If anything, the US should be taking a "domestic role."  I was just talking about this w/David Coverdale from Whitesnake, and even he agrees even though he's British.

We need to take care of ourselves first. Something that we currently are not doing.

REPEAL NAFTA
REPEAL CAFTA
REPEAL ALL FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
BRING U.S JOBS BACK!

I would like for Djhuti or anyone else to tell me who hates us more since the Iraq war that didn't already, including the Clinton era?North Korea? Iran? Was Germany and France any more helpful? Our true friends Great Britain, Israel and Australia have been there throughout. What does the U.N. ever do pro-U.S.?

How about instead of playing Global Keystone Cops From Hell (Iraq) we take on the role of Good Neighbor (Darfur)?If we spent HALF,even one quarter,of what we've spent on war on PEACE-I bet we'd have a lot more allies and not be so despised and hated throughout the globe.

stay out of people's buisness remeber sept 11 people?

As the sole superpower today, the global role of the United States is of paramount importance to everyone: citizens, residents and foreigners. With that power comes responsibility. The first thing to remember is that most everyone pulls against the biggest dog on the block, preferring instead the underdog. It's just human nature, and this is one reason the term egotistical is thrown about so much; nevertheless, realities and objectivity must be used to overcome this tendency if we are to properly analyze what the proper global role of the U.S. is and should be. Secondly, we must acknowledge that there are consequences of culture. No culture, political organization, or society is perfect, nor can it be given the human condition. This means that waiting for perfection prior to casting stones is neither a logical nor an advisable course of action. This also means that the world's ills are not necessarily the fault of the U.S. (in fact rarely so), but rather mere costs of the choice of culture, etc. Frankly, the current situation will not last anyway as there is no way that the U.S. can afford to finance the policing of the world while other developed countries concentrate on commercial and humanitarian enterprises. The future is economic alliances (eg the European Community and NAFTA). The question then becomes whether the U.S. and its potential rivals and allies will work together or as adversaries now and in the future. Currently, it is unwise for the U.S. to take the global opinion hits for having to shoulder the military responsibilities while others are freed thereby to gain respect and leverage via humanitarian efforts. One solution is to create a humanitarian arm of NATO (or its successor) and make all future military and humanitarian actions via this organization, assuming that command and control issues can be resolved. Closer to home, the future is clearly closer and more integrated economic, security and political integration of the Americas, especially between the NAFTA signatories. The bottom line is that the global role of the U.S. is more fluid and much more complex now than for any other major power in that position before (eg the British Empire), and those without responsibility find it easy to criticize; however, in many ways we are being thrust in the spotlight willing or not. We can only hope that this will be our finest hour. (Note that I find it interesting that many on the Left who champion centralizing power in the Federal Government are so quick to oppose imposing ideas on a global scale. I'm afraid the principle is the same, at least as a general rule.)

What global role, other than general store?

I think our global role is to take a back seat. We're in debt, we have a high unemployment rate, we're a top target for a terrorist attack...if you want other issues take a look at this list of 60-odd items. If it were up to me we would let other countries live, stop being the world watchdog, and put that extra money towards our own problems.

Yes, we have the lead global role. I know that Democrats have their heads buried in the sand (and other places), so they don't see a global role for us.

I too believe that the primary role of the United States is to be an example to the rest of the world in how we conduct ourselves, both here at home and abroad. However, those that advocate an interventionalist foreign policy consisting of humanitarian missions tend to forget that it is the role of the United States military to defend te people of the United States, not those of other nations. Vietnam taught us what happens when we become entangled in a faraway war. Now, of course, as in World War II, war was necessary in order to defend ourselves and to liberate millions of people from persecution. An international coalition was formed, and in the end, we prevailed. If the free world works together collectively to help those who want freedom to attain it, then such liberation and nation-building missions are logical, as very little U.S. involvement SHOULD be needed. However, let us remember that democracy is not something that can be imposed--- it must be demanded by the people. The people of whatever country must be willing to fight for their own freedom. We cannot be responsible for the rest of the world--- we cannot be all things to all people essentially. Now, if people want freedom, then this nation and other nations should be willing to help, but the people themselves have to put up an equal effort. We can pave a path for democracy, but it is the oppressed that must follow that path and take responsibility for their own freedom.

WE have a national song that says from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli we will fight our countries battles on the land and in the sea. The problem is the halls of Montezuma is in Mexico and the shores of Tripoli is in Lebanon. Invasionary attitude. We do have have a global role but it should be a defensive one and not of the pre-emptive nature.

if they are the only superpower how come the $ sucks and the economy is in a big slump. Bush has focused too much on int'l issues should worry about domestic first!

we must make sore everyone knows who is holding the cards and it is us.

The US should just get on with being the US and stop trying to poke its business into every other country on the planet. There's a lot more history and experience that has been gained through the centuries in these places and they don't need the 'American way of Life' to live better. Let's see: what benefits come from the States? McDonald's and Starbucks, Presidents who rule through fixed votes, Groups live in minority enclaves, Money rules (not whether you are a good person), No proper pension rights or healthcare , Gun culture, Violence in Hollywood movies, Great, ain't it?

For the US to remain the actual lone superpower, we must make our presence felt overseas. I love waking up at 7 AM, taking a shower in clean water, walking to the cafeteria and getting a breakfast burrito, then going to my class that is paid for by my parents, me, and the university. America's presence abroad is about 1 thing - The United States Way of Life. Isolationalism was our strategy going into WWII, and look what heppened. Look how many thousands, maybe millions of lives America has actually saved since because of our overseas presence, stamping out unjust dictators, cartels, and other threats to our security.

with us or against us ?

Pax Americana. What is good for the United States of America is good for the world. If anything has been proven by the inane behavior of the United Nation in this current crisis it is how irrelevant "World Organizations" are. It is merely an employment agency for the leftists, savages and other dregs of the World who have achieved nothing in most of it's existence. The efforts of the UN and Clinton have been ongoing with Iraq for longer than the Third Reich existed. 12 years. Such stupidity is intolerable. If they don't love us then let them fear us.

definitely more important than gay rights, for example......

The current administration is attempting a radical change in the global role of the U.S., and many Americans don't seem to comprehend the serious ramifications of this change. The Bush doctrine, in the works BEFORE 9/11, declares that the U.S. will preemptively attack with lethal force wherever we perceive a POTENTIAL threat. This is not only fantastically dangerous, it's profoundly un-American. It has never been the American way to throw the first punch; indeed, our national mythology is based on an idea of the American as the guy who steps in to STOP a fight, or fights reluctantly if honor or his family's safety absolutely requires it. The Bush doctrine throws all that out the window; it is the behavior not of a benevolent power or a good, law-abiding world citizen--but of an aggressor, a bully, an empire.

I believe the US should have a major global role, but a positive one. Remember: It might not be politically correct, but America really did bring the events of September 11th upon itself. We have tirelessly supported brutal regimes the world over as long as they would give us good trade deals (ESpecially on oil), especially the Middle Eastern governments like Saudi Arabia. We also actively overthrew democratically elected governments for the same reasons. With regard to the Middle East: 1.) We assasinated the democratically elected priemminister of Iran and put the Shah in place. After 20 years of brutal repression the Iranians went into open revolution. Fearful that a communist government could rise, the US helped the Ayatollah Khomenie get to power. After he took our embassy we got Iraqi leader Sadamm Heussein to attack Iran. We gave Iraq all sorts of aircraft and weaponry, including biological and chemichal weapons.He used the weapons against the Iranians and his own people, creating a death toll of over a million. 2.) When Afghanistan went communist the CIA started the Mujahadeen movement to fight them. They gave the Islamic radicals millions of dollars in weapons and Osama Bin Laden $3 billion to create terroist training caps to be used against the russians. 3.) After we "Liberated" Kuwait we re-installed the military dictator. 4.) We have turned a blind eye towards the mass slaughter of the palestinians while giving unending support to Israel. I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW ANYONE COULD POSSIBLY SAY THAT THESE PEOPLE HATE OUR FREEDOM OR THAT THEY JUST WANT US DEAD. THEY JUST WANT A CHANCE AT A LIFE WHERE THEY ARE NOT DEGRADED AND REPRESSED. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION ITS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN SCREWED FOR THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. THE SUICIDE BOMBINGS REFLECT A LEVEL OF DESPERATION THAT IS UNNERVING. THEY MAY HAVE THE BLOOD OF 3,000 ON THIER HANDS, BUT WE HAVE THE BLOOD OF MILLIONS ON OURS.

We are the only real superpower on this planet, and I firmly believe it is our job to enforce our role as global cop----if only our so-called "allies" would find the stones and attempt to do the same!!!!

I think the U.S. should take over the whole world with an all volunteer army, and we will rename the globe 'United World of America' (UWA). Global individual human rights for all citizens of the planet will be the goal. And all the criminal gov'ts will be brought to justice, the UN will be disbanned, and AryanDan will rule with consent. All the people will be happy and free. FOLLOW UP I guess I'm flattered that you (dirkdick) think I'm a cult leader and able to brainwash people. All I was doing was using the ancient art of persuasion, which is a noble endeavor. If anything, I'm trying to deprogram you from all the brainwashing that you have been subjected to your whole life. Well, I certainly can't win them all, and in this case, it's your loss. As far as my comments about America taking over the world, all I am really suggesting is to go with a proven political system. America has shown that they offer the greatest amount of freedom to the most amount of people. Sure we have problems which must be addressed. But, America stands for freedom and if that freedom can be spread all over the world, what's wrong with that? The UN is a pathetic, dangerous joke that can only serve to guarantee further human suffering. Criminal gov'ts all over the world continue to exist free from prosecution while engaging in brutal acts against the people they are suppose to protect. The Iraqi gov't, for example, has gassed it's own citizens and gotten away with it. The Iraqi people deserve better, but if you still think that a sovereign gov't can do whatever it wants to anyone, then I say to you that you are not a humanitarian. I believe in GLOBAL, INDIVIDUAL, HUMAN RIGHTS!!!!! I don't care about any gov't. All of them need to be held accountable to how they treat their people, and if they get out of line, they will be taken out. Gov'ts have been getting away with murder far too long. And the bottom line is there is no other country with the capability and nobility able to accomplish a new world order where the individual is king. That was the goal in mind when I made that post. As far as me being the leader, that was just a funny joke, but I wouldn't turn down the job, and if I got the job, I would do everything I could to support the above stated goals. And for you, dickdirt, stop using RIA's topics to ramble on your lies about me!!!!!

George Washington warned this nation at the beginning that it should not get entangled in other nations' affairs. When we over-extend ourselves, we make too many enemies and get into too many wars.

The U.S. being involved with other countries around the world despite what some people feel will never end. It would be nice for us to stay out of other countries problems but it always seems at some point certain countries want us to intervene, and others don't. It's really a double-edge sword. Problems are caused and problems are remedied. Conflicts started and conflicts ended. Here as of late they seem to be mounting for us.

The US is certainly an example country for others to follow. A nation of enlightened thinkers, an advanced medical program, the best space program, advanced electronics, great transportation system and more. Enemy nations should follow their example and become like us. Of course, soon, there will be a united world government and the world will be at peace.

The U.S. is the single most powerful nation in the world -- its global role should be a huge issue to those of us who are not U.S. Americans. Shortly after 9/11, an editorial by Gordon Sinclair (Canadian) was circulating on the Internet, many people under the impression that it had been written as a reaction to 9/11. It was written many years ago, but many of Mr. Sinclair's points are valid today: much of what the U.S. does around the world is underrated and unappreciated. Countries quick to accept U.S. aid are much to quick to slam the U.S. whenever possible and much too slow to offer help. Without the U.S., many countries would be in dire straits. At the same time, the perception often is that the U.S. intervenes only when, as abichara says, its strategic interests are threatened, only to protect its oil or other necessary resources. I read an excellent book once where the U.S. considered invasion of Canada for its hydro supply. Pierre Elliot Trudeau compared us once to a mouse sleeping next to an elephant -- that's true of most of the world. U.S. actions have a huge impact on all of us, so I hope Americans place great importance on their country's global role.

We need to stop trying to be the world police.

Ever since the 9/11 attacks, this issue has come to mean so much more. She we even worry about what goes on in the Middle East? Should we just ignore the violence and tension between Israel and Palestine? India and Pakistan? Where is the point where we cross the line between giving humanitarian aid and just taking over the country to gain global influence or money for the United States? So many difficult questions. Several times throughout our history, we have said that we were assisting countries from their oppressors, when we were in fact becoming the oppressors. Two examples are in the Spanish-American War (both in Cuba and in the Philippines) and in the whole contra affair fiasco with Reagan.

Since when is the US the only place in the world that matters? If you ask ME, we aren't handling our "role" particularly well...showing the 3rd World-ers that the best way to deal with your enemies is to blast them to bits. Nice job, country, I'm getting a little more than slightly ticked off at this whole thing. However, re-evaluating our "global role" might HELP a little in fimnding out what the Shiites and their comrades hate about US. But right at the moment, we are a little too "out of it" as you might say, to think straight, and we aren't handling the "global role" very well. Take care, everyone!

I'm not sure if all Americans know this, but the actual fact why so many people around the world hate the US is the lack of interest among US politicians to help to construct & improve the world society. For us it seems like the US has enough with itself. Americans are known for being the most egoistic people of the world. This is nothing to e proud of, but you've still got time to change it! Take foreign policy much more seriously & I'm sure you'll succeed! Best wishes! :-)

I agree with "Teaseress'" contention that we should not try to impose our values on other countries and cultures. While I feel that we are the greatest nation in the history of the world, and blessed by Divine Providence, I would like to see our leaders follow George Washington's advice and avoid "entangling alliances". I do not like the idea of my tax dollars being squandered on police actions around the globe. We need to focus on our own issues and problems, of which there are many. It is criminal that our government confiscates our hard-earned dollars, then spends them overseas on ventures that are often damaging to our national security. Regarding the comment by "abichara1882", America is a republic, not a democracy. A republic is a government of laws. A democracy is little better than mob rule. The false concept that America is a democracy is being aggressively pushed by the liberal media and by certain liberal politicians (eg. Clinton, Gore, Lieberman, etc.). Up until the time of FDR, American military manuals stated that "democracy" was the worst possible form of government, and that it often degenerated into mob rule, or a dictatorship of the majority. This is not supposed to happen in America. That is why the Founding Fathers created a consitutional republic, complete with a system of checks and balances. We are the greatest country in history. That is precisely why we need to focus on preserving our republican form of government, and taking care of our own needs and our own citizens. Accordingly, we should avoid sticking our noses in others' business. God bless America.

We are a very large, well off and, in spite of Clinton's obvious attempt to weaken our military strength, still powerful country. People ask for our help and then condemn us when we comply. Damned if you do - damned if you don't sums up the predicament, but we still have no choice than to be involved in the world - actively or passively. Do we think we're better at it than anyone else? Maybe it's not so much that we think we're better, we may just think we have the funds to try. Maybe that comes out of compassion, maybe greed, maybe arrogance maybe a combination. But, my guess is that most of the time, most American's aren't even thinking much about our role in the world, the BIG picture or how we would do it "better". Like most other humans around the world, from day to day I'll bet we are all thinking more about the basics of life like food, clothing, housing, and the ability to continue to finance these things. Many times, when we do think about it, we disagree with the way it's handled by our leaders. And, many times, we express that to sometimes-deaf ears. So, what you are seeing in the world daily may not have much to do with the popular American opinion. You only need to look at how we felt as a whole about Viet Nam, to see an example of this. This "conflict" continued for years in spite of efforts by the "rabble" to stop it. It seems that throughout history, and depending mostly on how financially well off they were, just about every country has had a chance to express itself as the big cheese - Egypt, Greece, Rome, Spain, France, England, Germany and the U.S. Sometimes the results were good, sometimes not so good, but always criticized, debated and generally kicked around. Positive or negative opinions about the results are nearly always dependent on who profits - at least for the moment. In answer to Teaseress question "Why does the US think it's the best at everything?" Some of our leaders may, some of our people sure, but most of us just want to live our lives in as peaceful a world as is possible, just like you.

Why does the US think its the best at everything? Ok, you are really good for your own country, but you can't always apply it to others. We are all on the same world, but in regards to social structure and traditions, we are worlds apart.

In 1964, Ronald Reagan gave a speech in which told an anecdote about a refugee from Cuba who had fled to the U.S. as Castro assumed totalitarian power there. An American told the Cuban, "Wow, your story reminds me how lucky we are in the U.S." The Cuban refugee said back to him, "No, I am the one who is lucky. I'm lucky that the U.S. exists as a beacon to freedom for the rest of the world. Were it not for the U.S., I would have had nowhere to go." We need to remember this -- that the most important role the U.S. can play is that of a model of the protection of individual freedom. Ronald Reagan understood this, and with his clarity of vision and consistency in foreign policy during his presidency, dictatorships lost incredible ground due to a groundswell of public clamour throughout the world for greater freedom. I hope that GWB can inherit that mantle. Perhaps in 10 years we will have the end of communist rule in China. If we do, I am sure that it will be because of moral leadership on the world stage from the U.S., not because we've installed "peacekeeping forces" in Asia or the other arrogant, interventionist tactics that Clinton seemed so partial to.

Our role in the world should be to be an example to the world of how democracy should work. America should not go around to other nations like China in an attempt to infuse our values into other nations. Parlimentary government is an ideal form of government for all nations, but all nations should decide for themselves what kind of government they want. We will do business with whomever wants to do business with us. The military should not be an international peacekeeping force, it should be used only when our strategic interests are threatened, Our military should be used to protect oil-producing nations when need be (Kuwait). A spike in the cost of petroleum could have negative consequences towards our economy in all sectors. Through the same token, we must not also point our finger at our nations for human rights violations when we have human rights problems in our own nation (racism, whatever the stripe; and abortion).