I too like the US, and enjoyed my time there, but I agree it is a place for the rich. That fact cannot be ignored. I have a hard time with that. Being a have, surrounded by have nots, doesn't sit easy with me. I've been there and done that, and it's not fun. I believe it is the survival of the fittest mentality and exclusionism that leads to the types of injuries and ailments that a society like America suffers from overall. And as an Ontario resident who has survived mike Harris' Common Sense revolution, I know the symptoms of the disease takes time to manifest. Toronto residents are seeing that now as a result of the Tory's, and I don't want to see that occuring on a national level. If it does, I might as well just move back to Beverly Hills, ...at least the weather would be better. Unlike others who feel the need to pick up and move tho, it won't be a challenge for me. Unlike those who have a job as employees, or who own a traditional business, my life & lifestyle are extremely portable. I can be transplanted tomorrow without having to sacrifice a darn thing or leave behind years of hard work.
I have lived in both the US and Canada, and I prefer Canada. Ironically enough, I believe that both in thought & deed, Canada best exemplifies "The American Dream", as well as all the egalitarian ideals of freedom, liberty, justice & equality for all, the pursuit of happiness, etc., espoused by the US, but rarely seen in practice.
PS - I believe societies cannot be exclusionary. They do so at their own peril. It has to work for EVERY member of that society, if not, every member of that society will feel the impact.
How about every member of that society working for that society, as opposed to (too) many in that society expecting it to work for them? I firmly believe in the (largely) capitalist American society, where the "survival of the fittest" mentality causes industrial and technological revolutions, incredible wealth of the nation and individuals, national defense strength and economic power, etc, etc. Yet we still take care of those unable to care for themselves, and offer those who can care for themselves but who are traditionally "disadvantaged" in one way or another a level playing field through apprenticeship programs, financial aid, affirmative action, etc.
I could sit here all night and talk about people I know personally who were born without a pot to piss in, and were able to make something of themselves - people who didn't finish high school yet became millionaire business owners; inner city kids who used either brains, athletic ability, or financial aid (or any combination thereof) who became successful - and not just as pro athletes - many as doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. In most cases, about the only thing these people had going for them that their peers on the farms, streets, and trailer parks didn't is desire, along with perhaps a bit of extra savvy (or athletic ability) in some cases, though not all.
We can't all be the prettiest, richest, the smartest the best at what we do, or whatever. Those who are the best at what they do should reap the rewards; just as those who have skills which are rewarded the most by whatever demands the free market deems most desirable should. Those who are in these positions should not be dragged down to mediocrity in terms of rewards, recognition, or whatever.
Here in the US, you can usually be fairly certain that the brain surgeon who finished at the top of his class, works like a dog, and is thought of as a top performer in his field is making more money than the guy who barely completed his schooling and is working for the DOD, where the quality of his work will unfortunately matter little, and malpractice suits (accountability) are nonexistant. Of course it goes without saying that both surgeons will make more money and enjoy more prestige in life than unskilled laborers. That's the way it is.
Hell, there are many journalists on the national networks who make millions a year simply because they have pretty faces. Life is not fair - a capitalist society recognizes this, and uses this to its advantage. Other types of societies try to force life to be fair, which is clearly far more detrimental to the society long term.
As for America's international aggression, again this is a function of accepting reality, and doing what is necessary for the greater good of the world. I have to wonder what would happen to Canada and many other countries if America suddenly dropped off the face of the earth.
*Edit - my sermon forgot to cover those lucky(?) individuals who were born wealthy - again, life ain't fair. They have every right to enjoy whatever they inherit, and hopefully make more with it.
