I love these grand sweeping statements from Canada.
>> These are not grand sweeping statements from Canada. They are the opinion of one Canadian, who does not represent 30 million.
I don't think that every decision that the U.S. government has made is brilliant by any measure and we are not always in the right but I wouldn't call our foreign policy stupid. We're all dealing with a pretty difficult set of cards at the moment.
>> Agreed. I wouldn't call your foreign policy stupid, because its too complex and complicated to label. Calling it stupid is stupid, because it dumbs down hundreds of integrated pieces - some good, some bad, some effective, some inneffective.
We're all dealing with pretty rotten cards at the moment - most influenced by the web of foreign policies of all countries. That being said, the US and its forces and its allies deserve more respect. They have been a vital force in trying to cultivate or export ideas or ideals of democracy to some pretty oppressive places. Their contribution to WWII was immense, and it does not and should not matter that they "officially" entered a few years after other countries. They did a lot behind the scenes prior to their arrival in Europe.
Why don't we all just step aside and watch Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin lead us all in foreign policy... or is he too busy breaking Canada's promise to increase foreign aid at the moment? >> Who cares? What is your or any country doing to show some leadership here? There are less than a handful of countries anywhere showing leadership in this space. Like any politician anywhere, he doesn't have all the answers, but at least he seems to be listening.
Maybe we should start a new thread. The topic could be "Why do many aging topics on bulletin boards break down to provoke petty squabbles between supposedly "idealistic Canadians" and supposedly "imperialistic Americans"? After some time, why do many discussions revert to themes of "remember 1812" or "us vs. them", or "might is right", or "the world's policeman is a bully" or who can lay claim to communism failing when it impoded largely based on its own deficiencies?
As a Canadian, I'm sick of some self-righteous Canucks (or other nationalities) slagging some great, proud, and caring people south of the border. I like Americans. I'm related to Americans. I respect Americans. And I'm proud to be a North American. If we could figure out what binds us as relatives rather than bothers us as neighbours, we might be able to get through this easier.
As I write this, people in Europe are celebrating VE day. They Dutch and others are celebrating the end of suffering. They are celebrating values of selflessness, courage, perseverence, hope, freedom, and democracy. They are celebrating noble truths about humanity that apply whether you're a student in U. Conn or a logger in the Yukon.
And isn't that why we like and listen intently to U2 tunes? Because, they amplify a lot of these noble truths, or revisit the "redemption song" themes of Bob Marley.
As usual I've wandered. I don't care if they drop or continue BTBS. But if its included as a melodic way to trash the US, then I say drop it yesterday.
At the end of the day, as Bono queried in One, "is it easier now you've got someone to blame?"I'd rather focus on the positive, and concentrate on the hopeful "might" of progress than the spiteful "might" of power. Why not?
Always. Don't care if others hate it or are sick of it live or whatever. (Also would like to point out that Marik and korczykp saw the same shows I did and they agree that Bullet is "vital" to the set. 
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