Random Thoughts 2, AKA Angry Blog

Being a conscientious American born in this era is not an easy position. Many of us are more aware of our country's history than past generations have been. This coupled with the rise of peace studies and the idea of international cooperation I think make us better equipped to improve the world. However, now we have to work through the mistakes of the past two or three generations. I feel like the world in 1945 was on the cusp of something that could have made for a more promising future, only that step wasn't taken. So since then, as a country we retreated from what could have been. Now we can halt that recession and work towards a better future, but we are so far behind the possibilities that could have been reached if the American government had been working for good the past decades.

I think people are wrong when they tell me that I'm looking at it wrong, that American security is what the government has cared about, and that sometimes other countries have to suffer if our own is to be safe. I'm gonna go ahead and call shenanigans on that...those people are wrong. Has the war in Iraq really improved our safety? I doubt it in the long run; we just make people more upset with us (who's heard the quote "George W. Bush is the best recruiting sergeant for Al-Qaeda"?). Also, take a close look at Pakistan. Supporting a dictator really hasn't turned out in our best interests, and I'd put money on things blowing up there within the next 20 years.

If you don't want to believe me, think about it first in economic terms. The ebb and flow of money all over the world (in global trade) affects all of us, through the stock market, through gas prices, and in the rising prices of staple foods. I don't think money is the only thing that ties the world together. If people are discontented because they suffer under oppressive regimes, this will eventually come back and affect America someday- especially if we support these regimes.

I guess what it comes down to is that I resent the fact that the Americans of my generation are going to reap enmity from all across the globe, even though the seeds for this hatred were sown long before we were even born. Being here in the Middle East has made me want to work here after I graduate. My Arabic still needs alot of work, but I'd rather it be me working in Iraq or Pakistan and actually giving a damn about the people and the reality there than a Bush crony. If you voted for him, it essentially means that myself or people like me will have to risk our own lives and futures to make it better there- and simultaneously improve American security. This is a good day to write this blog, as Obama's going to get the Democratic nomination. I can't say he's the best that America has to offer, but he'll be a damn sight better than the idiot we've had the past eight years. What we've been doing since WWII hasn't worked out well for us, and it's time for a new approach.