[Gonzo]

I agree that other countries should respect Canada as an independant nation. Ignorance of other countries can be dangerous. And I never heard of Canada ever asking America for any money. I do remember America asking Canada to help free hostages from Iran. And we gave them Canadain passports to help get them out. I bet that isn't taught in American schools.

[Rev_Blair]

We did do that, Gonzo. We've done a lot of things like that over the years too...helped out as needed.

The trade imbalance is a major problem for the US, UglyYank. I'm not sure that your country can achieve complete parity, but you should at least be working towards it. As things sit now you are way to vulnerable to an economic attack. Your monetary imbalance is also a major problem. Canada could cripple your manufacturing base. China or the EU could cripple your economy. OPEC could cause major damage in either area.

That scares the hell out of a lot of people, but not nearly as much as the fact that nothing is being done about it.

[-Mario-]

What scares the b_bijises out of me, are those war games near China. That is the brink of the next great war. The US have the largest concentration of battle groups since WW2. Taiwan are to join them at some point. Taiwan where doing unique exercices of their own. China is simulating the invasion of Taiwan, right next to the island of Taiwan. Those intimidation games should be scrutinize more closely by the media.
Scary shit, I tell ya. Maybe thats why Bush is such in a hurry to refill his war reserves of 700 millions of barrels. That guy scares me. Bush is not scare of using his military might. He's done it in Iraq!!!

[Rev_Blair]

I really doubt he can beat China, at least at this point. I really doubt Bush understands that, but I hope his advisors do.

[polemarch1]

The Americans know that a war with China at the best of times would be far from certain. What's more China has nuclear capibilites to consider.

$1:

I do remember America asking Canada to help free hostages from Iran. And we gave them Canadain passports to help get them out. I bet that isn't taught in American schools.

That isn't taught in Canadian schools ether. At least it wasn't in mine. I had to find that out on my own.

[Rev_Blair]

I just watched it on the news. It wasn't history yet because it was still happening.

[Johnnybgoodaaaaa]

Hmm, I don't think the US could beat China, but I don't think China could beat the US. Sure they have manpower, but they don't have a strong enough economy to take on the US. I think it would be a pretty even fight cause China has the manpower, while the US has the technology. Would probably be another Korean war, I mean China had tons of manpower then, plus the North Koreans, and still weren't able to break the line towards the end. I can't really remember if they sent the rest of their huge army, but I remember them sending quite a bit of people. Now, I know other nations like Canada and so on helped in that war, but the US was the driving force.

[UglyYank]

The international economy is intertwined into a complex web. Any attempts at damaging it at one end would results in a ripple effect at the other.

This "war" with China senario. Interesting. Liberals in this country were saying any attempt at the US taking on the Iraqi army would spell defeat for US forces. Afterall, the Iraqi army was, what, the 3rd or 4th largest at the time? They definately had a numerical superiority.

For this China senario to play out would mean that Americans would have to go there because China doesn't have the resources to come here. The only thing they have going for them is manpower.

[Rev_Blair]

They've got manpower. They also own enough of the American economy to shut it down for all intents and purposes. All they have to do is call in the debt and re-index to the Euro instead of the USD.

Would that have a ripple effect back in China? You bet, but they are still an insular society with a long tradition of looking inward. They could well decide to absord the ripples. It is also questionable, depending on the circumstances, if other countries would back the US through boycotts, loans etc.

There is much more to war than military might.

[UglyYank]

Wow! Rev Blair, this country can bring us down, that country can cripple us, so-in-so can destroy our economy. Yada, yada, yada. I guess it is a wonder we have lasted this long.

I see this "war with China" senario being thrown about on forums such as these quite often. I think some people latch on to it because they feel it some how proves the US is not the invincible powerhouse it is cracked up to be. As if they believe China is their saving grace against the evil US.

I particularly do not like discussing fantacy wars simply because there are far too many variables involved and it is way too complex to wage a ficticous conflict. First, I haven't seen anyone define what "winning" such a "war" would be. I mean, what would it take to win? A destroyed economy? Body count? What? Most of the arguments I have seen, both here and elsewhere, are mostly simplistic views based on one's desire to see the US brought down. Rather borish, IMO.

You pointed out something that made me say, hmmmm. On one hand you believe China could destroy us economically and weather the effects. On the other we are talking about a society who has only recently emerged from the stone age and yet some how can ruin us? Then what?

[Gonzo]

Look how long China has lasted. Americans live a much more comfortabe life then the Chinese do. China would be able to indure a long struggle. Any war with an asian nation would be a big mistake. Too many Americans think that their country can take on the world. Ignorance. The war in Iraq is not over, despite what Dubya said. America hasn't won yet.

[Rev_Blair]

The "war with China scenario", as you call it, has come out of US and Chinese actions around Taiwan and the likely emergence of China as the next superpower, Ugly Yank.

What you see as wishful thinking that the US be brought down is actually concern that the US will be brought down because, while China is likely able to weather the effects of that, it is doubtful that Canada would fair as well...especially under current conditions.

As for what would constitute winning such a war...I doubt either side would achieve a clear victory as we define it, but it would be a war over resources in the end. Both sides would be looking to expand and solidify their sphere of influence. Which side wins becomes immaterial because if such a conflict takes place, the rest of us lose.

[UglyYank]

Rev Blair,

Well, I guess some people enjoy discussing such a senario.

Gonzo,

I haven't read anything on "many Americans" thinking we can "take on the world." Perhaps you can post a URL on it?

[BigDubUSA]

Please "enlighten" us Gonzo & Rev... I'm dying to know of ANY Americans who feel we can "take on the world." Or want to! Would you care to tell us why there is activity around Tawain? (I already know the answer to this, just want to observe on how you answer and why) I'm setting you up Rev...Just want to give you fair warning!

[karra]

mmm, the title of this thread is:

"Who cares what America thinks?"

Well I just wancha all to know - I DO!

So there!

If I have to go to the Peace Tower and wave my thong at the thronging crowds to declare that message - I will!