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From: bobn@bmcg.UUCP (Bob Nebert)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: America-bashing
Message-ID: <1731@bmcg.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 9-Jul-85 16:57:01 EDT
Article-I.D.: bmcg.1731
Posted: Tue Jul  9 16:57:01 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Jul-85 13:03:42 EDT
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Organization: Burroughs Corp. ASG, San Diego, CA.
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> 	Why do I keep seeing this kind of argument on the net, that American
> 	people shouldn't be blamed for what the administration does? As far
> 	as people outside America are concerned, the U.S. administration does
> 	speak for and act on behalf of its people. (After all, the U.S.
> 	spares no pain in flaunting to other countries what a great democracy
> 	it is).
> 
> 	Saying to the third world citizens "blame the Administration but
> 	don't blame Americans" doesn't cut ice. The American people ARE
> 	responsible for the actions of the U.S. administration (especially
> 	since this is a democracy and they elected their government). I agree
> 	Joe and Jane Lunchpail shouldn't be personally held responsible for
> 	American arrogance round the world, but American people collectively
> 	are responsible for the grief America causes the third world.
> 							- Raghu.

>> I have to disagree with this statement. Granted the President and
>> the chairpersons of Congressional committees are elected by us,
>> the real power in the Federal government ( Secretaries of War, Commerce,
>> Interior, Defense etc.) are appointed. These people change the course
>> of American policy on a day to day basis and almost nobody knows who
>> in the hell they are. 
>>
>> If a majority votes somebody into public office it is our RESPONSIBILTY
>> to monitor their actions and to have them reflect our feelings, but with
>> and appointed position I for one assume NO guilt for their actions. Does
>> anybody remember James Watt for example.
>>
>>                                           --Bob Nebert--
>>                                      Burroughs Corp. San Diego