what it is like to struggle. I never suggested that you (Kakki) conformed to some stereotypical image of a 'capitalist American' nor do I think you are. I wasn't speaking personally. I didn't even mention any image, nor did I have one in mind while posting. I was merely saying that success comes at a price and that there is a causal relationship between wealth and poverty, not just in terms of the present North American and Latin American economies but historically and globally. >I am relieved that you are not singling us out here. Other countries should take a look in the mirror, >especially the very corrupt and oppressive ones. I do think we deserve some credit for all the aid we >have sent around the world for decades (whether we applied it appropriately or not - we meant well >and at least did something). My whole point is that I don't think the USA should be singled out, but neither should they, or anyone, be exempt from criticism when it is fairly argued and well intentioned. I agree that other countries should look at themselves in the mirror, especially corrupt and oppressive ones. I agree that the USA deserves a lot of credit for the aid it has sent over the years, including financial, military and cultural aid. Respectfully, Mike in Barcelona. NP: Costello, 'Shipbuilding'
