The US strong under Bush? I don't think so. All he did was help three major threat strengthen while he was/is President - China, Russia and the terrorist. Invading a country doesn't mean you are strong. You are strong when you know how to use your power to get the real threats to do what you want them to do. And he didn't get that right.

And the US haven't been leading the world under Bush. Trade talks failed again. The world is torn thanks to the Iraqi war. Previous allies are now fenchsitters at best.

You haven't been on your toes since 9/11. Security in this country sucks. Any terrorist with half a brain can get in. Paranoia has taken over with little security strategy or structure.

I don't think Obama will do everything the right way. Hey, he is a politician and hopefully a human as well. But I think he would be better than the alternative. My biggest concern? I used to think Obama would be great. And that Republicans are bad. Now I know neither is true. Bad and good on both sides. But my biggest concern is that I think the system itself is failing. When leaders who play negative politics instead of being leaders get to the top then we should start worrying. I think the US political system and way of playing politics will continue to prevent real leaders to come out on top. I don't know enough of US politics to make an educated call, but maybe I should read more on the Libertarians?

Aah - the insults again because of the lack of brain power. Anyway. I never did say that I don't appreciate what America has done. But don't dream to think you did it on your own. You did it with allies. yes, you were the main guy. But not the only one. And you wouldn't have done it without the others.

1% Angry and 99% African

I respond to multiple "attacks". Blazer said I fled SA to come to the US. In fact, I didn't come to the US via SA. And no - I am not a programmer or even in IT. If you read a few of the other things I said you would notice that I am not that. My real job? No need to plaster it all over here. Why? Because I am one of mayb 10 people worldwide that can do what I do - or at least at this level.

And yes, I will split hairs. You either get it right or you don't.

Nothing against immigrants, but around here it is used as an insult. Immigrants can't help that they can do a job better than their American counterparts. And that Americans would rather employ them.

I bet a hundred bucks he is full of crap on many levels.

I think he is a Prince with a rich Uncle that is under duress. He has a large fortune and would love to give you a big chunk of it, if you just allow him to deposit some of it into your savings account. 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

we need more of these types of comments. You have been missed.

Who do you think you are? You ask me that question without looking in the mirror first? A bit rich "old boy". I judge? Of course I do. What the hell do you think almost every writer on this site does? Engage in intellectual debate? Don't believe the hype. Of course I judge. It's what we all do so don't try and throw that one on me and think it won't bounce back. The "exchange of ideas" you mention is full of judgement and hints at knowing better than anyone who don't agree. So of course I judge like everyone else. So who do I think I am? Someone who shares space in this world and will suffer because of the actions of others - Americans and others. So, why do I come here and criticize what you all have to say and on America? Because the debate on this site is about America. It wouldn't make sense if I start talking about Somalia on this site would it? We could do that if you are willing to post something on that, but your focus is on America so the debate is on America.

But I don't only write about America. My blog has already been banned in China because I critized them. And I didn't mention the US once over there.

So I engage on America on this site because that is what you discuss. Or do you want to talk Spanish soccer? Don't be stupid "old boy".

And if you care to read a bit more - when I engage I don't shoot America down because I don't like America. But my problem is that I use America as an example of what other countries should be like. But when a mistake is made they throw it back at me. So it is as important to me that America continues to challenge itself and be the moral light of the world. Because without it we are pretty stuffed in this world. But it doesn't mean we can't talk about improving it. The only place where we don't agree is on what that improvement should look like. There is no disagreement about the place of America within this world of ours. Yes, it is better than (almost) everyone else (exclude Luxembourg and Switzerland when it comes to economy per capita and freedoms) but it doesn't mean we can't try and make it even better.

I have as much of a right to talk about America, my views on it and what I think should be done as what you have. I don't shut you up when you talk about Africa. But do point out wrong info or relevancy of debate.

Who do you think you are? Someone who wants to make people shut up because they don't agree with your views? And then throw insults when you can't engage constructively?

And you are right. I won't notice if your IQ doubles. Mine is a 154.

I didn't bring the global view thing into the debate. I was responding to someone else.

And it's nice to know you are happy I am back. I am like piles. You hate me but can't really get rid of me.

Thank you for this. It is a really well thought through argument and I appreciate that. I agree with what you said on the dynamics of the global economy. You'll see higher up someone asked me about the economy and my response.

You are right on the economy from a non-manufacturing side. The biggest part if service sector by far. But I do have a concern that we are becoming complacent here as well. London has grown substantially over the last few years and is seen as a legitimate challenger to the US on the financial centre front. Also, many of the service sector is not being able to compete globaly - retailers struggle compared to smaller players from Europe in China for example and insurance/financials are also finding it difficult to compete with the counterparts in the rest of the world. I do think it is partly due to the very different structure of both the economies and the cultural differences. For instance, European countries are so used to operate outside their borders due to their small economies that they find it easier to compete in foreign markets than the US companies. They are therefore external looking by nature. US companies tend to be inward looking because of the size of the economy over here and more centralized in managing their companies. This is a challenge when competing in foreign markets.

Your point is right though on manufacturing. I was just highlighting another area where the US is being surpassed.

I don't like President Bush (no need to hide that) but you'll see from further up that I also said he was not as bad as what people try and make him. I think his mistakes were just so huge that people tend to forget the good work. For instance, he wasn't that bad on Africa and much better than the "friend of Africa" Bill.

We can agree to not agree on McCain and Obama. I agree that McCain might not be that bad but I am unsure of his policies because he is attacking more than telling me what he will do. I also agree that Obama is by no stretch perfect. And some policies are wonky. I used to go for Obama (and will most likely still do) but my problem is that I don't know if either of them will get the US to the place it needs to be.

I think both will be better on a foreign policy level. Not sure of the economy though.

Again, thanks for this. It is was a really great response. And shows that we actually do share the same concerns. We have more things in common than what we think, but sometimes get stuck on our differences.

You talk pretty large for someone so tiny (yes, I meant that exactly the way you think I did). 

And your "debate" is pathetic.

Ta.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

since when has there ever been equal footing with communist countries?  I am proud of our US athletes who showed class in winning and losing.  They have separate lives and aren't yanked from their families while infants to train in some athletic puppy mill training institution like the Chinese.

Oh, and we don't have to cheat to win either.  Shame on the Chinese government!

Jeff Lebowski

www.angrywhitedude.c...

Buh-bye, and good riddance for the night Angry Refugee. Maybe you can take an Ambien and wash it down with half a pint of bourbon. That should keep those nightmares of having your door kicked in by Ice agents or Homeland Security at bay.

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "

- Ben Kenobi on  Liberals, and the MSM.

" The Cake is a lie."