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Originally Posted by S-2
Brigadier,
My experience suggests that each nation on earth is "ugly". While Americans have plenty to improve upon, until I see, sense, experience the same critical self-examination of others about themselves WE ALL have much to improve upon.
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True,
But difference the US has from others, is that the US is the leader of the world and leaders have to ensure that nothing comes in the way that prevents this leadership.
Others can sink into a morass and none will be bothered.
How many are concerned, except maybe India, whether the monarchy in Nepal is to be abolished or not?
But the world is surely looking very closely at the US Presidential race.
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Your China-America comparison is very inaccurate, IMHO. My next door neighbor in Wisconsin who now heads GE-France lived in a Nigerian village for two years with his wife as a young college grad working for the Peace Corps. I've a very good friend working and living along the HCM trail in Laos today. American examples contrasting the "Ugly American" abound for those not prepared to accept smug and self-satisfying generalizations.
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I am not wrong.
Your next door neighbour is the rare exception that the book Ugly American wants to be the "face" of the US and not the cocktail circuit, flashy vehicle, 5 star hotel, hobnobbing with only the English speaking elite and filing reports to the State Dept as the "voice and opinion" of the country where they are posted.
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I won't worry about it unduly as it doesn't affect my nation one bit. All Americans can do is focus upon self-improvement. I think we do-in spades. Further, unlike others, we openly display our dirty laundry unlike any other nation on earth. Finally, I challenge you with this assumption of mine.
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Indeed you are a country that has no hesitation to criticise yourself. Your Congress lambastes all in power. Very laudable and that is why we like the US. But your foreign policy and your diplomats and others in foreign country belies this unique phenomenon that makes the US likeable. That is what surprises all. A different America at home and a different America abroad.
If your read this book Ugly American you will realise what I am saying and what many other non Americans say or feel about America and you will realise why you feel that we are not grateful to the US, inspite of their coming to our aid most of the time.
Look at the amount the US is doing for Pakistan. The US aid is actually arming Paksitan not against the terrorists but against her external threat (newspaper report) and yet if you visit Pakistani forums, you will realise the bitterness they have against the US. Why? This book shall show some of the reasons. I used this example since it is current and the facts are still fresh for introspection.
Indeed they feel that the US is running the country and that Bhutto and Musharraf is being backed by the US openly because Bhutto would have given the "democratic" face to Pakistan being the PM and Musharraf would have given the "military clout" to fight the terrorists as per US requirements.
Maybe flawed a surmise by them, but nonetheless, a real belief for Pakistanis!!
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No single nation maintains a perspective as outward looking and global as the United States.
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It has to unlike others since it wants to be, and is, the leader of the world!
Nothing unusual.
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We'll continue to do our best. I wish others would also do so. The world would be a better place.
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Others have the luxury not to do its best.
The US doesn't. That is, if it wants to lead the world!
That is the unpleasant truth.
As a Commanding Officer, notwithstanding my age, I had to be be equal, if not better, that all ranks, be they officers, Junior Commissioned Officer or Other ranks. I can say honestly, it demand a lot from me and was taxing when compared to the effort I made when I was not a Commanding Officer.
That is the Cross a leader has to bear.
Anything less, I would not have the unstintingly loyalty and faith that I had during my command.
And a leader has to accept it or stop being a Leader!