Warnings about American Exceptionalism...

[Nightshade]

Whatever your own personal ideas of 'American Exceptionalism,' it seems that the opinions of two world leaders seemed to converge and agree about how 'dangerous' it is:

Your idea of exceptionalism—that you and you alone have the right to a roomy nation—is dangerous to stability.

http://bit.ly/17tEbMM

Who said this?

And-

"It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation,"

http://abcn.ws/14NApjp

This?

The situation(s) and leaders are different- but the general idea and 'warning' is the same.

Pity that we (the USA) have such a weak and incompetent administration. "Exceptionalism" may indeed soon be a thing of the past- and the world will rest (in peace?)

[Foil]

There are indeed some parallels, but context is important here:

In the first, the world leader is arguing that his country's territorial grabs should be seen in the same light as American territorial expansion; e.g. "You're not the only one who has the right to take land."

In the second, the world leader is arguing that the U.S. is not above the international community, e.g. "You're not the only one involved, and you should not act alone."

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What I'm curious about, TB, is that in the context of the current situation (Syria), the second world leader is actually supporting your apparent position (from the other thread) against U.S. intervention. Yet you seem to be arguing against him. Why?

[Nightshade]

What I'm curious about, TB, is that in the context of the current situation (Syria), the second world leader is actually supporting your apparent position (from the other thread) against U.S. intervention. Yet you seem to be arguing against him. Why?

It is the reason for the intervention (in this instance, that I'm against)- there are ZERO American national interests involved. Intervention would not do anything significant to improve the situation (if at all) if it were to 'succeed' and would most likely WORSEN the crisis to the point of tipping into global war.

Obama's behavior has also humiliated and weakened the position of the US. The only reason Obama originally chose to intervene was to save HIS OWN face- it had nothing to do with national interest. Assad defied Obama's 'red line' and had to be 'punished.'

It's funny that Obama described Putin as a 'bored child' not too long ago when clearly the only 'child' here is Obama. Obama's ego and reckless hubris is a danger to us and the entire world.

[callmeslick]

I note with awe that TB is strangely silent after Obama gave a very lucid defense and definition of American Exceptionalism before the UN.....