I think it would be fair to say that every American high school student has read, or at least discussed, the Declaration of Independence at some point in their education. In it, Jefferson lists the reasons why the Colonies should be independent. He gives many grievances towards King George, who, in short summary, attempted to crush any form of government within the colonies that he himself did not remain sole dictator of. In a sense, our country has, though not as harshly, acted similarly towards other countries in the past and today. We seem to love spreading "The American Way" regardless of whether these countries want us there. We impose a form of government on them that may be foreign to them and expect them to abide by it. On the flip side, it could be said that we are replaying out our own revolution again and again. We choose these countries that we see as ourselves during the American Revolution and rush to their aid. From this point of view, it would seem only natural that we would establish a similar way of doing things for these countries. Of whether or not our aid ultimately benefits the people, I am uncertain. However, I find it interesting that a country that prides itself on its independence feels the need to "fix" so many of the "less fortunate" countries of the world. The rest of this debate becomes more about the morality of the situation. Is it right to help? Is it right to do nothing? Is it right to force our help? Is it right to refuse aid to those who need it?
posted by Rich @ 8:17 AM
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