re: We've been the baddies for several generations

Nailed it.

quote:

---

Someone has to rule the world. I'd rather it be us.

---

I agree.

Problem is that for a few decades, at least, I do not think our leaders align with "us."

quote:

---

So?

We're the Empire mf'er.

---

Blunt but accurate nonetheless.


For longer than most of us have been alive, the US has been one of one or one of two superpowers in the world. As a result, we are assigned most of the blame and reap most of the accolades for the direction of the world. The results of our actions can always be viewed from two POVs. If you want to see the evil, like Sir Winston, you can.

The current populist movement wants to focus on domestic affairs and thus cede our hegemony. In some ways, it is logical, but we can't just reclaim the throne when we feel like we have our house in order. If we leave a vacuum, we won't like what fills it. Isolationism worked in the 19th century, but technology has shrunk the world. In ways, it might be nice to shift and become a second Switzerland in the world, but the rest of the world remembers the last 100 years and many players will be looking for their pound of flesh.

When you have been the king, you can't just quietly retire to a manor house in the country, which is why the isolationism that is creeping into the populist mindset is potentially the most dangerous non-domestic policy of the last 100 years.

quote:

---

So you are agree with Illian Omar…

---

So you are agree with Bill Kristol and John Bolton