Kicking America's Ass

[PatrickHenry]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?

Because in my understanding of the rules of the universe, nobody gets to be an asshole for ever.

Eventually somebody will kick your ass, humbling you and making you scream for mercy.

Could it be an epidemic?

A meltdown in the economy like none of us (the last two or three generations) has ever seen?

A tyrannous takeover of the central government, wrecking all our liberties?

Or a military power more aggressive and deadly than ours?

Tell me what you think it will take before all the assholes who wave the flag of the USA are needing to pick up their teeth from the pavement.

[Drocket]

Complete economic meltdown. And its not just coming: its here.

[gpruitt54]

I love this question. Unfortunately, I fear that those in power believe that our dominance (at least militarily) will last for ever, or for the next 50 years. Why 50 years? I think that the 50 year time window is the amount of time it takes for a dominate power to fully entrench itself and to use its power to develop allies to further insure its survival.

That being said, I am concerned the neo-cons currently serving themselves in the White house has not learned the lessons of history. When any nation becomes so powerful as to threaten its rivals or its friends, rival and friendly nations alike form alliances to check or to eclipse the power of dominate nation.

For me, the question is weather our over overwhelming military power alone will be enough to ensure survival of this nation in its current state. How will the governmental leaders of the United States deal with not having the influence we use to enjoy? What will do when we can borrow to buy better guns and planes? Because, it is the technology that makes the US military the powerhouse it is currently. That level of technology cost lots if money.

The military is the strongest part of this nation.
But look at the areas were we are weak, where we were once strong:
o The people of the country are not asked to invest anything in this so-called war.
o Our currently is heading for third world nation strength levels.
o We are exporting far to much technology jobs out of the United States.
o We are much too dependent on external sources of energy.
o Our trade deficits are off the charts.
o Housing, which was the rock of this economy, is now in shambles.
o Americans are encoring far too much debit.
o The US housing market (sub-prime crisis) is about to take the worlds economy down a rat-hole with it.
o Of course, Republican types blame all of the above on the media, for reporting these things.

Looking at the issues as they are, it would seem that we are already being brought low. You recall that the president recently visited several countries, likely with hat-in-hand begging for assistance of one sort or another. I don't believe that he came away with anything.

All we need is one more Katrina, another 911, or some other catalysts event and we are screwed. It is likely clear to the entire world that our weakness is everything economic. And once the economy goes, everything else goes with it.

Perhaps our chickens have come home to roost.

[AlonzoMourning23]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?

Because in my understanding of the rules of the universe, nobody gets to be an asshole for ever.


In all fairness, China got to be an ass for about 3000 years, got a 300 year break, and is getting to be an ass again. I think we deserve a little more time than just the 200 years or so we've been an ass.

[SouthernLadyGA]

If we were Isolationists there would be no problems...

[AlonzoMourning23]

If we were Isolationists there would be no problems...

Well, there'd be the problem of all those dead jews and nazi europe. Plus the genocide in Bosnia. That's assuming the nazi's didn't invade and kill the undesirables themselves.

[Scribbler1]

It doesn't matter what happens because no matter what it is, the idiot sheep will NOT be "humbled". They will simply blame it all on "those goddamned Democrats/Republicans."

Nothing is ever their fault.

[MCTHOUSAND]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?

Because in my understanding of the rules of the universe, nobody gets to be an asshole for ever.

Eventually somebody will kick your ass, humbling you and making you scream for mercy.

Could it be an epidemic?

A meltdown in the economy like none of us (the last two or three generations) has ever seen?

A tyrannous takeover of the central government, wrecking all our liberties?

Or a military power more aggressive and deadly than ours?

Tell me what you think it will take before all the assholes who wave the flag of the USA are needing to pick up their teeth from the pavement.


What nations in the world do you admire, and why?

[apdst]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?

A Liberal take over.

If we were Isolationists there would be no problems...

Our problems would, eventually, be worse.

[lily]

For me, the question is weather our over overwhelming military power alone will be enough to ensure survival of this nation in its current state. How will the governmental leaders of the United States deal with not having the influence we use to enjoy? What will do when we can borrow to buy better guns and planes? Because, it is the technology that makes the US military the powerhouse it is currently. That level of technology cost lots if money.


Great post, gpruitt......I'm just going to comment on a couple of points. The way our military is being used, I don't think we can no longer state that it's as strong as some think it is. We just can't keep going on like this.


Our currently is heading for third world nation strength levels. And Housing which was the rock of this economy is now in shambles

It doesn't seem to bother too many people that our dollar is valued so low. Canadians are coming in and buying forclosed houses at bargain prices and getting the exchange rate to boot. Middle Eastern countries are buying up land and companies and telling the US, it's none of their business what they plan to do with them..........Hell, our port security was for sale to Dubai and the president didn't even know about it.......but then he didn't even know that gas would soon be $4.00 a gallon.
o We are exporting far to much technology jobs out of the United States.

That's already a done deal, they aren't coming back.....yet we don't seem to be too concerned about inventing new technology. We've become lazy.
o We are much too dependent on external sources of energy.
Do people even listen anymore? Every day, we hear that oil has hit an all time high.

o The US housing market (sub-prime crisis) is about to take the worlds economy down a rat-hole with it.

Again......we don't realize how what we do here, effects the rest of the world.......although I don't think anyone is going to be hit as hard as we will......and those that haven't lived through a recession before are going to be totally lost.


Looking at the issues as they are, it would seem that we are already being brought low. You recall that the president recently visited several countries, likely with hat-in-hand begging for assistance of one sort or another. I don't believe that he came away with anything.

Not only did he come back with nothing.......but I forget which country made him wait over an hour for his appointment.......something never heard of before.

All we need is one more Katrina, another 911, or some other catalysts event and we are screwed. It is likely clear to the entire world that our weakness is everything economic. And once the economy goes, everything else goes with it.

Sadly this country, just like most of America is just one paycheck, or disaster away from being out on the street. We are no longer #1....but most people thing everything is just fine and dandy.

[lily]

A Liberal take over.





You seem to forget that it took 8 years of Republican rule to get us into this mess......so you think a Democrat is going to make matters worse?
Move over, it's time for the Democrats to fix another Republican mess..and this one is a doozy!

[SouthernLadyGA]

Why would our problems be greater if we were to become more isolationist? It has not hurt Switzerland.

Why is it our problem to clean up the rest of the world's mess?

[PostmodernProphet]

A Liberal take over.

Our problems would, eventually, be worse.

I think those two statements make even more sense when they are displayed closer together.....

[apdst]

You seem to forget that it took 8 years of Republican rule to get us into this mess

Who got us into the recession of 2001?

Why would our problems be greater if we were to become more isolationist?

Because the barbarians would sit just outside our borders getting stronger, everday. At some point we wouldn't be able to stop them from rolling right over us. That's why it's important to fight the little wars, so that the bad guys don't grow too strong. Isolationaism doesn't work. It never has and never will.

[potter]

Who got us into the recession of 2001?


You mean that "recession" caused by the dot coms? That "recession was a walk on the beach compared to what we face today.

[potter]

Because the barbarians would sit just outside our borders getting stronger, everday. At some point we wouldn't be able to stop them from rolling right over us. That's why it's important to fight the little wars, so that the bad guys don't grow too strong. Isolationaism doesn't work. It never has and never will.


You really get off on that "what if" fear mongering docha? What stake do you have in the arms industry?

So much more practical chasing after "what if" ghosts than dealing with the real problems and real issues we face now ain't it?

[apdst]

You really get off on that "what if" fear mongering docha?

There's no, "what if", in my statements. My statements stem from historical fact. Think of ever nation that has concealed itself within a boundry. Then, think of how many of those nations still exist.

You mean that "recession" caused by the dot coms? That "recession was a walk on the beach compared to what we face today.

Gloom-n-doom predictions of total economic upheaval, is fear mongering. This current, mild, recession could end tomorrow. We have no way of knowing, either way.

Economies thrive off of consumer activity. If you convice everyone that the economy is in the toilet, then it will inevitably lead to a slow down in consumer activity. Fear mongering, you say?

[Wndrtch]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?

Because in my understanding of the rules of the universe, nobody gets to be an asshole for ever.

Eventually somebody will kick your ass, humbling you and making you scream for mercy.

Could it be an epidemic?

A meltdown in the economy like none of us (the last two or three generations) has ever seen?

A tyrannous takeover of the central government, wrecking all our liberties?

Or a military power more aggressive and deadly than ours?

Tell me what you think it will take before all the assholes who wave the flag of the USA are needing to pick up their teeth from the pavement.

Being a proud flag-waver, I would say it would take the rest of the World to grow some balls and police their own communities, so we don't have to become involved in their regional problems.

[Osborn F. Enready]

Pat, I think America is the one best capable of kicking its own ass. We are doing so as the nation is divided along partisan lines, our national identity is being disgraced by both political and social ignorance, and our economic system is starting to eat itself, which will be worsened by any of the three major party candidates if they get elected in.

Yes, I think we will kick our own ass before anyone else has a chance.

[lily]

Who got us into the recession of 2001?





........and who thought in 2001 he could fix it with rebate checks, then again in 2004........and since both of those worked out so good, tries it again in 2008?:lmao:

[lily]

I think those two statements make even more sense when they are displayed closer together.....


Really phrophet........what would be worse?

[potter]

........and who thought in 2001 he could fix it with rebate checks, then again in 2004........and since both of those worked out so good, tries it again in 2008?:lmao:

Wait....YOU got a rebate in 2004?

[lily]

Wait....YOU got a rebate in 2004?


Am I wrong? Isn't that the year families got a rebate for children? I could be wrong.....I've been wrong before.

[firefox]

Meltdown spurred by tyranny, which requires spending, which requires the monetization of debt. There is no single or combination of regular militaries that could compete with that of the US. Why do you think terrorism exists? 8-)

[PostmodernProphet]

Really phrophet........what would be worse?

a list?.....let's start with "taxes go up"...."spending goes up".......two things we can assume will happen under a liberal.......

[potter]

Am I wrong? Isn't that the year families got a rebate for children? I could be wrong.....I've been wrong before.

I only remember one rebate, but if there was a speshul rebate for children I wouldn't have gotten it as all my babbies are growed and gone.....

[potter]

a list?.....let's start with "taxes go up"...."spending goes up".......two things we can assume will happen under a liberal.......


How about taxes go up, spending goes up, but the national debt is paid down and the interest we're no longer paying China and Japan covers the difference?

Why is it you have no problems with republicans spending like drunken sailors but if a democrat spends as much as one dime you shit a cow? You think only the conservative half of the country should be represented?

[Osborn F. Enready]

I don't think either "half" is represented, since all together only a little more than half vote.

[PatrickHenry]

In my view, a coming economic dislocation will humble America.

The nation will be unable to afford her hubris and will be forced to step back from her present unsustainable course.

I pray that it doesn't result in a complete economic collapse.

I would prefer not to be totally personally destitute.

[potter]

In my view, a coming economic dislocation will humble America.

The nation will be unable to afford her hubris and will be forced to step back from her present unsustainable course.

I pray that it doesn't result in a complete economic collapse.

I would prefer not to be totally personally destitute.


But think of what fun we could all have re-living the depression era....it would be like one long reality program......

[lily]

a list?.....let's start with "taxes go up"...."spending goes up".......two things we can assume will happen under a liberal.......

Prophet.......I've known you for a long time.......you seem to be the kind of man who pays his bills.......why shouldn't the government pay their bills? Yes, taxes have to go up, or the rich have to give up some of theirs.

[Troubadour]

What will it take for America's arrogance and pride to be broken?
Because in my understanding of the rules of the universe, nobody gets to be an asshole for ever.
Eventually somebody will kick your ass, humbling you and making you scream for mercy.


It doesn't work that way. Thwarted arrogance brings rage, vengeance, and more arrogance. The Germans didn't like the taste of defeat, so they just invented a scapegoat out of thin air and proceeded to wreak more havoc than had ever before been inflicted on the human species. Given the singularly psychotic nature of Republicans, what follows the withdrawal from Iraq will likely be a small-scale repetition of that history: Americans will retreat into bitter resignation for a while, but a few years later the Republicans will return with a new pack of lies blaming it all on the people who tried to stop them, and quite a few in the public will be attracted to the message just because it looks confident - the same way Reagan brought them back even after Watergate proved what they stand for, and the same way Nazis managed to get elected to control of the German government.

In fact, the only reason even the ruin of the Third Reich ended German ambitions is fear of the Soviet Union - a power that would eventually have defeated them on its own, and which they could never again have hoped to match. Their only choice was joining our sphere. Absent such an extraordinary state of affairs, there would have been wars without end with Germany, and at some point it would simply have been annihilated with nuclear weapons. Fortunately for the United States, our warmongers are spineless cowards - they only attack defenseless countries, while bending over backwards to appease anyone capable of actually defending themselves, so we needn't worry about psycho Republicans getting us nuked unless through sheer incompetence. That is, however, bad news for most of the countries on Earth, since these lunatics will never learn anything: Their Treason Doth Ever Prosper.

[David]

OP, all of that save invation ether has or is happen(ed/ing).

[gpruitt54]

OP, all of that save invation ether has or is happen(ed/ing).
__________________
War is peace and peace is war. When it was said that there'd be 'peace in our time' it was soon followed by the greatest war to ever ravage Terra. When that Great War ended, a new era of peace never before known dawned. That peace led to complacency and yet another Great War. So is the pattern of Humanity and so it will continue to be.

Well, I am afraid that I agree with you. Remember the words “peace in our time” and before that “the War to end all War”.

Of course, to believe in peace is the hope of us all. But unfortunately, we have war in this world. Does this reality mean that we should seek war? Do we believe that we can bring about the end of all war by killing off our enemies, “the evil ones” in the world? It would seem that our current leaders hold to these believes. This is of course a formula for another World War, except this one (likely the middle-east) is in an oil rich part of the world. Additionally, other nations also have strategic interests in the middle-east, interests they may choose to defend against us. As we are now seen as an aggressor nation, we may find our selves facing down alliances of other nations willing to defend their own oil interests.

The next world war may not end with nukes, but may well start with them.

[lily]

Well, I am afraid that I agree with you. Remember the words “peace in our time” and before that “the War to end all War”.

Funny what one remembers.......I remember






I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation building.

... a nation-building corps from America. Absolutely not. Our military is meant to fight.



The next world war may not end with nukes, but may well start with them.

Chillingly, I think you may be right.