[JohnE]

Once Upon America
By John Cory
t r u t h o u t | Guest Contributor

Wednesday 04 July 2007

"No one man can terrorize a whole nation unless we are all his accomplices."
- Edward R. Murrow

And so it goes. The 4th of July is here with its parades and "what America means to me" essays, and picnics and fireworks, and all those pretty speeches about freedom and democracy and the true meaning of Independence Day. But it is all a facade. A lie.

Modern America now spies on its citizens, conducts warrantless wiretaps, suspends habeas corpus, creates "free speech zones" to corral protestors out of sight of sensitive royal eyes, and politicizes the very justice system meant to protect people's rights by turning it into a fraternity of God-fearing Republican conservatism. Neocon America rewards hate speech with celebrity, reviles the very immigration that built this country, and sells out to the highest lobbyist while poisoning its people. Preemptive war trumps truth, and death is glorified by those who never have to sacrifice an ounce of flesh. America has become the personal ATM machine of Bush and the GOP while their corporate cronies line their pockets with the lives of our loved ones.

Washington is no longer that "shining city on the hill," but rather a dismal swamp cloud of shadows that slink about in swirls of deception. The people's house is a piceous cavern of razor black secrets that shred the Constitution with every breath. And those charged with defending the Constitution - defending the Bill of Rights - scurry around in frantic search for the cheese of compromise and campaign contributions.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Americans have become orphans of the great silence.

Democrat and Republican alike have forsaken representation of the people and the people's will. The latest polls show that 77 percent of Americans want the troops home from Iraq. And still the politicians argue for more time, maybe more money, maybe there is a way to support the troops without confronting the GOP machine. Congressional approval is at the same depressing nadir as that of George Bush. The people voted for change and got nothing but wimpy words and bluster and more political petulance - and more death and destruction.

America needs leadership, not Congressional co-conspirators or senatorial somnambulists. We need inspiration, not desperation. Edward R. Murrow said: "We hardly need to be reminded that we are living in an age of confusion - a lot of us have traded in our beliefs for bitterness and cynicism or for a heavy package of despair, or even a quivering portion of hysteria. Opinions can be picked up cheap in the market place while such commodities as courage and fortitude and faith are in alarmingly short supply."

I'm not a smart guy, nor educated in the fine political arts, but here's the deal: it's time to wake up and step up, dear Democrats. Plan all you want to take Congressional seats in the '08 elections - but be prepared to pay the price for inaction today. Nothing is off the table. Nothing. Ever.

Push the subpoenas to this White House. Don't fold. Don't whine. Don't run. And while you push the subpoenas to find the truth, fashion your spending bill that America supports, the one with the timetable for bringing our loved ones home. And then push that the day after you push the subpoenas. And when Bush vetoes the spending bill, shout it from the nearest blog and rooftop, that George Bush just vetoed America. Vetoed the will of the American people. And push for another vote.

And then generate the bill to bring back the Draft. That's right, the Draft. If Bush's war is so damned patriotic that he keeps recycling the troops over and over - then it is the patriotic duty of every American son and daughter to be drafted and serve. And when Bush vetoes that, remind America that the war is not all that patriotic, and certainly not for everyone - just those that Bush picks to die in the sandbox of incompetence and violence that is Iraq.

And then you start impeachment procedures against Bush and Cheney and Rove. You push the hearings that must be shown to all the American people - the voters - the ones who live and die at the hands of these ruthless, greedy thugs and power-hungry politicians.

And when you are called un-American and unpatriotic, point your finger at Bush and Cheney and remind everyone of Ronald Reagan, who said: "Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty." And that, my Democratic friends, is all the bipartisanship this country needs. The words of Dr. King should be your comfort. "When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative."

It is the 4th of July. Celebrate Independence Day by repeating the words of George Bush when he addressed the UN Assembly on September 21, 2004. "The desire for freedom resides in every human heart. And that desire cannot be contained forever by prison walls or martial laws, or secret police. Over time, and across the Earth, freedom will find a way."

Any other choice and we become a story that begins, "Once upon America there used to be democracy and freedom"

--------

John Cory is a Vietnam veteran. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V device, 1969 - 1970.

 

[blue]

Is it me, or has there been a generally larger fire burning under shrub's ass for the past week?

God I hope the bastard gets impeached and imprisoned.

 

[MikeD]

Once Upon America
By John Cory
Neocon America ... reviles the very immigration that built this country.

Ah, no.

 

[ohio]

Ah, no.

Well they don't much like immigration. Is it the "neo" or the "very" that's the sticking point for you in that statement?

 

[JohnE]

Its illegal immigration that is the problem, that and the failure of numerous administrations to enforce the standing immigration laws. If someone wants to come to the US legally and become a contributing, productive member of the society, c'mon over...
The immigration point was the only thing I disagreed with in that article. The rest of it is spot on.

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

Its illegal immigration that is the problem, that and the failure of numerous administrations to enforce the standing immigration laws. If someone wants to come to the US legally and become a contributing, productive member of the society, c'mon over...
The immigration point was the only thing I disagreed with in that article. The rest of it is spot on.

the problem with the legislation is that it isnt (by a huuuuuuge stretch) that easy. you should get more familiarized with the immigration laws in the US.

illegal aliens arent illegal in the same light that some people pass red lights to save time. illegal inmigration is pretty much the only way to immigrate those who arent wealthy enough to cough up 1 million bucks to get a green card (true fact), or hold a nobel laureate (for real, having a nobel laureate is one of the few ways to be granted an immigration visa to the US).

 

[fluff]

Are they really called "free speech zones" or was the author employing a euphemism?

 

[JohnE]

Uhhhmmm, sure Alexis...all this is just a mirage, smoke and mirrors perpetrated by the Evil Empire. Where does it say you need a million?

Big problems with illegals in Peru? No? Oh yeah, thats because no one ever grew up WANTING TO LIVE IN PERU...

From http://www.americagreencard.org/how-to-immigrate-with-green-card-into-america.html

How to immmigrate with green card into America
Immigration is a rather complicated process. While green card makes it easier for you, the overall process is not easy, although feasible.

In order to enter US border as an immigrant, you must obtain a visa. Visa is a legal document that certifies that you are authorized to enter United States for certain purpose. The green card visa is called Diversity Visa. If you win the green card lottery and pass the remaining checks, you will be able to obtain it. There are different types of visas, both immigrant and nonimmigrant. As an immigrant and a future american citizen, you will need the diversity visa - your immigrant permit.

The visas are issued by Immigration and Naturalization Service of United States. You can find out more about this government organization at their Internet web site. INS does not directly participate in green card lottery; winning the green card lottery simply means you are getting an opportunity to apply to INS for immigration on grounds of diversity immigration law.

There are permanent and temporary visas. Depending on purpose and expected extent of one's travel into United States, american laws specify which kind of visa should be granted to a foreign national. Notice that obtaining the green card visa does not make you a citizen of United States but a Legal Permanent Resident (which entitles you to all benefits of citizenship except for the right to vote). In order to become a citizen, you will have to wait for five years. During this period, your green card visa would serve you as a permanent permit to travel across US border. Nationals of certain "visa waiver" countries are entitled to enter United States border without need for a visa. They can simply present their passport.

It is very important to know that visas are applied for and issued through your consulate representative of United States. You can not obtain or require a visa when you are crossing the american border. Hence, you must obtain the visa before you actually enter the country.

You cannot apply for a visa when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry. Unless you're from a "Visa Waiver" country, you must obtain your visa at a U.S. consulate before you depart for the United States. If your plans change between the time you get a visa and the time you want to leave for the United States, you are required by law to go back to the consulate to obtain a new visa.

The application process for green card visa is not the same as the application process for green card lottery; it includes a lot of paperwork and interviews. US immigrations services will be verifying that you are not violating US immigration laws; for instance, that you are not a heinous criminal, a terrorist or otherwise unwanted by US officials. You will as well be interviewed at the border by the immigration inspector. You should abstain from lying or submitting incomplete information to any entity involved in your immigration application, as multiple mechanisms to prevent that are put in place by US immigration services and lying would put you in a very unfavourable light, up to the point of criminal prosecution or permanent loss of right of entry into United States.

As said above, you will most likely be questioned multiple times, at different stages of your immigration process and even after you receive your legal resident permit. Your bags might be searched. Do not by surprised or alarmed by it. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to have a lawyer represent you during your arrival or interrogations. If there are complications and you fail to provide clear and reasonable answers to the questions that the immigration services present, you might be sent into a specialized immigration court or deported back having your immigration permit cancelled. As long as you are careful with your paperwork, don't worry. There are always minor issues, they tend to happen, the immigration services are aware of it and they are considerate to it. The immigration regulations might seem too strict and even unfair to you, but they are necessary both for the security of United States and proper smooth operation of immigration services.

When you are questioned, your answers must be consistent, conscise, clear and in line with your previous answers. The authorities can ask you basically any question on the record. Answering questions dishonestly and untruthfully might cost you your green card.

Make sure that all papers you were required to have, as well as any additional documentation you believe might be helpful are valid, properly authorized and not outdated. Most importantly, make sure they are in place.

Be sure not to bring any potentially illegal or dangerous items or animals. Dress appropriately and behave politely and seriously.

Please understand that it is the nature of immigration officials to be suspicious and impatient. Immigration checks are the first line of defense of american liberty against external threats. Immigration officials aren't going to be friendly to you, but there's nothing personal in that; they get to handle thousands of people every month. The better prepared and calm you are, the less problems you're likely to run into.

The reason for such treatment and cautiousness is that the immigration authorities do not want to take a chance with anyone staying illegally. Unlike most other countries, United States doesn't have a single paper that unambigously identifies a person and must be carried at all times, such as ID or passport. Driver's licenses, foreign passports, resident permit green card and other papers can serve as a subtitute, but they aren't necessary for free movement in United States, so many illegal immigrants settle down. Incidentally, illegal immigrants are a major source of domestic crime in United states, and the immigration authorities are reluctant to allow anyone who might want to refuse leaving. Even though you are getting a green card, the immigration authorities will have to treat you with caution.

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

not a spotless source, but quotes the EB-5 requirements available everywhere.
http://www.newhorizonsgroup.com/1imvisas/imvisaeb5entrep.html

The EB-5 Investor Visa (employment-based 5th preference category), also known as an employment-creation visa, is available to those investors, who have invested, or are in the process of investing, lawfully obtained capital in a new commercial enterprise employing at least 10 full-time US workers. The amount of the investment must be at least $1,000,000 (one million dollars), unless the investment is to be in a targeted employment area, in which case the investment need only be $500,000 (five hundred thousand dollars).


my point is that legislation makes stable immigration almost impossible for everyone, but a few wealthy individuals, and other out of the ordinary people. (or people who marry americans).
even the H1B visa for "specialized labor" is just temporary.

Uhhhmmm, sure Alexis...all this is just a mirage, smoke and mirrors perpetrated by the Evil Empire. Where does it say you need a million?

Big problems with illegals in Peru? No? Oh yeah, thats because no one ever grew up WANTING TO LIVE IN PERU...

From http://www.americagreencard.org/how-to-immigrate-with-green-card-into-america.html

How to immmigrate with green card into America
Immigration is a rather complicated process. While green card makes it easier for you, the overall process is not easy, although feasible.

In order to enter US border as an immigrant, you must obtain a visa. Visa is a legal document that certifies that you are authorized to enter United States for certain purpose. The green card visa is called Diversity Visa. If you win the green card lottery and pass the remaining checks, you will be able to obtain it. There are different types of visas, both immigrant and nonimmigrant. As an immigrant and a future american citizen, you will need the diversity visa - your immigrant permit.

The visas are issued by Immigration and Naturalization Service of United States. You can find out more about this government organization at their Internet web site. INS does not directly participate in green card lottery; winning the green card lottery simply means you are getting an opportunity to apply to INS for immigration on grounds of diversity immigration law.

There are permanent and temporary visas. Depending on purpose and expected extent of one's travel into United States, american laws specify which kind of visa should be granted to a foreign national. Notice that obtaining the green card visa does not make you a citizen of United States but a Legal Permanent Resident (which entitles you to all benefits of citizenship except for the right to vote). In order to become a citizen, you will have to wait for five years. During this period, your green card visa would serve you as a permanent permit to travel across US border. Nationals of certain "visa waiver" countries are entitled to enter United States border without need for a visa. They can simply present their passport.

It is very important to know that visas are applied for and issued through your consulate representative of United States. You can not obtain or require a visa when you are crossing the american border. Hence, you must obtain the visa before you actually enter the country.

You cannot apply for a visa when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry. Unless you're from a "Visa Waiver" country, you must obtain your visa at a U.S. consulate before you depart for the United States. If your plans change between the time you get a visa and the time you want to leave for the United States, you are required by law to go back to the consulate to obtain a new visa.

The application process for green card visa is not the same as the application process for green card lottery; it includes a lot of paperwork and interviews. US immigrations services will be verifying that you are not violating US immigration laws; for instance, that you are not a heinous criminal, a terrorist or otherwise unwanted by US officials. You will as well be interviewed at the border by the immigration inspector. You should abstain from lying or submitting incomplete information to any entity involved in your immigration application, as multiple mechanisms to prevent that are put in place by US immigration services and lying would put you in a very unfavourable light, up to the point of criminal prosecution or permanent loss of right of entry into United States.

As said above, you will most likely be questioned multiple times, at different stages of your immigration process and even after you receive your legal resident permit. Your bags might be searched. Do not by surprised or alarmed by it. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to have a lawyer represent you during your arrival or interrogations. If there are complications and you fail to provide clear and reasonable answers to the questions that the immigration services present, you might be sent into a specialized immigration court or deported back having your immigration permit cancelled. As long as you are careful with your paperwork, don't worry. There are always minor issues, they tend to happen, the immigration services are aware of it and they are considerate to it. The immigration regulations might seem too strict and even unfair to you, but they are necessary both for the security of United States and proper smooth operation of immigration services.

When you are questioned, your answers must be consistent, conscise, clear and in line with your previous answers. The authorities can ask you basically any question on the record. Answering questions dishonestly and untruthfully might cost you your green card.

Make sure that all papers you were required to have, as well as any additional documentation you believe might be helpful are valid, properly authorized and not outdated. Most importantly, make sure they are in place.

Be sure not to bring any potentially illegal or dangerous items or animals. Dress appropriately and behave politely and seriously.

Please understand that it is the nature of immigration officials to be suspicious and impatient. Immigration checks are the first line of defense of american liberty against external threats. Immigration officials aren't going to be friendly to you, but there's nothing personal in that; they get to handle thousands of people every month. The better prepared and calm you are, the less problems you're likely to run into.

The reason for such treatment and cautiousness is that the immigration authorities do not want to take a chance with anyone staying illegally. Unlike most other countries, United States doesn't have a single paper that unambigously identifies a person and must be carried at all times, such as ID or passport. Driver's licenses, foreign passports, resident permit green card and other papers can serve as a subtitute, but they aren't necessary for free movement in United States, so many illegal immigrants settle down. Incidentally, illegal immigrants are a major source of domestic crime in United states, and the immigration authorities are reluctant to allow anyone who might want to refuse leaving. Even though you are getting a green card, the immigration authorities will have to treat you with caution.

 

[JohnE]

One of many ways to get in...of course the powers that be are going to encourage those with money and the means to make more to come in. Thats capitalism for you...
Supermodels welcome too!

 

[valve bouncer]

Please understand that it is the nature of immigration officials to be suspicious and impatient. Immigration checks are the first line of defense of american liberty against external threats. Immigration officials aren't going to be friendly to you, but there's nothing personal in that; they get to handle thousands of people every month. The better prepared and calm you are, the less problems you're likely to run into.

This staggered me. Basically, they're saying "we're pricks and we're proud of being pricks and we are going to treat you like an arsehole whether you deserve it or not". Wow
Edit- OK, this isn't from any kind of official site, just some turd wanting to rip off immigrants. Carry on.

 

[MMike]

My green card didn't cost me $1M

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

My green card didn't cost me $1M

well, arent you "specialized labor" plus there wasnt a company willing to hire you and cough up the time and money for your green card. (which isnt exactly easy).
arent you married to an american anyways?

 

[fluff]

Dude - he just called your wife an anyways...

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Are they really called "free speech zones" or was the author employing a euphemism?

That's what Shrubby did for some of the protests here in Seattle when he came to town a few years ago. He was meeting at some high class hotel, well, the people that were organized to show their support of things not Bush were corralled into "Free Speech Zones" that were about 2 miles away. It was retarded.

 

[MikeD]

Well they don't much like immigration. Is it the "neo" or the "very" that's the sticking point for you in that statement?

No, neocons and big-business interests love illegal immigration. It provides near-slave labor in our very own country. Why do you think Bush is pushing for either the status quo or a lenient policy??

And it's a HUGE sticking point between the 'neo' variety and the traditional conservative, who tend to view illegal immigration with a far more populist bent, as a near-invasion (or just an invasion altogether).

 

[MikeD]

How to immmigrate with green card into America

There are so many things wrong with that description that I'm not even going to get into it. Author doesn't even know what the **** a visa really is or who issues it.

 

[MikeD]

illegal aliens arent illegal in the same light that some people pass red lights to save time. illegal inmigration is pretty much the only way to immigrate those who arent wealthy enough to cough up 1 million bucks to get a green card (true fact), or hold a nobel laureate (for real, having a nobel laureate is one of the few ways to be granted an immigration visa to the US).

You make it sound like anyone has a right to immigrate to the US because he wants to immigrate and/or it offers a financial possibility to him. Sorry, that's just not the case.

I can't immigrate to Peru [ed: actually, maybe I can for all I know] or New Zealand [this I know all too well] just because I want to, but no one's shedding a tear for me. No one decries the unfairness to me as a US citizen who's not allowed to actually own property in Mexico even if I can afford to buy it... And I think those countries have an absolute right to run things how they want inside their own borders, so that doesn't bother me (although I would have loved to move to NZ, c'est la vie). So does the US, and if this means you can't come in, well, that's that.

I understand why people want to immigrate and think the system for doing it is utterly ****ed. But there's a fundamental issue that really bugs me when people argue as if the US is somehow wrong to have less than a completely open border.

I wrote a long post many months ago about what I think is an immigration solution. Spoke to some ICE agents last month and they said it sounded like a viable idea. Seems like common sense to me...but then again, the underlying bureaucracy may never survive a common-sense solution to all this.

 

[JohnE]

(See prior post regarding simple enforcement of current immigration laws)
Why the h#ll are we wrong to want our borders secure anyway?

 

[Silver]

But there's a fundamental issue that really bugs me when people argue as if the US is somehow wrong to have less than a completely open border.

If you're going to make the argument (and the US frequently does) that trade terms need to be negotiated in the favor of the US and that capital flows need to be free of hindrance, then the US is wrong to have a border that is less than freely open.

Unless we're just interested in rigging the game in the favor of some of our high level interests...which is just crazy talk, right?

 

[kidwoo]

No, neocons and big-business interests love illegal immigration. It provides near-slave labor in our very own country. Why do you think Bush is pushing for either the status quo or a lenient policy??

And it's a HUGE sticking point between the 'neo' variety and the traditional conservative, who tend to view illegal immigration with a far more populist bent, as a near-invasion (or just an invasion altogether).

The camaro conservative vs. the cargill conservative

 

[MikeD]

(and the US frequently does)
---
Unless we're just interested in rigging the game in the favor of some of our high level interests...which is just crazy talk, right?

Can you find me a country that doesn't work in favor of its own financial interests?

And it's pretty wierd to look at the border question from only an economic standpoint...there's a lot more going on there.

 

[Silver]

Can you find me a country that doesn't work in favor of its own financial interests?

And it's pretty wierd to look at the border question from only an economic standpoint...there's a lot more going on there.

No, I can't. Can you find me one that continually negotiates one sided trade agreements with the implicit and very real threat of either invasion or dire economic consequences? China maybe?

As for the second question: Why?

 

[ohio]

One of many ways to get in...of course the powers that be are going to encourage those with money and the means to make more to come in. Thats capitalism for you...
Supermodels welcome too!

Immigration is a long, expensive difficult process even for the very talented and very productive. You're on crack or have never met an ex-pat if you think otherwise.

 

[DRB]

No, I can't. Can you find me one that continually negotiates one sided trade agreements with the implicit and very real threat of either invasion or dire economic consequences? China maybe?

So they negotiate one sided trade agreements based on peace, love and a pat on the head? Iran and Venzeuela threatening oil supplies isn't dire economic consequences? Seriously, are you really that naive?

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

You make it sound like anyone has a right to immigrate to the US because he wants to immigrate and/or it offers a financial possibility to him. Sorry, that's just not the case.

I can't immigrate to Peru [ed: actually, maybe I can for all I know] or New Zealand [this I know all too well] just because I want to, but no one's shedding a tear for me. No one decries the unfairness to me as a US citizen who's not allowed to actually own property in Mexico even if I can afford to buy it... And I think those countries have an absolute right to run things how they want inside their own borders, so that doesn't bother me (although I would have loved to move to NZ, c'est la vie). So does the US, and if this means you can't come in, well, that's that.

the US has every right to establish whatever rules it wants to let people in, no matter what.

my point was to illustrate the fact whoever wrote that article pretty much has no grasp on the complications and chances of legal immigration to the US. the guy kinda makes the point as if illegal immigration was a result of people too lazy to do the paperwork.

on the other hand... is akin to sky high taxes. if you have sky high taxes, then a lot of money will be moved under the table, there shouldnt be really much surprise on it. a simple matter of economic incentives

 

[Silver]

So they negotiate one sided trade agreements based on peace, love and a pat on the head? Iran and Venzeuela threatening oil supplies isn't dire economic consequences? Seriously, are you really that naive?

Cool, so we're in the same boat with Iran, Venezuela (you'd figure someone who worked around the oil industry would know how to spell that ) Russia, and China. (I forgot about Russia, but the whole turning off the gas to the Ukraine thing lumps them in that basket.) It's really Russia and China though. Iran and Venezuela don't have the military clout to make the kinds of threats I'm talking about.

Nice to see us lumped in with the good guys...

 

[MikeD]

on the other hand... is akin to sky high taxes. if you have sky high taxes, then a lot of money will be moved under the table, there shouldnt be really much surprise on it. a simple matter of economic incentives

Agree 100%.

 

[DRB]

Cool, so we're in the same boat with Iran, Venezuela (you'd figure someone who worked around the oil industry would know how to spell that ) Russia, and China. (I forgot about Russia, but the whole turning off the gas to the Ukraine thing lumps them in that basket.) It's really Russia and China though. Iran and Venezuela don't have the military clout to make the kinds of threats I'm talking about.

So you didn't mean to type dire economic consquences?

Nice to see us lumped in with the good guys...

Then how 'bout Japan, South Korea, Canada and the whole of the EU?

Trade negotiations are one big threat session. The negotiators handle it one of two ways:

1. They know the threat and have had the pros/cons modeled beforehand and can respond pretty much immediately with a counter threat.

2. They don't and have to carry it back to have it modeled to see what it means.

At some point, a realistic enough threat is thrown on the table that the other side gives but usually only temporarily. If you think that there are any first world countries that don't do business like this then you are truly naive.

 

[Silver]

So you didn't mean to type dire economic consquences?



Then how 'bout Japan, South Korea, Canada and the whole of the EU?

Trade negotiations are one big threat session. The negotiators handle it one of two ways:

1. They know the threat and have had the pros/cons modeled beforehand and can respond pretty much immediately with a counter threat.

2. They don't and have to carry it back to have it modeled to see what it means.

At some point, a realistic enough threat is thrown on the table that the other side gives but usually only temporarily. If you think that there are any first world countries that don't do business like this then you are truly naive.

Sure I did. There are no dire economic consequences that Iran and Venezuela can offer. High oil prices aren't the end of the world that people thought they would be.

To make the claim that Canada has the threat power behind it is like saying that me and Barry Bonds can both hit a home run when we come up to bat against a major league pitcher. Same thing with Japan and South Korea. We have a big old trump card up our sleeve for those 2.

Of course, I thought trade negotiations were all about comparative advantage and that trade always brings a net benefit. And here you are telling me it's a bunch of selfish countries in attempting to extract rents. You should write an article for Socialist World Weekly...

 

[MikeD]

Sure I did. There are no dire economic consequences that Iran and Venezuela can offer. High oil prices aren't the end of the world that people thought they would be.

So US actions should be judged on moral grounds, whereas everyone else should only be judged with respect to the actual effects they can have, not on their intentions or desires. And since very few other countries can have the unilateral economic impact that the US can, they all smell like roses compared to the evil US.

The giant (or capable one) is always the bad guy, and the little guys (the impotent ones) always the victims or at worst irrelevant.

Not to say that the US actions, political and economic, have exactly shown brilliant foresight on practical or the PR side of things...or that we've been able to avoid wrapping ourselves and others along with in easily-foreseen misery (Somalia, Iraq, etc. etc.)

And only the most dogmatic people (yeah, there are a lot of them, I guess) only characterize trade in terms of an immutable net benefit or an inherently rapacious arrangement. Trade isn't a platonic entity with enduring qualities outside of context--it's a sum of independent and interdependent actions, procedures, and local rules, played out in a particular place and time, and you can come out with wildly varying results for all due to luck, skill, intent, environment, resources, or whatever else you choose to look at.

 

[Silver]

So US actions should be judged on moral grounds, whereas everyone else should only be judged with respect to the actual effects they can have, not on their intentions or desires. And since very few other countries can have the unilateral economic impact that the US can, they all smell like roses compared to the evil US.

We judge other countries on moral grounds all the time. Venezuela is a great example of that. The evil muslim Iranians. The only country that we seem to exempt from that moral judgement is ourselves, or countries that look like us. (Canada, Australia, UK, Germany when they aren't busy stuffing Jews into ovens.)

The giant (or capable one) is always the bad guy, and the little guys (the impotent ones) always the victims or at worst irrelevant.

Would you agree that the giant has more of a moral imperative to not make things worse for the little guy than the other way around due to the larger consequences of the giant's actions?

Not to say that the US actions, political and economic, have exactly shown brilliant foresight on practical or the PR side of things...or that we've been able to avoid wrapping ourselves and others along with in easily-foreseen misery (Somalia, Iraq, etc. etc.)

Agreed.

And only the most dogmatic people (yeah, there are a lot of them, I guess) only characterize trade in terms of an immutable net benefit or an inherently rapacious arrangement. Trade isn't a platonic entity with enduring qualities outside of context--it's a sum of independent and interdependent actions, procedures, and local rules, played out in a particular place and time, and you can come out with wildly varying results for all due to luck, skill, intent, environment, resources, or whatever else you choose to look at.

A lot of them? Every business professor, every major journalist, most thinktanks, almost every economist (who still maintain that their discipline is a hard science like physics and not a soft science like sociology, in the fact of overwhelming evidence to the contrary) along with most everyone of consequence in a corporation that has any economic power? Yeah, I'd say there's a few...