'Shock and awe' diplomacy confronts American exceptionalism

[rodeodance]

Interesting article------and some truth to it.


http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/opinion/?id=17569=17569&format=0

2006-09-22

'Shock and awe' diplomacy confronts American exceptionalism


Whether or not the truth made a dent in Americans, Ahmadinejad and Chavez gave a moment of glory to the disenfranchised many, whether nations or peoples, who aren’t offered a podium from which they can voice the iniquities they suffer, says Ben Tanosborn.
Forcing American media to give front page coverage to what Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chavez had to say this week from the podium at the United Nations – a very appropriate political closing to the summer – could be described as “shock and awe.” Truth was dispensed via a large syringe instead of an eyedropper and to many people that represents shock and awe.

If not the measured remarks on the unfairness of the UN by Iran’s president, what Hugo Chavez had to say certainly had a “shock and awe” effect domestically. Americans are raised in the belief that they are the possessors of unquestionable moral authority for the entire world because of their “original virtue” – American exceptionalism – in total contrast to the rest of the world who are born with the “original sin”… out of grace simply for not being Americans. Yes, it all started back in 1831 with Alexis de Tocqueville.

But “American exceptionalism” has been debunked as nothing more than a 21st century attempt to globalize the 19th century Manifest Destiny – a pseudo moral authority to annex much of Western Continental US, which resulted in kicking Indians and Mexicans out of both their cultures and their lands. Unfortunately, such Manifest Destiny, even with its Monroe Doctrine addendum, only covered “our rights” to the Americas, a puny hemisphere for a nation with an apparent galactic appetite to govern or influence...........

[silverweb]

1. True and damning.

"'American exceptionalism' has been debunked as nothing more than a 21st century attempt to globalize the 19th century Manifest Destiny...."

BAM! Nailed it!

So when is the U.S. going to join the rest of the world as a true citizen instead of the sandbox bully???

[Demeter]

2. Probably Never

Star Trek is over, and the US is now playing the role of the Borg.

[Briar]

3. At least the Borg were efficient

Perhaps the Klingons - all grunting aggressiveness and machismo and a belief in force, not reason. They're very popular with US and other fans, I understand. Redneck bullies are popular for some reason.

[silverweb]

4. Good analogy.

:thumbsup: