One of the greatest taboo’s in American history is any discussion of whether or not the U.S. is an Empire. When you look at the facts there is no doubt we are — 761 bases worldwide (not counting the U.S., Iraq or Afghanistan) compared to the British Empire at its height having 37 bases; spending as much as the whole world combined on weapons and war; removing government’s we don’t like and putting in place leaders friendly to U.S. views.
But, if we discuss whether we are an Empire it then leads to uncomfortable questions like: Is being an Empire good for U.S. national security? Is it good for the economy to be borrowing one million dollars per soldier to keep them in Afghanistan for one year? Are our military actions consistent with or undermining of the rule of law?
Is being the largest Empire in history consistent with our democratic republic?
When all those questions are discussed it becomes evident that militarism, war and Empire undermines the United States rather than strengthens it. Breaking this taboo may be even more challenging than the drug war!
The letter writer needs to revisit history. Although I wouldn’t mind revisiting our role as the World’s Policemen, the alarmist exaggerations are not helpful, not is comparing apples and oranges.
We have military bases in foreign countries who are allies and who are aligned with worldview. The British Empire held colonies. Hardly the same thing. We have a large Air Force base in Germany, but Germany is independent and has no hesitation in expressing criticism of the U.S., and could order us to go at their good pleasure. To compare that with Great Britain’s hold on India, Egypt, Hong Kong, Rhodesia, etc. is simply misguided.
The letter writer also needs to define his/her Empires. If you refer to land mass, the USSR and China fit the description. And as to population, China has us beat hands down. And before you belittle them as having less international influence, look at the label in any pair of shoes or on any piece of electronics. And as to militarism, talk to the Kuwaitis or anyone in the Balkans. They only enjoy their sovreign nation status because when they yelled, “Help”, the U.S. responded.