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From: berman@psuvax1.UUCP (Piotr Berman)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Thoughts on America Bashing
Message-ID: <1676@psuvax1.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 1-Aug-85 02:51:19 EDT
Article-I.D.: psuvax1.1676
Posted: Thu Aug  1 02:51:19 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Aug-85 09:40:08 EDT
References: <416@iham1.UUCP> <1056@ames.UUCP> <146@batman.UUCP> <1040@teddy.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ.
Lines: 54

> In article <146@batman.UUCP> gene@batman.UUCP (Gene Mutschler) writes:
> 
> >>				But our treatment of the peoples of
> >> other lands is all too often exploitative and self-serving.
> >
> >You have *recent* examples, of course.
> >
> >A lot of those people would gladly trade that "exploitation" for that of
> >their current "President For Life".  The names Nyerere (sp?), Obote (and
> >before him the ever-popular Idi Amin), Mengistu (who once settled an
> >argument at a cabinet meeting by shooting his antagonist between the eyes),
> >Khadaffi, Khomeini(ask a Bahai, if there are any left), Karmal, Castro,
> >and Pol Pot spring to mind.
> 
> Its funny the crew that you mentioned.  They all came to power
> (with the exception of Karmal), as part of popular uprisings against
> oppressive U.S. supported govts.  Maybe there's a lesson there?  If we don't
> want the likes of Khadaffi and Khomeini, perhaps we might be more amenable to
> promoting popular empowerment in those countries, BEFORE IT IS TAKEN BY
> FORCE.  
> 
> A case in point.  When the racist regime in S. Africa finally falls, how
> do you expect the new leaders to feel about the U.S. (who with Britain blocked
> manditory sanctions in the Security Council last week).  And if the U.S. and
> allies support the White Regime 'till the bitter end, what kind of leaders do
> you think will be in charge afterwards?  BITTER ones!  and do you think they'll
> give a damn about western style democracy?
> 
> Larry Kolodney
  The exists tendency to either ascribing all the evil to USA or USSR.  Yes,
superpowers are powerful, but not that powerful.  Larry overlooked that not
only Karmal, but also Amin, Obote, Nyerere are exceptions to his rule
(they haven't came to power in any uprising against USA-supported govt).
In general, tyrants already existed before both USA and USSR did.
Without imperialism and colonialism there would be still aplenty of them.
  Apropos promoting democracy and helping other countries.  It is not easy.  
Promoting democracy requires much more sofisticated and long-termed policy 
than either Democrats nor Republicans are capable to conceive and promote.
Carter have several very good ideas, but rather clumsy execution of them.
  On the other hand Carter was criticized that his policy doesn't yield
any results.  People must learn that good policy may yield fruits only
in the long time.  Look: USA have opinion of a bully (or Satan), America
bashing is a duty of almost every Third World politician.  It will not
change after merely 4 years of "nice" foreign policy.  Another point:
current economical relationship with Thirld Word forms a melange
of inefective help and effective exploitation.  Currently those economies
are usually in such a mess that even effective help would improve them
only after some long time.  In the meantime, lots of troubles and no
political dividents.  But if you "save Granada", then whole country
marvels at your stamina and resolve.
  
  Piotr Berman

  "It will be much worse before it will be a notch better"