As a north American, I grew up learning that the west (capitalists) represented the good and all things from the east (communists) are up to no good. Even to this day, politicians and the intelligence community continue to issue warnings and dire threats about trusting Russia, China, Tehran, etc. etc. That WAS gospel truth. But as I grew older and travelled wider, I had the opportunity to view the perspective from the other side of the globe. I listened to what they think of us and what they hear about what the capitalists are up to. And now I realize how easy and gullible one can be if all we hear are what our governments allow us to.
I recently read an article written by a Vet who stated "... what was accomplished by your sacrifice and by the waste of lives and treasure in Vietnam, in Iraq and in Afghanistan?"
So true. If you consider the wars Americans waged in SEA - Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Nothing came out of it other than the immense loss of life on both sides. And despite how communism triumphed when they kicked the Americans out, non of the countries today failed in their quest to become better, stable and productive. So what could the Americans have offered that is better than what they have now?
Yes they are not perfect and yes their government may not be like ours. But I don't see the chaos I see in in countries like Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, countries that hosted the American government who tried to "liberate" them. Yes I use this term loosely and maybe "intervene" is a better word but a pig with lipstick is still a pig. And we wonder why some countries are leery of American meddling.
America, Russia, and China, like any superpower will always push the agenda that is in their best interest. So the warnings we hear from the western media are not a question of good over bad but more about their interest over our agenda. Russian meddling in US politics? You think Americans didn't do the same when they had the chance? Chinese support of dictators? Let's not forget American propping of South American despots. Name one, I'm sure we can find something Americans did as well. All in the name of doing the right thing AKA saving our interests.
Let's not forget for every finger that points out, 3 point back. Just sayin....