Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: When are the Western countries going to pay?
Hate to dig up a thread a couple of days old but I just realized I never replied to you conkermaniac.
Originally posted by conkermaniac
A court ruled that the US was required to pay a total of $250 million dollars, and so far, they've paid a few million of that amount. If after $250 million dollars, they still can't fix the problem, then it's their problem to figure it out on their own.
I don't know the specifics on this, but I am curious about this. Which court handed down that order? Have any more information about it?
Originally posted by conkermaniac
In fact, Hussein was elected with 99% of the votes, I believe. Though there probably was some corruption involved with this election, as with all elections, I doubt it could have factored into such an overwhelming majority. If the US messes with these countries, then they are going against democracy.
Henry Kissinger once said that if the US wasn't pleased with the results of an election, they would interfere.
I don't think it's the results that are the problem but rather the behavior once they have the power. If the USA and Israel wanted to take out Arafat he would already be dead. I think both countries realize the havoc / problems that would come from such behavior. Re Afghanistan: We've had a hands off policy in terms of interfering with other countries but that should change if the government treats it's citizens as bad as the Taliban did. (My 2 cents)
Originally posted by conkermaniac
Clearly, the interests are not for humanitarian aid. The US does not have this much money to waste, and most of its actions are for keeping its status as the world power and for benefitting its own economy.
Find me proof that the net flow between third-world countries and the US flows away from the US, rather than towards. But I have seen no proof of that thus far, while I have seen a lot of proof of the countries giving back more than what the US gives them, including numerous offline resources.
I took out your section on US / China manufacturing as I agree that prices would go up on these items. I won't get in to a debate there but suffice it to say I hate seeing USA based companies take things outside the USA to save money.
http://www.usaid.gov/ - They provide some aid numbers, such as $420 million of aid provided to Afghanistan alone. Without this aid I'm sure death tolls would sky rocket even more. It also says: "The United States provided 80 percent of all food aid to U.N. World Food Program (WFP) for Afghanistan last fiscal year, and already more than 50 percent this year."
80% for one country... No matter where you look, when there is food being donated you'll see those USA letters on the bags. I'll say it again, the USA does far more good then bad.
Look at the financial donations to charities after 9/11 for example. Most Americans are heavily in debt with mortgages, car loans, credit cards, etc. and yet they stepped up to help. It wasn't just from the USA government but also directly from the American people who voluntarily decided to donate instead of pay off their debt.
I really don't think you are giving enough credit for the good actions that have been done. Search for the UN World Food Program and you'll see the largest donations have come from the USA.
Off Topic: I mentioned it in another thread but many bums have mental conditions or abuse drugs and/or alcohol so I'd advise donating to a charity, which helps them instead of paying them directly. Otherwise you may be unintentionally supporting their bad habits and possibly even their drug dealers. Make a web site about the issues that matter to you, tell people how they can help, where they can donate, etc.
Give people the information needed to make the right choice and a majority of them will make the right choice.