Originally posted by: MonstaThrilla
No matter where you live, it is general human nature not to want those you perceive as outsiders to interfere with your business. America was founded on such a principle. So today, we shouldn't butt in on other people's business. Of course, we're doing that quite often. This is being read as American arrogance and thus wacko fundamentalists convince otherwise intelligent men to hijack planes and kill our innocent civilians.
How do we lead the world to democracy and fair and free economies? By providing a bright shining example, and EARNING the respect of the rest of the world. Its not easy, but its proven to work. The Iron Curtain fell not just because America had a stronger military (which it should always have), but because people behind the Iron Curtain wanted to be like Americans. Alot of people in the 3rd world still want to be like Americans or immigrate to America. We should keep on inspiring them to break out of their molds for themselves to work their way towards becoming more prosperous nations. We need to WHAM them (win hearts and minds).
Launching pre-emptive, unilateral land invasions and occupations is not the way to do that.