Us Colonialism

[KrustyKidd]

Posted recently from a MLW member:

The US, and others, still believe colonialism is worthy

The only 'American Colony' I know of is in Jerusalem. I would like to know where there is a history of "American Colonialism.'

The intent of this quote is to purport that Americans are immigrating by the thousands to the US Colonies? The 'American Colony' referred to above is only a compound for journalists and minor dignitaries so where are they, who are the Governors and what are the populations of these 'colonies?"

Or is it just crap, from a ranting Left?

[Hohenzollern]

The US has territories such as the Virgin Islands (bought from Denmark in 1917), Samoa, and various other islands, though I am not sure if they would classified as colonies. There is currently no real immigration from the 50 states to any territory that would reach anyone's attention.

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear KK and Hohenzollern,

When I say 'colonialism' being viewed as worthy, I mean just that. I did not say 'practiced', though it is not far from the truth. When the British controlled India, mass immigration of Brits did not occur. They nly needed the top few percent of each industry, backed by military might, to reside in the 'colony'. India, at the ime, (and the world's nations today) depend on security to uphold order. Britain (and now the US) offer 'military security' in exchange for the right to control the profits of indigenous business.

Indeed, it has been said, that free enterprise is 'economic anarchy, plus the police'. The British placed a few CEOs and a few police officials in each colony, or 'kingdom' in India to ensure that the companies remained 'onside' with the goals of the British Empire. They also offered 'security', so that each 'kingdom' would disarm and rely solely on the British military to save them from 'insurrection'. They even pitted 'princes against their fathers and kings' with the promise of wealth and power.

this is not that much different from the US promising Halliburton 7+ of the 18 billion dollars earmarked for the 'restructuring of Iraq' if they ensure that the CEOs remain 'onside' with the US benefitting from the future profits. They also promise 'military security' to this end. Halliburton could be renamed 'The East Iraqi Trading Company' without too much difficulty.

If you keep in mind that the Bush Family and Dick Cheney (and Condoleeza Rice, etc) owe all their allegience to oil money, (above freedom, democracy and justice) this is not a great stretch of the imagination.

[KrustyKidd]

Almost had the Krud K'miester here Lonius. Nice try.

police officials

If I recall, the British set up provinces ruled by Brits themselves. Governors and Magistrates, not Rent a Cops. It wasn't simply economic but a British ruled political situation as well.

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear KK,

You are entirely correct.

If I recall, the British set up provinces ruled by Brits themselves. Governors and Magistrates, not Rent a Cops. It wasn't simply economic but a British ruled political situation as well.

It was all done with a minimum of 'colonization'.

The 'provinces' weren't set up by the British, though, they existed as small 'kingdoms' and the Brits took control of them, through some of the means I described.

[KrustyKidd]

Thanks Lonius, always a pleasure to debate with one who can conceed to clarity. To counter conceed, I give you that a form of US colonialism is taking place in Iraq. Ideas, empowerment of the individual. Yes, it's good for the US. Yes it's good for the West. Like making your town and safer place to live in by giving the least wealthy a job rather than buying them off.