> list-member's country in this discussion.
>
> > The same applies to the concept of America being a net
> force of good in the
> >world. What do you mean by 'good' in this context?
>
> It means that the world is a better place thanks to American
> contributions
> to the world that were a unique product of the American experience.
I believe that we can set a benchmark based upon the amount of money or
wealth that originated in this country and was transferred into another
either through charity, grants, or governmental assistance. This can also
include the vast intellectual wealth (medicine, technology, energy, etc)
that we have shared with the world.
I personally think that this would make us the greatest Country ever.
However, since Europeans tend to ignore the more materialistic evidence of
greatness, and look more towards a more ethereal, less definable stick of
measurement of our greatness, I am sure that we can appear "bland" or
lacking in humanism, or culturally bankrupt. Frankly, I believe that our
wealth massively overshadows these traits the Europeans expect of a great
country. Why does is appear shameless when we provide charity? Why does it
appear we have some hidden "Agenda" - that we are somehow conspiring to
force our culture upon others. We look bad if we give or if we don't give.
But we still do it.
I know John can provide a mountain of data related to how much the
government gives to other countries - it may convince some of our greatness,
but not all. There will always be those that "need" to point fingers at
greatness.
nerd From Hell
