The Forum > Article Comments > Paradise revised > Comments
Paradise revised : Comments
By Allan Gyngell, published 10/11/2006We no longer perceive America to be a paradise. Our views are now more nuanced.
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Americans have to live with being in a state of permanent war - just as the ancient Romans had to – this resulting from the phenomenon known as the ‘Price of Empire’.
Since the 2nd World War the US has engaged in 40 major military incursions into other countries, and nearly 300 lesser incursions (including espionage and interference in political / electoral processes). Now the Pentagon talks about the ‘long war’ ahead.
For the American people, this state of permanent warfare means they can never, ever look forward to peace, so long as their nation wishes to maintain its self-chosen role as the world’s primary powerbroker.
That status gives the US both immense pride and economic power, but oh what a price to pay!
Australians have differing political perspectives on America’s world role, seeing it as being necessary or repugnant. Or just straight fact.
Whichever one’s politics, for the life of me, I can’t understand why Australians, as America’s most consistent ally, willingly choose the same fate for themselves.
It amazes me that the Australian people do not revolt at the prospect of also being thrust into a state of permanent warfare -
as if our national interests has to be locked onto America’s.
Any questioning of this subservient role is perniciously seen to be anti-American, so no rational debate is allowed. Our fate is one with theirs, it seems