|
This thread started out so nice, and has gotten so nasty. There seems to be a great deal of anger and and mostly from Amercians. If I remember correctly (and let's be honest this is no sure thing) the term "Leader of the Free World" actually surfaced post WWI in reference to Woodrow Wilson and his desire to create the League of Nations. It has become part of the American vernacular due in part to our arrogance and in part to the fact that the US has served as a leader in international affairs and security since the first World War, and this role has only increased with time. Someone earlier said that this was one of those dammed if you do... and I tend to agree. Frankly, what we do militarily and economically effects the world, but that does not mean they have to respect us or follow our lead. My personal preference would be to listen to Teddy Roosevelt, and "Speak softly and carry a big stick".(This stick would include economic pressures as well as miliary ones.)
__________________
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
-Douglas Adams
|