and we're officially off topic now
lol
yeah, your definitely right, we've always got self intrests at mind, but we're no different than any other country. lets say AU had issues with Pakistan, and Pakistan was invading India. I'm pretty sure AU would be backing India. you wouldn't want Pakistan to grow.
my overall view is, US is a very young nation(230 years old) with it's central source being business. they've alway been the best at it(morals aside). US is the first to get to many "milestones" and is always on the forefront and cutting edge. Other countries(both gov. and people) often envy or hate it. more often than not, those countries are the ones who hold themselves down, and just toss the blame. you don't see england or japan going against America, and they have both been in very serious wars with the US.
having both a European view and American view, i can see why the us is often loathed. to me, the view on the us is: they are cocky, arrogant, loud, selfish country, that's always in a rush(i hate the busy lifestyle, love the 2 hour Spanish Lunch break
). but living here, life is just life. it's a great mesh of people from around the world who have a great sense of pride in all that they do. i believe the govt. gives us a more "hardass" bad image, but all they are is a group of business men who unfortunately run this country(but the same goes for 9\10 countries now). that being said, though they may be business men, only one thing comes before $$$ in this land, and that is pride for your family and your nation. both contradict any ridiculous ideas of self inflicted wounds on our country. economically, we've been in a whole for the past 4 years, we are finally emerging this year. 9\11 in simple terms FUCKED this country, but we were strong to get thru it.
it's very tough to see the world in it's current state, i am honestly worried about raising kids in this world. even though i'm young, morals, responsabilities, and just the way of life has changed alot since i was younger. i'm afraid if the world doesn't reach a general agreement, we are
ALL fucked, and without a paddle, up shit's creek.