Some boards ask that you introduce yourself with a greeting. Not sure if this one does or not, but just in case lets do that first.
So hello fellow maple leaf members!
This seemed like a highly charged political place so I joined. I also liked that there seems to be a few active and retired miltary types here. I have no military experience, but have a rich family history of military service, and have great respect for the service, servicemen, and military sacrifice.
Seeing as I know Shavluk and Tbud from elsewhere online, I'll single you both out and say hi personally.
Hi guys!
Onto this thread...
Someone mentions how that the USA is not imperialistic.
What does imperialistic mean?
In the broadest sence of definition, imperialism = expansion[ism]. [ism = tendencies therof.]
In reference to nations and their dealings with their neighbours, it means the expansion of economic/social rule into other defined national borders does it not?
In that sense, I find it increadulous that anyone who knows even a little history from the last few hundred [or 25] years could see the US as anything BUT an imperialist nation.
The takeover of economies here and there all over the globe, whether through finance or military, the setting up of new or realigning of existing socio-economic structures to raise them to self-sustaining ecomomy able to create and maintain an industry based on whatever that country has for resourses or skill is the very apitome of imperialism is it not?
Economic imperialism, at times maintained miltarily, but imperialism all the same.
When it is imposed against the will of the existing society of a given country, or if it welcomed by a government at odds with the general population, it is imperialism striving to become an empire.
There are personal attacks against Shavluk Tbud in this thread.
There's attacks on pot smokers, drinkers, and the unemployed in this thread.
There's derogatory references and attacks involving mental illnesses in this thread.
I'll I can say is I have my thoughts on all of this, but may never get around to typing them here, so for now I think it is important to say 2 things:
1.)
That I have read hundreds, perhaps even thousands of Shavluks and Tbuds threads and posts, and my opinion of them is this:
Tbud is a very open minded and has made me stop and think many times. He's perhaps even been responsible for me to re-align my thinking or opinion on any number of given subjects.
I'll say this about Shavluk:
I liked his online personae enough to go out of my way to meet him and his family in person, and having visited and stayed with him off and on for about 2 weeks just this last August, I can say that yes, John is definitely a "hothead." [Whatever that is.] I've been accused of the same thing at times, (haven't we all perhaps) and however it presents itself through John, I can say that what is percieved as anger and bitterness comes from a deep running sense of injustice and a will to make things better for everyone.
I can also vouch for John in that he is in his 50's, and he does have veteran plates.
I will say that it is my opinion that he is definitely ex-military, and that although he is a little rough around the edges, he would make a damn fine political leader, especially in wartime.
2.)
I am of the opinion that it is possible to have great respect for the reasons that anyone would put on a uniform, that it is the ultimate sacrifice, and a very noble thing, but that one can feel this way and still feel that the mission is wrong.
This applies to the men and women of either side in any war in history.
Maybe I'll get around to sharing my thoughts on the other things I mentioned, but dinner's ready, after which I am going to make coffee and roll myself a joint.
Allan Burroughs
100 Mile House BC
