What 'saves' the American Empire - an enormous credit account and cheap,

[plenum222]

foreign labor? Joseph Conrad wrote in “Heart of Darkness” that it was “efficiency” that saved the Belgians from having to face the inhumanity and brutality they inflicted upon the native Congolese. This happened while King Leopold’s men extracted enormous wealth, mostly ivory, gems, and minerals) out of the Congo in the 1890’s. ((BTW, the film, "Apocalypse Now" was loosely based on Conrad's book.))

So, back to the question: What do you think “saves” the American Empire from having to face the injustices it inflicts upon much of the world? Low prices, Jesus, and cheap gas are some of the easier, obvious answers. Do you agree? What do you think?

 

[mattapan26]

There is no American Empire. The United States does not exploit colonies the way that European countries did in the 19th Century. Much of the manufactured products available come from China, which no one could argue is under our control. Cheap gas? Cheaper than some places, not as cheap as other places. I think that Conrad's masterpiece described a time and place long gone.

 

[mattapan26]

There is no American Empire. The United States does not exploit colonies the way that European countries did in the 19th Century. Much of the manufactured products available come from China, which no one could argue is under our control. Cheap gas? Cheaper than some places, not as cheap as other places. I think that Conrad's masterpiece described a time and place long gone.