Now, even I have to ask, is broadcasting "democracy" into Iran via TV/satellite/radio, REALLY going to change anything? Seriously, what if some foreign country started broadcasting their propaganda into the U.S. would you actually believe it? Then somehow ACT upon it? Does it REALLY work? I can picture it all too well, tune into UHF channel 25 for 24 hours of Bush speeches.... :lol:
What they need is a Wal-Mart. A little Chinese outsourcing ought to teach them about Democracy. By the way, which countries have standing democracies anyway? I for one pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. Republic: a sovereign state ruled by representatives of a widely inclusive electorate. Democracy: term originating in ancient Greece to designate a government where the people share in directing the activities of the state. Are we attempting to build a Democracy in which every person has a direct say in the government or are we attempting to instill a Republic in which elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the populous?
Do y' think that $50 million could turn fox news or cnn into a 24x7 broadcast into this country, advocating "slow down! back off! save gas!" and giving hints on how to drive efficiently, invest in better vehicles and energy infrastructure, and be a little less type A in general? That would be a much more effective weapon in the long run. No more money poured into the mideast. . _H*
Try looking up "representative democracy". Even the Wikipedia got this nearly correct (ignore the Iroquois example; its pretty controversial). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representative_democracy
So I pledge allegiance to the representative democracy for which the flag stands? I'm surprised no one caught that earlier. History has shown us that when we try to steer a country a certain way they come back to kick us in the crotch later. Iraq, for example was a good friend when Iran was misbehaving. And we supported Iran when Iraq was acting up. We also armed and trained some bearded guy in Afganistan when they were fighting the Russians. So just because we are trying to teach the Iraqis representative democracy doesn't mean that they aren't going to use their democratic process to vote against U.S. interference in the future.
History taught us that when we try to steer a country a certain way they come to be our closest allies and great economic powers among the various types of democracies in the world. Japan, for example, was a historic enemy and a militaristic monarchy, but after just 7 years of occupation, they emerged as a free nation. And we did the same thing in Germany, even after a three year period of insurgency by the "werewolves", nationalist Germans and former SS members, who engaged in sabotage and attacked both coalition forces and those locals cooperating with them. History has many lessons, but the trick is in seeing which situation actually fits the facts.
Not that this has anything to do will real life, but, this discussion reminded me of a funny movie. The Mouse That Roared (1959) is a cold-war satire in which Peter Sellers plays several characters. As the Duchy of Grand Fenwick, the world's smallest country, he decides that the only way to get out of their economic woes is to declare war on the United States. . . hoping to lose . . . then reap the benefits when billions of US foreign aid dollars flow into the country. Things don't go quite as planned. The plot pokes fun at international politics, nuclear arms proliferation and all the major players in the cold war. I give it three thumbs up. :lol:
I'm sorry but I don't think the U.S. should be the world's "Democracy Fairy". I think we can find something much better here at home to spend $75 million dollars on. Especially when they're cutting medicare, medicaid and education and Katrina survivors are being evicted.
Have you been visiting Japan and Germany lately? Have you spoken to anyone how they feel and what they actually think of US foreign policies? Do you know how many Japanese are so displeased with presence of our bases for which they pay 75% of the costs? Besides why are you speaking on their behalf, bring some Germans and Japanese to this discussion with plethora of opnions to solidify it. Germans certianly opposing us on Iraq and hugly on Guantanamo issue. Allies come and go...
Allies often have policy disagreements. But Japan and Germany are still very good allies and friends of the USA. As is France.
Actually, does anyone know of any psychological studies that may actually support the idea that various forms of propaganda actually work? I see what they're getting at though. If even one person gets some idea from the broadcast it might lead to a more significant assessment of whatever the subject matter is... Overall it does sound like a silly idea, but I really wonder if there's an element of truth to it, and if so, how "well does it work"?
again, you fail to bring any of those people to the conversation. You speak on their behalf. Because they are allies on paper doesn't mean they are very fond of us.
