The US is a superpower?

Originally posted by Census
Sence the invention of nuclear weapons, anyone who has them is a superpower, in a military sense. France's yeild is enough to turn all life on earth into heat and light.

Not even close to that for France's arsenal. They have enough to destroy a few hundred cities and nothing more. That would be a devastating blow for any country but wouldnt even wipe out a single large country.

Even when the Soviet union had a arsenal measured in the tens of thousands of warheads they couldn't wipe out all life that way.

[edit on 18-5-2006 by ShadowXIX]

Ya your right but still, If france were to let everything they have go, you and me are going to be sick and Im pretty far from France.

Originally posted by Census
No, because shes too dependant on almost everything from all over the Earth. If the rest of the world imposed sanctions and ceased all trade, Americans would go without bigtime and in a hard way in 3-2-1 pow.

Yes but sinking america would be a double edged sword my friend (for the reasons I posted before). Yes America consumes but nations who produce need nations who consume. And whie the US doesn't produce goods in the way we used to we do provide services like no one else. One of these services is something you are using now. The internet. And wouldn't it be shame if the US responded to this worldwide action by denying access to the IP addresses of the nations leading this rebellion against the Evil American Empire and thus shutting their ability to access the internet down, hum? That I assure you is just one of the more restrained measure the US could take.

You see we are the #1 nation for a reason and its not because we've run up our credit cards. Its because when we get attacked now matter what we thought of each other yesterday or even two minutes before we unite and we do what is necessary to make the bastards that hit us pay. People around the world and pity the americans they don't enjoy life all they do is put themselves more in debt so the bankers can get even richer. Okay fine than take away our credit cards the only things that make us happy then my friend then prepare to reap the whirlwind. Mu ha ha ha.

Originally posted by Census
In terms of the military, they are a force for sure but you know something, these stinking camel jockeys are proving to be a power too. They are crafty and catching allied troops with their pants down all the time. Also, China, Russia, France individually could have gone into Iraq and the results would likely parallel what we are seeing now.

Those stinking camel jockeys can hit us here and there but they can't drive us out. Neither could the NVA or Viet Cong in Nam. If we leave it will be because either we have accomplished our goals to our satisfaction or it will be because the American people don't care what happens to Iraq after we leave. But it will be our decision. Just like Vietnam was. As far as China they'd go in their and level the place. We'd do that to but thats not politically acceptable anymore. However China really doesn't give a hoot about what the west finds politically unacceptable. If you disagree please look up Tibet and Tiannamen Square and you'll see. Russia? Ha, my friend you're sadly mistaken maybe you should google Chechnya and see how capable the Russians are The French they'd have the best chances of the three but comparable to the British and Americans they lack the equipment of us yanks and don't possess the training that the Brits are given.

Originally posted by Census
Sence the invention of nuclear weapons, anyone who has them is a superpower, in a military sense. France's yeild is enough to turn all life on earth into heat and light.

Yes if you had a nuke you could pretty much hold a great part of the world hostage but thats why Iran will never possess a nuke. Just ask the Israeli's.

Originally posted by Census
I believe the true measure of a superpower is a nation who can effectivly defend themselves from an invading force and remain 100% self sustained in all facets.

Well the closest nation that could do that would be the US. We are only bordered by two nations (Canada and Mexico). Not much threat there. We can take pretty much anything we need to. Taking and guarding an oil field would be alot easier than overrunning and securing an entire country but we're not that bad at that either (at least the overrunning). China and Russia both border each other. And contrary to their chumy relationship now the Russians are dying out. Puttin said it himself. China sees the mineral richness and the vastness of Siberia not to mention its sparse population. Europe is pretty safe with the possible exception of the Balkans.

Originally posted by Census
By my definition there are no superpowers anymore. Just radical and very very dangerous and unstable nations

I would agree with you that by your definition there aren't any superpowers however I think the ability to move forces across the world unmolestated and then sustain them is a pretty good indicator that the US is still a superpower. You have to remember that a superpower doesn't take a hit and then collapse thats what happens to a power. But being able to take more hits and keep on coming well I think thats what puts the Super in Superpower.

Originally posted by danwild6
Look everybody another Nostradamus. My friend we are a resiliant people. We've had the world highest standards of living Pre-War of Independence we lost it because of the cost of the war only to regain it within a generation. We lost it again during the Civil War only again to regain it within a generation. We lost it during the Great Depression this time we rose out if it fought a war and became the most dominant nation on the face of the earth. Believe me we have alot more staying power than you think.

Oh, cast your predictions great foreseer of the future! Just don't expect any of us Yanks to listen. We've heard it all before. Kruschev said he would bury us but as we all know now history turned out quite differently. I think a great future lies ahead and America's best days have yet too come.

danwild6 could not be more correct. Let me also add that dynamism and resilience of the American economy is really unmatched in the world. In the last six years America has endured stock market crashes, terrorist attacks, two wars, devastating hurricanes and oil shocks. Despite all if that, America has the BEST PERFORMING INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY ON EARTH.

America’s obit has been written many times, but we still run the joint.