As I read more and more about United States Imperialism in the 19th and 20th century, the main figure that comes to mind is obviously Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt really pushed that standard of what was considered “right and wrong” and he especially pushed his rights in the Panama Canal and its construction. He basically in my mind went against what was “PC” at the time. Roosevelt was the United States as superior and that was it. He saw the United States in a very “blinded” sense. Roosevelt didn’t exactly care if the US was actually the best, with his persistence and forceful leadership; the states really hadn’t a choice but to follow him. Roosevelt saw American imperialism as a way not to just “expand” (such as Guam and Puerto Rico), although it was a major reason why he went forth with everything he did- but he saw US imperialism as a way of firstly bringing forth democracy to a world of “uncivilized” nations and then to basically police the world with the other “civilized’ countries that were front runners.
If none of this type of mindset and strategy sound familiar…well, of course it sounds familiar…its slightly reminiscent of the Bush “doctrine”. Bush has constantly preached his message on dismantling countries with weapons of mass destruction, throwing over dictators and unfair leaders, and ultimately infusing democracy in to the countries of this world. The very fact that I read this comparison made me laugh. When people think of Theodore Roosevelt I think people generally think “Oh, what a great innovative mind that changed out country for the better!” (Even though there are those who know his faults, of course) People generally glorify presidents and figures of the past simply because they’re part of our “great and defining” past. But to compare Theodore Roosevelt, a president in which people see as great and defining, with George W. Bush, the person who is considered “the worst president of our time…” and all of this over-dramatic chatter about how “we shouldn’t be in Iraq…or anywhere for that matter…!” You’ve heard it all. It makes me laugh, mainly because its usually democrat “wannabes” as I call it who do not understand or even know squat about politics or anything about the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, or an political affair. The majority of people my age and older get their “perspective” on politics from the media. Let’s fact it…we’re a product of the media. But most people my age respond to the question “Why are you liberal?!” with “Well, first of all we have no right to be in Iraq…who do we think we are? Second of all, Bush is ignorant and didn’t even go to college…when I’m pretty sure he went to an ivy-league (and if he’s so stupid…how did he get elected), and thirdly…Being Liberal is trendy! Kanye West and Beyonce are liberal…and plus liberals are all about going GREEN! It’s all the rage…it’s trendy.
So, after criticizing basically most of the people I know, I just thought it was interesting that the comparison was made between Bush and Theodore Roosevelt. I would say that I ultimately do agree with the comparison. I think in maybe 15 years as we look on Bush, we may not be so hasty and find some of his endeavors somewhat beneficial.
Much Love-
ben
