Original Story Author's blog I don't usually post opinion pieces, but I felt that tis one was significant because it really shows the foundation of neocon ideology. The root of these beliefs is an almost pathological certainty of American superiority over, well, everyone else. It also explains the neocon - religious right alliance since he fundamentalist christians are the other group in American politics who share a certainty that they are right and justified in whatever they do, no matter what. This is why I inherently distrust anyone who is certain of their position.
Ah, good, Godwinized on page one. You may now return to your regularly scheduled Bit-Tech, ladies and gentlemen.
America wasn't even discovered when the Magna Carta was signed? So what was Jay Leno's reaction to all this posturing?
I think that is exactly the point he is making. All politicians spout the same jingoist crap and the dumb masses cheer all over again. It does not make the politician special, nor the values he proclaims, nor the reaction of the public, nor the nation in which it happens. But that is what the writer of the linked article argues: "Look, aren't we noble in our purpose, angelic in out actions, godlike in our understanding?" What? Because the politician sounds like a cliche and his cheering public are gullible? Please.
Check the rules on Godwin. It only applies when a comparison is inappropriate. Let's leave this sort of rhetoric, appealing to the audience's vanities, to TV compères. And I really mean that sincerely, folks.
"The rule does not make any statement as to whether any particular reference or comparison to Hitler or the Nazis might be appropriate, but only asserts that one arising is increasingly probable." - Wikipedia And no, I would say that the comparison is rather inappropriate - Hitler was discussing reclaiming German honor and economic strength, Fred Thompson was playing to a crowd to before announcing his running for president. The only thing the two speeches really have in common is that they're both rather nationalistic (which still isn't a crime), and that they were both met with applause. If those are the only conditions to being Hitler-like, I rather doubt that any politician at all is safe: One might as well accuse Gordon Brown of being the next Hitler:
THAT IS EXACTLY CPEMMA'S POINT!!! Jeez! The comparison is this: Hitler (who was running for Fuhrer) spouted jingo: "We're better; we have a special place in the world because we are better, a special mission to fulfill to make this a better world. It comes with great sacrifice, but such is the lot of those of us who are special." (cue cheers and applause). Fred Thompson (who is running for President) makes exactly the same argument (cue cheers and applause). And he is as full of crap. Other politicians (who are running for assorted elections) say similar things, and guess what: they're full of it too. The comparison with Hitler is simply meant to illustrate: Hang on, this is just jingoist rethoric. And you know what happens when you buy into that wholesale. BTW, on the issue of Godwin's law:
I'd like to know the situation you have to be in to invoke the Electric Retard comic. Who's the sicko that originally read that on here again?
Mabye that should be a "There a XKCD for every situation" I aint taking any responsibility for that ****
There's an up side to Hitler if you ever read his obituary. Like Hitler's obit would read: The devoted Chancellor, husband and dog lover passed away this April 30, 1945 surrounded by his closest friends at his Berlin office. Known for his devotion to his country and the advancement of various technologies to improve travel over unimproved ground and previously closed air routes he will undoubtedly be sorely missed. Though his decisions could be called unconventional by some he clearly commanded the respect of his friends, family and followers.
Well, Hitler did do many a great thing with Germany. Absolutely no doubt about that. Have neo-cons done the same? No.
Thing with neo-cons is they want to bring democracy to the world.....good thing I think most of you will agree Only thing is they dont bring democracy they bend countries to there will like in the 80's during the cold war They funded the contras in Nicuragua covertly by giving iran money to buy arms to give to the contras to defeat the Sandistas who lost power much to the Regan administrations enjoyment but look at Ortega now who is now the democratically elected leader of the country. At the same time the contras were creating crack cocaine using the money they had from america and shipping it to california. America wanted the iranian revolutionaries out so they put Saddam Hussein in a position of power and give him the arms to go to war with Iran then look what happend he decided to have a go at Kuwait when the Iran Iraq war never went the way the wanted and look at the situation now. America funded the taleban to remove the Russian forces from afghanistan look what they did then and there doing now. If you look to the present day there keeping President Musharaff in power in Pakistan which antaginises the population and makes some turn to extremism which is exactly what america dosnt want to happen because they keep him in power in the hope he'll whipe it out, when him and his policies are the cause. Americas a good country but theres alot better fights to be fighting than trying to spread "democracy" through the world by funding dictatorships to defeat people america see as there enemy's when all it does is serve to antaganise them and raise more support. If you want to see the good and fair fight look at Kosovo but they should also look at places like Darfur and in the past Rwanda.
Neo-Cons don't want to bring democracy to the world --their agenda is to put the US at the center of the world economy and politics, because in their view what is good for the US is purpose for the world. As you point out, their policies reflect that philosophy. It has nothing to do with democracy --it has to do with a free market (for a very particular value of "free", i.e. the freedom to create business monopolies and oligarchies) and for this "free" market to happen you need to have a compatible government structure. Communism bad, Capitalism good. Dictatorships do as well as any government, but promoting "democracy" sounds a lot better so that is what Neo-Cons say they do.
