Does manifest destiny still exist?

[Pallida Mors]

The thought occured to me while driving and it seemed that alot of modern events parallel our expansionist approach during the 1800's. Obviously it evolved and we no longer claim land, but we do set up governments and make these 'democratic countries' indebted to us for lenghty periods of time. For instance after japan was rebuilt, mostly due to the japanese but america taking claim of its successes. Only now are they close to being a permanant seat on the security council even then it seems as though we(U.S) use them among others as pawns in our attempt to thwart the commie chinese. And yet we owe the japanese almost $1.2 trillion, followed by the chinese. I guess what I'm asking is do we have the right to this version of manifest destiny if you think it applies?

[Sétanta]

I think so. But not as litteraly as back then when America was expanding territorialy. America will always be growing, changing. America will always try to help in the world, spreading democracy, no matter what anybody says. Economics don't have anything to do with Manifest Destiny, although the United States is still the most vibrant, powerful economy in the world.

[Ahlerich]

I think so. But not as litteraly as back then when America was expanding territorialy. America will always be growing, changing. America will always try to help in the world, spreading democracy, no matter what anybody says. Economics don't have anything to do with Manifest Destiny, although the United States is still the most vibrant, powerful economy in the world.

when i was 10 which was in the 80s i asked my dad what communism is..i think because i had vietnam soldier toys and was playing with them and so the thing came up. well i was 10 and at that time my dad didnt tell me the complexity of communism..we covered that a few years later.
anyways what he said about communism and vietnam...he said communism is

"if you dont want to be my brother i crush your skull" hehe

it seems that america follows the same "policy" nowadays. attacking countries and justifying it by democracy is wrong i think.
democracy is not the holy grail and those who force democracy to other countries are not necessaryly good ppl.

[Pallida Mors]

But isnt economics the weapon of choice for this modern MD? Ultimately isn't that what has brought down the Soviet Union? Isnt that the tool that will make the Chinese become like us, or fall? I too think it still exists and that I'm wondering if we have the right? If were the lone super power is anyones logic, then isnt that the same as might = right, and the strong dictate history? Are we still that same nation that started the Philippine wars at the turn of the 20th century, throw out propaganda about the 'heathen' moro's and how we need to rescue them, and then carry on a secret war for until 1914? Isnt there alot of parallel to what we do now, and instead of spewing religous motive, we now use freedom as the cause and that justifies us to go where we want, free who we want and do it at the expense of the poor in both our countries. (by poor in both our countries is a broad statement for the US, not all enlistments are poor. I'm just citing the many who seemingly have no other options, or those who cant afford school so they sign up.) And that the only thing that stops this new approach is if the other country can accually stop us? (i.e china, or the old USSR.)

BTW- Mudd, I'm not saying i disagree, but am wondering if history will look back on this time and call us wrong? Like history looks at early american expansionism.

[Turbo]

But isnt economics the weapon of choice for this modern MD? Ultimately isn't that what has brought down the Soviet Union? Isnt that the tool that will make the Chinese become like us, or fall? I too think it still exists and that I'm wondering if we have the right? If were the lone super power is anyones logic, then isnt that the same as might = right, and the strong dictate history? Are we still that same nation that started the Philippine wars at the turn of the 20th century, throw out propaganda about the 'heathen' moro's and how we need to rescue them, and then carry on a secret war for until 1914? Isnt there alot of parallel to what we do now, and instead of spewing religous motive, we now use freedom as the cause and that justifies us to go where we want, free who we want and do it at the expense of the poor in both our countries. (by poor in both our countries is a broad statement for the US, not all enlistments are poor. I'm just citing the many who seemingly have no other options, or those who cant afford school so they sign up.) And that the only thing that stops this new approach is if the other country can accually stop us? (i.e china, or the old USSR.)

BTW- Mudd, I'm not saying i disagree, but am wondering if history will look back on this time and call us wrong? Like history looks at early american expansionism.

Economics is only one weapon of manifest destiny. The traditional use of the military is a powerful weapon as well. It is the manifest destiny of the US to protect its interests using whatever means are necessary and ofcourse most efficient.

[Ahlerich]

Economics is only one weapon of manifest destiny. The traditional use of the military is a powerful weapon as well. It is the manifest destiny of the US to protect its interests using whatever means are necessary and ofcourse most efficient.

i can not see how a disstabelized middle east is in the intrest of america. maybe in the interest of some american companies..

argh doublepost i know.. :-/