...a brief message from an overactive cortex...
WE ARE AN EMPIRE.
I never hear (or read) the term "The American Empire" used in describing our foreign policy. I contend that now more than ever the notion of "The American Empire" is accurate. We've been a continental empire (some would say a hemispheric empire) since at least the Mexican-American War, an international empire since the Spanish American War, a global empire since the end of WWII, and with our eastern march at the wall in Berlin and our western march at the DMZ (the 38th Parallel) in Korea.
Democracies can be empires too, ask the Athenians-not that they were very good at it. History tends to only refer to totalitarian countries as "Empires" but that is simply not accurate. The manner in which we’ve strategically colonized the globe (for our benefit) over time reflects a natural instinct human beings have for self preservation. However, the incredibly hazy line between the rights of autonomy or friend and foe alike and the use of strength for self preservation tends to complicate things threefold.
We are the Roman Empire -- at least, the Western Roman Empire. Russia, of course was the Eastern Roman Empire. The Cold War was the contest to see which would prevail. Now that we've colonized the provinces of Judea, Persia, and Afghanistan, the farthest extent of our ancient Greco-Roman influence. Obviously, Persia is one of the more important areas simply because of the energy it provides us (oil). It’s been over five years since we invaded Iraq in March 2003 and gas prices are at an all-time high (I paid $4.57/gallon last night). Of course, the prior sentence will seem hilarious when this is read two years from now and gas is $6.00 per gallon.
At this time in history Obama and McCain have locked in their party’s nominations and are now starting their national campaign. McCain wants to stay there without a doubt however Obama has made the pledge that he will begin withdrawal of American troops starting six months from when he takes office. He’ll be slowly distancing himself from that statement, you watch. We’ll always be in Iraq-without a doubt.
...a brief message from an overactive cortex...
The sign reads, "It's time for you to do your part to stimulate the economy. And there's no better way to kick the economy up a notch than with a really great pair of pumps. Or a new flat screen TV. Or a fabulous bag. Or whatever you've been dying to get your hands on! So don't delay. CELEBRATE THE STIMULUS. TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SPECIAL TODAY!"
Still waiting. We spent the weekend finishing up the rooms as well as preparing all the "newborn baby equipment", and there's quite a lot. When you look at all the stuff we have for a newborn baby one has to wonder...does something that weighs 7-8 pounds and around 20 inches really require all the stuff we have ready for her. I mean between the baby swing, the bassonette, the infant car seat, the stroller, the double stroller, etc..., is it all necessary? No, it's not but it's available.
This past weekend was a major milestone in the life of Parker Johanna Powers. She moved to her new bedroom, and her new “Big Girl” bed. She was very excited about it and has made the transition with incredible ease. She even offered up the idea of Georgia sleeping in her crib when she comes.
