Apathetic Australians?

[Aliantha]

Well, none of that has hit the Australian mainstream media. Maybe next week. We're a bit slow here.

But even so, I'd stand behind my point anyway. It's the governments job to care for it's own citizens first. I'd expect it of my own government, and so should the citizens of the US in my opinion.

[classicman]

I agree.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

Well, none of that has hit the Australian mainstream media. Maybe next week. We're a bit slow here.

But even so, I'd stand behind my point anyway. It's the governments job to care for it's own citizens first. I'd expect it of my own government, and so should the citizens of the US in my opinion.

I so totally agree, I say fuck the rest of the world, close the borders, cut off all aid for 5 years, and lets just see where we stand.

[classicman]

You joining radar and I merc? Is there room for him in the bunker?

[TheMercenary]

Sorry bro, Radar will never be in my bunker.

[classicman]

but you said ...... "I say fuck the rest of the world, close the borders, cut off all aid for 5 years, and lets just see where we stand."

[Aliantha]

Radar says open all the borders. I think that's the key difference...among many others.

[classicman]

ohhh you mean reality - gotcha!
Who asked you anyway - Aren't you supposed to be apathetic?

[Aliantha]

Yes, and to be honest I'm feeling that way today. lol

[TheMercenary]

I really think it would be a significant and important move for the US. Let's just shut down and see who are friends really are. Some will win, some will lose. No big deal. Unlese we have a Re-start, Re-boot, the same ole stuff is going to go on. JMHO.

[classicman]

So you want to hit Ctrl+Alt+Del on the world eh?

[TheMercenary]

Yea, basically. I think it is time to see what our true worth is.

[Aliantha]

Some economists are saying this is the equivalent of a reboot anyway.

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

But even so, I'd stand behind my point anyway. It's the governments job to care for it's own citizens first. I'd expect it of my own government, and so should the citizens of the US in my opinion.

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

I so totally agree, I say fuck the rest of the world, close the borders, cut off all aid for 5 years, and lets just see where we stand.

But this is a situation where the solution is to be found through cooperation, not selfishness. Yes, each government should care for its own citizens first, but the best way to do that is to make sure the world economy doesn't crash. Keep your trading partners healthy. "Beggar thy neighbour" policies will just mean that it will be longer before they can afford your exports again. So-called "protectionism" will hurt trade and cause more economic contraction.

Mind you, I am not convinced that these bail-out/stimulus packages will be very effective. They will have the best chance if all countries bring their stimuls packages online at around the same time. This will take trust and international cooperation. These commodities being in short supply, I have doubts.

My general point is the same one I make against strong libertarianism. Yes, each person can reasonably put their own interests first, but very often the best way to advance your own interest is to form a cooperative alliance. Selfish individualism, or selfish nationalism, is sometimes the best way to advance your interests, but often not.

[Aliantha]

Fair enough Zen. My point is more along the lines of being injected into conflicts or other situations which cost a lot of money that the taxpayers can't afford anyway.

From my own Australian perspective I'd certainly be against us becoming involved in any other conflicts while many people are starting to have trouble paying their bills. Yes we have to co-operate with our allies and trading partners, but not at the expense of our own people.