The premise of many of these books is that whether we like it or not, America is an empire. Whether we like acknowledging it or not is whole other thing. 
When many people think of empires, we tend to think of the ancient Romans with their gladiators and colisseums, or the British Empire and some guy in a funny-looking pith helmet tromping through the African jungle: "Dr. Livingston, I presume?" With the word "empire" or "imperialism" comes so much negative baggage; plus, those words are so down-right anti-democratic. If we're controlling the destinies of other countries, how are we allowing them to be democratic and free nations?
Being an imperialist nation, apparently, has been something we've been working at for several decades now. A book by Stephen Kinzer called Overthrow outlines over a dozen instances where the United States has taken control of a country b/c our business or political interests were threatened, resources were slipping out of control, or during the Cold War, we felt the creep of socialism get too close.
We've talked about how widespread American military is across the world: 700 military bases in 60 countries; 1.4 million soldiers. There's an upside to all of this - don't get me wrong! Because of these brave men and women, we're so much safer than we would be without them. I am grateful for theirs and their families' sacrifices.
The question to answer: Is America an empire?
Questions to consider but not necessarily answer - is the course we've taken towards building an empire worth the hatred of the world? Our safety doesn't mean much when terrorists want to kill us at home. Morally, are we doing the right thing by keeping other countries from determining their own destiny? Economically, is the tax money we're spending on our military also the right thing to do? Should the other countries of the world shoulder their own defense expense? Why or why not?
Minimum response - 250 words - due Wednesday - 2.13.08
Find out how we overthrew Iran in 1953: A Folly of Attacking Iran: Lessons from History - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJRcOF7rEfQ
28 comments:
Is America an Empire? In some ways yes we are an Empire, we still control some of the provinces outside of the country but then we lost some. But we have NEARLY held these settlements as long as the Romen empire. But our economy is very well and have one of the strongest militiary forces on the world, in this case we can force or do what ever we want to do, or either change something. But I think in the future we may still be and empire or another super power will take over and command orders against other countries. With our taxes going towards the military is "ok" but then again we should put more money to Medicance development. Techonlogy advancment. So right now we are "some what" and empire but entirelly.
Lenny Runblad 2nd HR
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The debate over whether or not America is an empire has been going on for the past few years, and I firmly believe that America is not an empire. Being an empire would imply that we are ruling many countries, and I believe the George Bush administration is trying to stabilize these foreign governments, and make them democracies, and then step back (which so far looks unlikely) to the United States. I feel like we are trying to help these countries, for the safety of their and our citizens, but not rule them. My first reaction was that even though I feel that we are not an empire, I feel that what America is doing overseas is not worth the hatred of the world. At first I felt like this because I thought that it was America’s job to worry about us, the citizens, and keep us safe. While America is gaining more, and more, and more enemies, it is putting our citizens in danger of terrorist attacks. Then, I had a change of heart. I feel that it is worth the enemies because we grew up living the American dream, and we don’t think twice about how lucky we are to live in this great country, but other people are starving, and living in horrible conditions, and this just wouldn’t be America if we didn’t go out and help them. Morally we are not doing the right thing by having us go into countries and try to set up our democratic governments, but I believe that the people in these countries deserve the same opportunities as we get on an everyday basis. I believe that the tax money going to the military is the right thing to do. It buys them equipment, and can keep them safer than they would be without. I think whether a country wants to shoulder their military should be up to that country.
Jacob Trunsky
4th hour
In modern terms I suppose America is an empire. The thing is when people envision empires they think way back when. However if you think about what an empire really is, a country that controls and expands to other territories, then yes we are an empire only with more modern ways. I don’t believe that the course America has taken is worth the hatred of the world. Forcing ourselves into other countries affairs isn’t right, the point is that it wasn’t our mess to begin with so it really wasn’t any of our business. If we felt the need to help, it should have been from the sidelines as opposed to us completely taking over the situation. I don’t necessarily think the entire world “hates” America but it might be getting to that point. For example the war in Iraq, that should not have happened to begin with, we did not have enough authority to go in there to fix it up, and now we can’t get out of it. We’re stuck in a situation that has killed many and has costed this country far too much money. Though we are trying to do good by helping out other countries, going in and taking over isn’t the right way to do that. Involving more than one super power from the UN to help out would probably be the best way around this, considering the problem is seriously worth it. I think that the money we spend helping these countries is not worth it, almost like splurging. Our economy is getting worse and the US dollar is now equal to/less than the Canadian dollar. I think that other countries should pay for their own military expenses.
-Emily P 2nd hour
America: the spreader of democracy. America: the source of justice. America: the world’s big brother. America: an empire? Since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, America has been accused of being imperialist; an argument that has an underlying truth. The fact is, America is an empire, for a multitude of reasons. Ranging back from protecting foreign investments in Mexico in the early 20th Century, to fighting the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, America has proved to be an imperialist power. While we have not specifically forced a “religion” or “culture” on any specific region, we have forced the biggest “cult” of them all: democracy. But while we originally justified these actions with the idea of Manifest Destiny, today it’s a whole new story: protecting ourselves from the outside world. Today, the US acts in a way that if there is even .005% of a threat, the US MUST TAKE ACTION. If Iraq might have WMDs, we must invade Iraq to protect them from themselves (but more importantly ourselves). If there is a conflict between Swazliland and Lesotho, the US feels that they must intervene in order to preserve justice. But seriously, hasn’t this intervening only hurt us in the long run? Today, we are hated by countries around the world. Every day we are threatened by terrorist attacks in the heart of our nation. We are pumping billions of our tax dollars into the military, money that our economy so desperately needs. So, is it really worth it? In the end, by intervening around the world, we are really only causing our own downfall. The reality is that it is possible that other countries have the ability to pull themselves out of the ground. It is possible for other countries to be economically stable w/o the help of the US. America seriously needs to sit down, relax, and let the events of this world unfold by themselves. How do we learn? From our mistakes! How can we prosper as a nation, if we put all of our efforts into not making mistakes? So my answer: Yes. Yes, America is an empire. And yes, America needs to something about it or else we will be paying for it for the rest of our lives.
Tyler Friedman
4th Hour
I believe that even thought many deny it and say that what we are doing in Iraq isn't being control crazy, I think that saying that would be false. Even though we are stuck now, before we had the chance to leave the country alone. When we rid the country of Iraq of Saddam Hussein's leadership, we went too far when we decided for them that they needed a democracy. The secound that we didn't pull our troops out of there was the minute we made our first mistake. Even though I may not have a better idea, I know that there had to of been a better way then trying to make that country like our own. All I think that we're doing in Iraq is making a clone of ourselves and failing. To force a country to be like us is the move of an empire.
Clare Andrew
Hour #4
Is America an Empire? Well in ways yes we can be considered an empire. In trying to become an empire also we have been making the world dislike us. We invaded their area when we shouldn’t have. If they wanted us their then we should stay but if not then we should get out. Also if we spread out all of our army then who will be here to help when we have an emergency? Someone could attack the US and there would be no one to help us for a few days at least. Morally I don’t think we are doing the right thing by helping other countries unless they ask for it. Its best if each country worries about their own problems instead of some countries worrying about another country. Also for us to be in other countries costs a lot of money for us. We have to spend money to get food to them, send the soldiers some where else, and all the equipment they need to build camps and weapons if needed. Again if countries need a loan then we can loan them money, but spending our own money to help them and leave us un protected isn’t very wise. It can cause other countries to dislike us, leave us vulnerable, and when we need help from other countries they may not want to help.
Nick Theisen
2nd hour
Is America an empire? I think we are, although not necessarily in the way we usually associate empires with. I think that our leaders sometimes meddle in other countries business because our economy is at stake. Although I see no problem in helping countries out from time to time, with debt and such. I think America tries to act like Superman, when we have trillions of dollars in debt. I feel we try to do the “right” thing in our minds, yet sometimes that’s not what is right for the country or the world. Take all the countries we have tried to set up a democracy in. We were/are controlling that countries destiny. In my opinion that is against everything we wanted when we were forming this country. Sometimes even we are hurting innocent lives, in Iraq and Afghanistan many civilians are being killed because of revolts against the United States Troops. A big part of our tax dollars go to our strong military. I admire these men and women, and I think they are needed in today’s world; yet I also think that this money could be used for useful advancements. Our country is so centered on “helping” everyone else, yet our own people are poor, starving, and in need of government aid. All in all I think that the U.S is an empire because of our power, and station of troops in 60 countries. We need to step back and let the world take on some of the actions we think are ours. When we do this, I think we can stop being an empire and become a friend to a lot more countries.
Kelsey K. 4th hr
I think that although people might not want to admit it, America is somewhat of an empire. I don’t think that we are a full out empire, but our country possesses many similarities to that of an empire. For one, the Iraq war. We just kind of barged into Iraq and Afghanistan. At first, I thought there was good reason to, but now, 5 years later, I don’t think that there is any good reason to still be there. We do not have the right to tell other countries what they should do, and we especially don’t have the right to invade another country, kill people, tell them to trust us, and then tell how they should live their lives. It is sort of as if we are just using our power so we can show it off to everyone else. Another similarity to an empire is how much military control we have all over the world. With 700 million military bases in 60 different countries, we are demonstrating a lot of military power. We have to give so much money to the military in taxes. Now, I have no problem supporting our army, but I think that we may be spending too many of our tax dollars with military instead of focusing on other problems in this world. The way we have been showing our power to the world is kind of creating a lot of hate towards America. Many other countries are looking down upon us and I don’t think that we need that hatred, and so we should stop with the way that we are expressing our political power. I think that it’s time for America to focus on the really important things, and be looked upon less as an empire.
Sidney M.
2nd hour
Is America an empire?
At this point, it’s kind of hard to make such a statement weather it is or isn’t. There are characteristics of America that would make it seem like an empire, however, it still doesn’t quiet match up with the actual denotation of an empire.
Obviously, the Roman Empire, was an empire, the name says so. Also, the Romans invaded other countries with direct military intervention with the intent of conquering them, and establishing their own government and military presence. Same with the British, they both simply made their country larger, they made other countries exactly like their home.
On the point of view that America is not an empire, not too much can be said. I guess the fact that America is not trying too take over and directly control a lot of other countries is one thing going for it. America really is only trying to help countries that are in need of helping. If a country is being attacked by one of our enemies, we step in. If a country is ravaged by civil war, we step in with guns. If a country is threatened by a hateful dictator, we step in with guns and ideas.
However, the fact that America is trying to move into other countries, and basically preach the America way of life is a bit of an imperialistic move. We push our politics, and our businesses and our culture on everyone. Also, we have a military presence in over 60 other countries, if we had control over the countries these bases were in, we would have an empire. However, these bases are only there for presence, not war or control of government.
With all said and done, there are characteristics that make America seem like an empire, we just haven’t taken those qualities to the extreme just yet. Could we be? Yes, and the way we’re going on, policing the world how we do, we will.
Chris Andersen
4th
I think there are many reasons as to why America is an empire. The first reason is that nobody can compete with us military wise, we have powerful and advanced weapons, and we train are soldiers hard, the only countries that could compete with us, could be China or North Korea. We also have tons of military bases in the US, and overseas. This is very similar as to Rome, when they controlled practically all of Europe, and people were afraid of the Romans.
I think the course we’ve taken towards building an empire, is worth other countries hating us. It just shows that they’re super jealous of our military success, and they can’t even touch us when it comes to the military. I think its kinda half/half when it comes to, determining the destiny of other countries. Like with Iraq the people were scared as hell (excuse my French), of Sadaam and his people, and the dictatorship there. So then we come in and take down Sadaam and the reigme so that worked out. What I’m trying to say is that it was OK, for us to come in and take down Sadaam, because he ruled Iraq like crazy, and nobody else was even gonna think of trying, to take him down. And so the Iraqi people were very grateful for that.
Another point as to why America should, be considered an empire is because of the opportunity we as country, bring to less fortunate people. There are lots of job offerings and good living, for people trying to make a better life for themselves, as long as they enter into the country legally.
Drew Rappley
4th Hour
Despite what many may say, I think by definition America is becoming an empire. If you take a look at given research, you will see that the United States is slowly gaining control of other parts of the world. In the past there haven’t been any successful empires but I think the United States could be the first. The way our presidents are dealing with our takeover hasn’t been in a monarchy way and other then the middle east we have no arch enemies. Having an area of enemies is a problem, but the fact that our troops are stationed well throughout makes us safe and secure. After 9/11 our CIA has become much stronger and airport security is the best it’s ever been.
The situation is already happening and there isn’t much United States citizens can do to stop the takeover. I don’t like the idea of an empire, but if it were to happen it should build up in the right way. From my point of view the United States should definitely slow down on the many military expenses. We have enough people in Iraq, and our economy is going downhill so why spend more money on bombs when we have plenty stored? As long as we don’t become a country where democracy no longer exists, the American Empire will be successful. It’s definitely unheard of having a democratic run empire, but the fact that another empire will soon exist is a revolution and a democratic run empire is too.
Yes I definitely think America is an Empire. I have no clue why Bush doesn’t want to admit that we are. All the signs are there we are the strongest country right now. We are like the big brother or all the countries, we’re always willing to help even if we don’t really have the money and sometimes if you piss your brother off they get mad and stop helping; sometimes they even get lazy and stop helping you and I feel like that’s what America is. I think we did a great job getting to the top but we just need to keep up the work just because we’re the strongest now doesn’t mean another country can’t come and overtake us at anytime. And no matter what America does I feel like there are always going to be people who are going to be out there they feel like what we are doing is always wrong. So I could care less weather people have hatred towards America. I think all that money we’re paying on gas and our taxes, I don’t really like it, but it’s going to a great cause. If we didn’t help our military I’m pretty sure no one would join and there would be a draft. Plus how do you not help out your own country. I also think that it’s time that those other countries pay for their own stuff. It’s fine to help another country out when in need but at the same time we’re not her to baby you.
Bianca Kea
I believe that in many ways the United States is an Empire. We have taken over more than a dozen countries and governments, and currently we are the only real super power in the world. Although America has many aspects of being an empire I think that the steps that the government has taken, by overthrowing foreign countries, has been necessary to protect America’s safety and economy. Although much of the world is not pleased with the United States because they say we are an empire, people and governments with less power will always envy others who are more powerful. Even if America had not been so aggressive in taking over foreign countries, there would be a good chance that other smaller counties would still not like the US because we have a stronger economy and political system.
Another aspect to look at is the morality of taking over other countries and governments. This can be looked at two different ways. If there is a strong functioning government in a country I do no think it is morally right to overthrow the government and start chaos in a country that already has peace. The other things to look at when thinking about the morality of taking over other countries are the brutal civil wars that take place when there is not a strong government. If a country has no real government and there is brutal fighting for power of the country, I think it should be the United States responsibility to restore order and put in place a functioning government. Although some people say that we shouldn’t spend our tax money trying to police the world, we are the only country that is currently a super power so we have the most responsibility to keep the peace around the world.
Todd Sekmistrz
4th hour US History A
February 12 2008
Jasmine Smith 4th HR
I believe America is an empire. The reason why I think this is because when you think of countries beginning an empire you think that this country is majority a democratic country. Most people view America as a democratic country. The reason why this thought is in most minds when they think of America as an empire is for various reasons. First we are currently in a war and that is a democratic action or move and second most of our resent presidents have been democratic. These are some of the reasons why I believe America is an empire.
America is both an empire and not an empire. America is an empire because we take over other countries when they are not doing what we want them to do. For example what we are doing in Iraq. We supposidly went to war in Iraq because they had weapons of mass destruction. We never found any weapons of mass destruction but we are still in Iraq. What are we really doing there? I think we are still there because of the oil that America needs. Another good question is; economically, is the tax money we're spending on our military also the right thing to do? My answer to that is no. There are much better things to spend that money on, such as the homeless or on school. There are thousands maybe even millions of people that do not eat every day. There are also lots of kids that are uneducated. That is America's future. I just do not understand why the government would not care that those kids could be very bright and gifted people.
On the other side of things America is not an empire because it does help people for the better good. For example when there was the Berlin Blockade, America stepped in and helped out. We helped out by air lifting supplies to the citizens trapped inside the blockade.
Lauren Peterson
3rd hour
Daniel Mooney,
In my opinion America is an Empire. America is not an empire in the sense that Rome and Great Britain were, because unlike Rome and Great Britain the U.S. does not control a vast number of countries directly but is an empire because it has come to dominate many countries socially and economically. Although the building of the U.S’. “empire” has gained us the hatred of much of the world it is necessary for the protection of not only ourselves but for the rest of the world. If the U.S. had just stood by and done nothing over the last seven years then the world would not be as peaceful as it currently is. However the way that the U.S. is stunting the growth of developing countries is wrong. The U.S. should try not to inquire into other countries economies but just police them to make them safer. If the U.S. can do this it would gain the respect of other countries and possibly gain better relations around the world. The U.S. is the last remaining super power and one of if not the greatest countries on earth. The U.S. should do it’s best to spread our prosperity to other countries and if to do so it is necessary to police the world then that is what we should do. However the U.S. during this economic recession can not currently handle this burden alone. The U.S. must ask other countries for assistance in keeping the world safe, and if they refuse The U.S. must urge the importance of world safety.
Though America is not like the ancient Romans or the British Empire, it definitely is an empire in its own modern way. We have the largest military program in the world, and countries across the globe respect, fear, or hate us. We dedicate much of our tax money to military costs, and with such a large military, one that dominates all the rest in the world, it seems that a little more money could be dedicated to the economy here in our own country. The economy is what keeps America moving and growing. If we don’t support improvements in industry, health care, education, and so on – yet continue to pay extra for a military that’s working overseas – America might slowly start to fall away from the top position as the only super power in the world, and other countries might creep higher as they come up with newer, smarter, stronger things. America has supported numerous countries around the world, either for support in return later, for trade, or to help reconstruct governments that were previously ruled under a dictator or unfair government. We have, or have attempted to, determine the destiny of many countries by going in, taking over, and setting up democracies. We are currently the only top super power in the world, and there are really no competitors out there that we have to fight against to keep control, though some may grow in the future. America may not operate as the Romans once did, but it has similar enough power and control to clearly be considered and empire.
Christine Aiello
2nd Hour
Blog 5
America seems like one of those people who were rebellious to there parent and then became their parents when they grew up. America was against imperialism and for independence. It seems like America’s mission was to make other countries independent and somewhere in achieving their mission they lost what it was. An empire goes against everything American, but America has become an empire. It has a lot of power and does not use the right way. I guess it is America’s values that make it seem obliged to clean up a mess in the world. They do not need to fix other countries’ problems, because countries can help themselves. Being a busy body has tarnished the country’s reputation, and not everyone has realized that. America has chose to stay out of some things (like WW2), but sometimes they choose to help when they shouldn’t and make things worse. America was the country that fought against empires and terrorists, and it became its enemy. America has turned into an empire, and it may be becoming more corrupt. The government seems to care more about other countries’ affairs and not caring much about its own problems. It is hurting other countries and becoming somewhat like a terrorist to other countries. It’s an empire in disguise, and it will not admit to that because then it will seem like America has lost its morals. America does not know how to use its vast power, and its morals and values have become unclear. The reasons behind America’s actions are unknown, and what American morals are behind them are uncertain. Merry Salim
2nd Hour
Is America an Empire? Yes in some ways we are an Empire whether we like it or not. We are the most powerful nation in the world who has 700 military bases around the world in 60 countries, 1.4 million soldiers, great military technology, and the support from our other friendly nations. I think that the course we've taken towards building an empire is worth the hatred of the world because it ensures are safety especially when there are terrorists who want to blow our heads off. I also think that we are doing the right thing by keeping countries from determining their own destiny because some governments are so screwed up that their own people have to suffer miserably. For example, Iraq was controlled by an evil dictator, Suddam Hussein who caused his country to go in poverty and made his people miserable with his poor choices on how to run the country, and the worst part is the people of Iraq didn't have any say in it like we do because if they did try and say they would be killed, and they couldn’t vote on whether or not they want him as their leader of Iraq. Examples like Iraq are when I think that it is 100 percent necessary to step in and help the people of Iraq and determining their own destiny for them. Economically I think that the tax money that we are spending on the military is a little too much because our own economy is suffering and I think that those tax dollars could be used somewhere else to better the country.
Tyler Howe 4th hour
If not all, the majority of all of the major countries have at one time been an empire or a major part of an empire. Over the course of history, it has been clear that all countries rise and fall in their own time; examples including Russia, China, Rome, Persia, etc. When you look back on all of these empires, they have basically run the same course that America is running right now. We have already conquered our controllers, the British Empire, become ridiculously powerful, and now all we have left is our demise. Right now we are the largest economic, military power in the world, much like all empires before us. In my opinion America is becoming an empire, if we aren’t already one, and our government just doesn’t want to admit it. We all seem to forget that we are such a young country still; we are just about 200 years old, which pales in comparison to empires before us like the Romans. I don’t think its really my place to decide whether all this power is worth the hate of all the terrorists and smaller countries, because I feel that this is part of every country’s path, and that’s not something many of us can change. I do however believe that we should take it easy on how much we are trying to manipulate and form other country’s governments. I think we should have a decent amount of say in the matter because after all we aren’t taking over fully when we very well could, but I think that if we’re saying we’re just there to help them rebuild, then that should actually be the case.
Yes I think America is an empire because we have a very strong military force with 1.4 million, the U.S. has had so much power after 9.11 happened. The tax money we're spending on the military is worth it bacause we are fighting for our country. But then again we are not focusing on stuff that matters the most like,technology and the ill..the U.S is working on it but we haven't gotten there yet.!
Jasmine Page
4th hour
I think that spending our tax money on military spending is necessary because we’ve gotten plenty of threats from other countries and we need strong forces to defend ourselves. We need to stand as a united country so we don’t get into more chaos. The military is very important to everyone if they want to be safe because without a military we would worry much more. The money spent on the military weapons and other need have only helped in my opinion. I believe that there is no need for so much additional costs for the military, however, if we can get organized and decide just what we need and how much then it is the right thing to do. If more thought and planning goes into it the outcome with be better for the economy and the people. I think we can control our budget and increase military aid to benefit the country. As far as other countries determining their own destiny, I think that if the U.S. military leaves Iraq and we decide to appear that we’ve ended the fight, other countries might see it as giving up. I mean that we are trying to gain allies and have countries taking our side to defend us so backing out will look like we aren’t establishing our own destiny. We have to make the decision to protect our country and we should be completely available if other countries want to help us. They should offer aid to us as we would them in a time of need. This would help the U.S. expand and become stronger against attacking nations. If we think of our country as an empire we won’t be thinking of the present we will be realize that it is different today than it was in the 19th and 20th centuries. We have gained more power since then that should have only had a positive effect on how the world is today. The U.S. government carries the strengths and the weaknesses that are involved in how much control we have.
Leah Nagel
I believe that the United States of America is an empire. I believe that we’re an empire because we, the U.S., are always trying to be in control of everything that goes on in the world. We always put ourselves in harm’s way to help another country to help them with their problems when they as a country should learn how to solve their problems there selves. An example of this would be what we are doing in Iraq. And I do not understand how we are helping them if we are forcing a type of government, democracy, on them.
I also believe that the United States is not an empire, in some aspects. One thing I do not understand is how and why do we as a nation go and help other countries, but still has major problems in ours. For example, we go to other countries and help them financially even though our country is in a slow down fall in our economy which could eventually lead to a recession or even a complete depression.
-Brentson Taylor
4th Hour
America is an Empire but not in the traditional sense. The US doesn’t invade other countries and force them to become apart of us, or try to permanently control what goes on in their country. The US is a new kind of empire. They have over 700 military bases stationed in over 60 countries. They have the biggest military in the world and are the only superpower in the world. The US goes into other countries temporarily, and tries and change struggling governments to a democracy. In this way they are different from other empires, however after the US sets up a government they abandon the country and sometimes the country fails resulting in a situation that was worse than the original one. The US goes into other countries for their own economic interests, such as 911 or protecting their trade and because they do this that makes them an empire. The US has no country that is equal to their military power or economy. They don’t take over other countries but they decide the fate of other countries for them. This is the only way that the US protects their trade route. The reason they have such a strong economy is because of their military size and the way they go into other countries for their own economic interest. Since the US has such a strong military they are feared and even hated by other countries but they are willing to take that fear if it means preserving the economy. The US may not be an empire in the traditional sense but nevertheless they are an empire.
Robbie L. 2nd hr
Yes, I believe America is an empire. Although we are nothing like the Roman gladiators of the funny looking British guys we still control the destinies of other countries. We try to push our democratic ways on many countries, just like we are currently trying to do to Iraq. I feel that our way is the best way, and to make sure things remain the way we want them to we have built one of the most widespread military across the world. I think us having such a large military keeps terrorists from trying to kill us at home, if you look back at September 11th you can see that the terrorists were Iraqi's, and afterwards we went to war with Iraq. I feel that America being an empire may make countries dislike us, but it also keeps many countries in favor of us, partially because they need our help to succeed, and partially because they fear us. I feel that our empire does allot of good, and keeps allot of countries at peace with one another. A country does not want to go to war with another country if American is backing that other country. I feel that all the tax money were spending on the military is right, because there is nothing more important then our safety. I don't think that other countries of the world should even try to have very strong armies, because it puts them in a threatening position to us, and I believe that when America feels threatened, we always try to overpower the other country. I think it is morally incorrect to keep other countries from determining their destiny, but at the same time its important that we remain powerful and do so, because we need to protect ourselves. I think that us determining other countries destiny is a bittersweet characteristic that comes along with America being an empire, but also proves how big of an empire we really have.
KATIE ROTHENBERG
Although many people deny it, I believe that America is an empire. People that say that the United States of America is not an empire are either blind, or they just don’t want to admit it. I think that political people don’t admit that we are an empire, because if people are told that we are one, then many American citizens would be very upset. I don’t think that politicians will admit that we are an empire also because other countries wouldn’t want anything to do with us, because they might think that we just want to take over. I don’t think that we should be putting other peoples governments in our power. We have important issues that should be handled in our own country before we go off to another country. Poverty, the economy, and even the government in our own country need a lot of work. I think that charity programs like “One” are more beneficial for our country, while still helping other countries that are not as well off as us. Countries should be in charge of there own destinies. Who’s to say that the way our government is run, is the best way out there? I think that the tax money spent on the military is worth it. To know that our country is well protected, always makes me feel better at night. That is one of the things that I think is actually worthwhile that our tax money goes toward. I also think that other countries should expense there own military so that they can be as well protected as we are. Katie B.
Is American an empire? In my opinion, yes I think America is an empire because we are much more advanced then many other countries; as in industry, fashions, economy, etc. Many other countries look up to us in a way because of our advances. But yet others think we are over powerful and we cause much of the world crises. America setting up bases in many countries who didn’t want us to and the war in Iraq, those were contributions to America being an empire. An empire isn’t necessarily controlling the whole world or many countries, because for America, it’s very different, it isn’t like the British Empire or any others. We don’t control countries, but we do get involved with many things we should get involved with. This is also why many countries aren’t so fond of us. America comes out to be strong and will crush anything that gets in its way, but when it comes down to it, we just aren’t so afraid of making the move of what we think is right for our country or others. I don’t think we should be using our tax money to pay for our military for Iraq because that war, in my opinion, is pointless. It doesn’t achieve anything, or solve anything. We basically wasted a bunch of our troops that we could use for more important things.
jourdan g 2nd hr
I don't think America is an empire. However, I do think the U.S. makes choices based upon gain for ourselves and I think we hope to become an empire. Sure the U.S. pretty much came into Kuwait expanded their base there and invaded Iraq, but that doesn't mean we couldn't of have been stopped. From a military standpoint the U.S. is among the top militarily technologically advanced countries, but countries like China and India have over 5 times the man power and have similar technology. Seems to me China could expand if they wanted to. There are plenty of “troubled governments” like North Korea, and many of the “stan” countries that China could easily control, but they don’t. I wonder why? From an economic standpoint the U.S. is far bigger then any other country (about 2 times the next biggest) but when the European Union acts as one, which it usually does, it is greater then the U.S. The EU was basically made to unify Europe to challenge the U.S. political and economic power, and it is obviously working and the EU is currently growing faster then the U.S. economically. Those two facts alone show that the U.S. is not an empire, but rather a world superpower who is always looking for the next way to become even more powerful. This greed is why so many people dislike the U.S. and I don’t blame them. The “destiny” to expand has only contributed to our outstanding 12 trillion debts. Now if we were an empire I don’t think there would be such thing as debt…
David R.
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