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Originally Posted by Aliantha
(Post 322564)
Bruce, I refute this. It is simply not true. Yes I disagree with US foreign policy and as a citizen of the world I think it's my right and possibly my obligation to voice that opinion to you or anyone else who lives in the US and has the power to change US foreign policy. Maybe not individually, but en mass.
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I disagree with much of US foreign policy, also. The majority leave that to the government. I heard something recently about a pole saying something like 60 % don't think we should be in Iraq. I'm fuzzy on the numbers but remember it was a clear majority. But we are there.
Changing foreign policy by the power of the people takes decades. You don't change the course of the ship of state quickly. When there isn't a war on, probably most people's concerns would lean toward issues that affect them personally, when choosing who to vote for. The president is the only candidate for office that touches on foreign policy during the campaign, with any regularity. Congressmen usually defer to the executive branch, and move on to making false promises about issues the voters are most concerned with. We vote and hope for the best.
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Again, I don't think I'm the only person who does this, and if you take it personally when it happens, then I apologise on behalf of myself. I simply feel that the world is in a precarious position because of decisions and actions put in place by the recent administration/s of the US.
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No you are not. But you're the one that got pissy at my retort that you were taught wrong and showed you why. I've gone at disputes with several foreigners without them taking it as a personal affront. I assure you, it's not about you. Remarks like, "
you're going to go on believing in this magical noble begining you've been taught. is asking for a comeback to your sarcasm, so don't be surprised when it comes. And the statement, "
Why is it that some members of this forum are admired for stating the facts as they see them (calling a spade a spade I think is the phrase of choice) while others are condemned for it?", is simply, "poor me", bullshit to elicit sympathy. Always expect a comeback to that false reasoning. If you're surprised by magnitude or ferocity, hey, it's the American way.
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As to historical facts. It's quite obvious that there is a discrepancy here although it's interesting that no one else has really voiced an opinion on it. To let you know, I have asked practically every person I've spoken to in the last few days what their thoughts are on this matter, and without fail, they've all given the same answer I have given here.
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Duh. If that's what the Aussie schools are teaching, it's what the response from Aussies would be, wouldn't it?
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Maybe this sort of thing is something that needs to be addressed by both/all countries. My main question about this particular issue would be, why do Americans think one thing about their history when Australians (and possibly other nations) think another?
Don't you think that's interesting?
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Yes it's interesting although not terribly important in the grand scheme of things.
My position is that convict does not necessarily mean criminal. At that time very few were. And there were no penal colonies here. I gave you the definition of penal colony in case you were speaking of something else.
My failure to agree with your statements spawned all kinds of tangential complaints about US/AU relations that are not my fault or even necessarily my views. I may be rude and crude, but honest and cute....did I mention cute. :blush:
