West vs East- Choose

Submitted by sara (United States), Jun 27, 2012 at 17:25

Ianus,

You say: "Sure. I have no problem with American people. The problem is with the American ruling elite and its nasty agenda as most Americans will also tell you. So you don't have to be more American than Americans themselves, I guess."

Does that not sound frighteningly familiar to you, Ianus? The Iranians, the Arabs, Muslims, etc all say the same thing. They do not hate Americans, just the evil satanic government. But isn't that a copout? After all, they are saying that about every government/administration (including democrats and republicans, Bush and now Obama) and after all, these politicians are democratically elected by the people of the US themselves. So it does not play with me to use that excuse. That same'ruling elite' exists in every country every group in the world. There are always those on top and those on the bottom. The difference in the US is that each and every citizen has a decent chance, if they choose, to be one or the other. At least they believe that they can, and that is a good way to live.

You say: What is "Western" nowadays? Demographic decline,degradation of school system, breakdown of family life, corruption scandals, addictions, hostile immigration, hedonism, ignorance of one's identity and past ? If this is being "Western" , then yes, we are Western and I do hate it !

I thought I was cynical (or realistic) but this is way farther than I. Again, I hate to tell you who it reminds me of- the complaining about the promiscuity and decadence and decline of the West...) You cannot just critique and dissect the US to death, Ianus, ultimately you have to choose a side of mostly good or even somewhat good or even rarely good vs. mostly bad. In the ongoing battle between East and West, I somehow doubt you would align yourself with the Muslims or with China. So, given the realities and the future, the past outlives its usefulness and it is more important to focus on solving future problems than analyzing past ones. (And don't tell me that if we don't learn from history we are doomed to repeat it).

Are bitterness and vengeance the only fuels that drives you? (and I say that with the kindest intention)

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