Have You All Seen This?

[DiveDeepSix]

Dang it, I'm supposed to be working but let curiosity get the better of me!

Swan, after reading this last post of yours, you do have a point and I may have misinterpreted your post! If so I apologize. It is conceivable that this was not what it was supposed to be and O doesn't need any help making himself look bad he does that well enough on his own. I was happy to see you were not defending Obama as anti American because I believe he is the most anti American president we have ever seen and I also seen on another poll you would vote for Newt or Mitt over Obama, so we must have a lot more in common then I thought. LOL at book by the cover, I guess that's what I just did! Oh and I did check this book out on Amazon and still don't like the looks of it.

Snopes is no longer trust worthy but a brilliant marketing ploy by the left to dismiss anything negative about O in my opinion. Now I do have to go to work for real!

[Black Swan]

Dang it, I'm supposed to be working but let curiosity get the better of me!

Swan, after reading this last post of yours, you do have a point and I may have misinterpreted your post! If so I apologize. It is conceivable that this was not what it was supposed to be and O doesn't need any help making himself look bad he does that well enough on his own. I was happy to see you were not defending Obama as anti American because I believe he is the most anti American president we have ever seen and I also seen on another poll you would vote for Newt or Mitt over Obama, so we must have a lot more in common then I thought. LOL at book by the cover, I guess that's what I just did! Oh and I did check this book out on Amazon and still don't like the looks of it.

Snopes is no longer trust worthy but a brilliant marketing ploy by the left to dismiss anything negative about O in my opinion. Now I do have to go to work for real!

Thank you for your gallant response. You remain one of the good guys. Or as they say on the street: You're alright!

[tampa1000]

Deep babe, I'm a bit befuddled by your reply. The book isn't about destroying America,again, if you look at the amazon reviews (not just the one I posted) you could see for yourself that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover (gosh, I ALWAYS wanted to say that and mean it literally).

You have always presented yourself as a strong personality, but you also have been known to call a spade a spade. The intent of the OP would seem to be to inflame anti-obamaism by presenting evidence that would seem to support an anti-american stance by the current Prez. In this case, so far, I have shown that this conclusion is incorrect based on the evidence presented. I am ONLY debunking the original OP. Please note, that I am NOT debating whether or not Obama is in fact anti-american.

The hardest words in the English language seem to be "I'm sorry" and "I was wrong". I have no problem saying either, as I am wrong just as much as the next person. But when faced with so far, one side facts, I would expect the same from any intelligent person that wishes to present opinions/facts based on integrity.

Tamapa is not a bad person by any means. He just didn’t' check his facts before posting. That's all.

When someone writes a book a lot of thought goes into what the cover will say, with that being said the cover will sell the book. Do you think BO knew what was in the book before he read it? I don't think so!!!! The cover sold the book, the reason I posted this was because of what was on the cover more than anything else because those words are poverful. How many times have you heard a picture is worth a 1000 words, sorry you make me repeat myself. Enough said.....

[txcountryman]

Let's get a few people on here to read the book and give a detailed report over what they read? Would make for an interesting discussion.

[zul]

The Post-American World is a non-fiction book by Indian American journalist Fareed Zakaria. It was published in hardcover and audiobook formats in early May 2008 and became available in paperback in early May 2009; the Updated and Expanded Release 2.0 followed in 2011. In the book, Zakaria argues that, thanks to the actions of the United States in spreading liberal democracy across the world, other countries are now competing with the US in terms of economic, industrial, and cultural power. While the US continues to dominate in terms of political-military power, other countries such as China and India are becoming global players in many fields.

Edited April 18, 2012 by zul

[zul]

Synopsis

The content is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter introduces the thesis of the book: that a 'post-American' world order is emerging in which the United States of America will continue to be the most powerful nation but its relative power will be diminished. He believes that there have been three power shifts in the last 500 years: a shift of power to the West during the Renaissance, a shift of power to the US making it a superpower, and now a shift to several surging countries, especially China and India, and to non-governmental organizations. Zakaria believes that international organizations are not adapting well to emerging challenges and that there is too much focus on problems arising from potential market failures or general crises (e.g. terrorism) at the expense of focus on problems stemming from success (e.g. development causing environmental degradation, or rising demand creating high commodity prices).

The world is moving from anger to indifference, from anti-Americanism to post-Americanism. The fact that new powers are more strongly asserting their interests is the reality of the post-American world. It also raises the political conundrum of how to achieve international objectives in a world of many actors, state and nonstate.

Fareed Zakaria, The Post-American World, pages 36–37.

The second and third chapters examine factors that led to the current power balance. Power shifted to the West because it fostered trade with foreign peoples and developed superior labour productivity per capita. Power shifted to the US because of its strong democracy and capitalist market. Zakaria argues that the success of the US in promoting free market capitalism and globalization has led to power being dispersed to several other countries. Economies have been surging for decades, in part due to large new players entering the global market place. He compares this era's economic growth to the economic surges of the 1890s and the 1950s which also saw new players become global powers. At the same time, Zakaria sees attitudes in the US becoming insular and distrustful of foreigners.

The fourth chapter focuses on China. Its strategy of small, gradual reforms have allowed it to quietly modernize. It has become the second most powerful nation, but still unlikely to match the US for decades to come. China's strengths include a philosophy that reflects Confucian ideals of practicality, ethics and rationalism. Its non-combative foreign policy is more appealing, most notably in Africa, over interventionist Western-style policy that demands reforms in other countries. China's weakness, though, is a fear of social unrest.

The fifth chapter focuses on India. Contrasted to China, India has a bottom-up democratic political system constantly subject to social unrest but which only results in few politicians losing an election. Its political system is characterized by strong regionalism — often placing high priority on regional interests rather than national. Zakaria lists India's advantages: independent courts that enforce contracts, private property rights, rule of law, an established private sector, and many business savvy English-speaking people.

The sixth chapter compares the American rise to superpower status and its use of power. He draws parallels between the British Empire in the 1890s and starting the Boer War with the US in the 2000s and starting the Iraq War. The difference between them is that the British had unsurpassed political power but lost its economic dominance, whereas the US, in the 2000s, had huge economic power but faltering political influence. Zakaria defends the US from indicators that suggest American decline but warns that internal partisan politics, domestic ideological attack groups, special interest power, and a sensationalistic media are weakening the federal government's ability to adapt to new global realities.

The final chapter outlines how the US has used its power and provides six guidelines for the US to follow in the 'post-American world' envisioned by Zakaria.

Zakaria's guidelines for the US in the 'post-American world'

Guideline Notes

1

Choose Choose priorities rather than trying to have it all

2

Build broad rules, not narrow interests Recommit to international institutions and mechanisms

3

Be Bismarck, not Britain Maintain excellent relations with everyone, rather than offset and balance emerging powers

4

Order à la carte Address problems through a variety of different structures (e.g. sometimes UN, sometimes NATO, sometimes OAS)

5

Think asymmetrically Respond to problems (e.g. drug cartels, terrorists, etc.) proportionately and do not respond to bait (i.e. small attacks meant to draw attention)

6

Legitimacy is power Legitimacy creates the means to set agendas, define crises, and mobilize support

[Off-the-grid]

I don't find anything the least bit disturbing about the Prez reading a best seller, let alone an intellectual analysis of world economic trends. We tend to read every scrap of Iraq news through RV colored glasses, and clearly a lot of my fellow dinarians see Obama news through what, New World Order colored glasses? Democrats have socialist leanings. Always have. Republicans want to let businesses and the wealthy do whatever makes the most money, and screw everyone else. Always have.

Give it a damn rest already!! Obama has gone overboard. The Republican candidates suck!! Are we ready for a Mormon President? Paul has some good ideas, but will the world take us seriously with him as Prez?

Just sayin' that the Obama bashing is getting really old.

Peace and Prosperity

[yota691]

I don't find anything the least bit disturbing about the Prez reading a best seller, let alone an intellectual analysis of world economic trends. We tend to read every scrap of Iraq news through RV colored glasses, and clearly a lot of my fellow dinarians see Obama news through what, New World Order colored glasses? Democrats have socialist leanings. Always have. Republicans want to let businesses and the wealthy do whatever makes the most money, and screw everyone else. Always have.

Give it a damn rest already!! Obama has gone overboard. The Republican candidates suck!! Are we ready for a Mormon President? Paul has some good ideas, but will the world take us seriously with him as Prez?

Just sayin' that the Obama bashing is getting really old.

Peace and Prosperity

What does a Mormon have to do with anything!! Are you assaulting one Religion?

[Off-the-grid]

Hi Yota. I'm familiar enough with the Mormon beliefs and hierarchy and "God given rights as angels on earth" to be a little concerned. Granted, many thought a Catholic Prez would be electing a stooge of the Pope (the REAL reason JFK was shot?), so I am not looking to make a strong statement. However, considering the masses involved, is a Mormon electable? That is what I was asking.

Maybe a Romney and Paul ticket? A good front man with a smart and fired-up guy behind the throne?

I'm not against having a Republican president. I just wish the Democrats would give an alternative to Obama, although he inherited one hell of a mess from the other guy, and is getting a lot of blame for not finding a quick fix. Still, I think they are ALL corrupt, worthless, self-serving megalomaniacs, which is who the leaders of our two party system will give us.

Peace and Prosperity

[KiaKaha]

Otg, I'll take a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Christian Republican over a possibly muslim democrat any day of the week!

KK

[Off-the-grid]

Looks like I should start "negging" every ultra right wing, Democrat bashing post?? I'm an independent, but still believe the office of President of the United States should be shown some respect. Ex-prezes are fair game.

Post after post here assumes that every dinarian is a Republican. Not even close to true. So you can take your negs and shove them. Your ultra-conservatism is yours - no need to spew it all over these forums for the rest of us to gag on. I didn't join "Obama bashers are us". I joined DinarVets.

Just sayin', I get the impression that the more vociferous of the conservatives here assume everyone else agrees with them. My opposition gets me negged. That's just wrong!

Peace and Prosperity

[Roadrunner]

Off-the -Grid

I took care of the neg. You and I are of different politics apparently and I wouldn't waste the time to urinate on Obama if his head was on fire. Regardless of that you are as much entitled to you opinion as anyone else here and should not get negged for it.

Roadrunner

[Luigi1]

Photo shopped. It was proven.

[Shabibilicious]

So to summarize the situation.....If curiosity gets the best of me and I decide to read Mein Kampf and someone takes a pic of me with it, then.......I'm a Nazi. Does that sound about right?

GO RV, then BV

Off-the -Grid

I took care of the neg. You and I are of different politics apparently and I wouldn't waste the time to urinate on Obama if his head was on fire. Regardless of that you are as much entitled to you opinion as anyone else here and should not get negged for it.

Roadrunner

I don't mean to disrespect you RR. I just want to be clear on your post.....If President Obama's head was on fire, you wouldn't put it out....because of POLITICS?

GO RV, then BV

[Roadrunner]

So to summarize the situation.....If curiosity gets the best of me and I decide to read Mein Kampf and someone takes a pic of me with it, then.......I'm a Nazi. Does that sound about right?

GO RV, then BV

I don't mean to disrespect you RR. I just want to be clear on your post.....If President Obama's head was on fire, you wouldn't put it out....because of POLITICS?

GO RV, then BV

I wouldn't put it out because I utterly despise the man and think the world would greatly benefit from my restraint in that area. Of course, truth be told, I would really enjoy putting it out too.

Roadrunner

Edited April 19, 2012 by Roadrunner

[fayefaye]

this is so old.. been round so many times..

GO RV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shabibilicious]

I wouldn't put it out because I utterly despise the man and think the world would greatly benefit from my restraint in that area. Of course, truth be told, I would really enjoy putting it out too.

Roadrunner

:lol: I got ya!!! :D

GO RV, then BV

[Francie26]

Debunked

http://www.snopes.co...ostamerican.asp

Real photo, but inaccurate description. Pls see article above.

Just the facts Ma'am...just the facts.

All of you know that I am simply not pro Obama, indeed, much the opposite. But right is right, so I checked out the book at Amazon, and here is what I found, plus a tag that took me to the next part of it. This writer is left of center by several yards, but in his own circles, he is thought of quite highly. And he seems to be intellectually honest, although he may or may not be wrong in his opinions and judgements. I simply have no way to know about that, at least not yet. So here ya' go. Fran

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Zakaria . . . may have more intellectual range and insights than any other public thinker in the West.” —Boston Sunday Globe

“This is not a book about the decline of America, but rather about the rise of everyone else.” So begins Fareed Zakaria’s blockbusting bestseller on the United States in the twenty-first century. How can Americans understand this rapidly changing international climate, and how might the nation continue to thrive in a truly global era? Zakaria answers these questions with his customary lucidity, insight, and imagination.

Fareed Zakaria hosts CNN’s flagship foreign affairs show, is

Editor-at-Large of TIME Magazine, a Washington Post columnist, and a New York Times bestselling author.

Esquire Magazine

called him “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.”

[Francie26]

Hi Yota. I'm familiar enough with the Mormon beliefs and hierarchy and "God given rights as angels on earth" to be a little concerned. Granted, many thought a Catholic Prez would be electing a stooge of the Pope (the REAL reason JFK was shot?), so I am not looking to make a strong statement. However, considering the masses involved, is a Mormon electable? That is what I was asking.

Maybe a Romney and Paul ticket? A good front man with a smart and fired-up guy behind the throne?

I'm not against having a Republican president. I just wish the Democrats would give an alternative to Obama, although he inherited one hell of a mess from the other guy, and is getting a lot of blame for not finding a quick fix. Still, I think they are ALL corrupt, worthless, self-serving megalomaniacs, which is who the leaders of our two party system will give us.

Peace and Prosperity

"is getting a lot of blame for not finding a quick fix"

He is much worse than this. You have to admit he and his minions have not only not come up with a quick fix--they haven't found a long term one either, and in fact have added a huge amount of fuel to the fire. By the time republicans get it back, it will take years to repair the damage this guy has done to America--if ever.

[Shabibilicious]

All of you know that I am simply not pro Obama, indeed, much the opposite. But right is right, so I checked out the book at Amazon, and here is what I found, plus a tag that took me to the next part of it. This writer is left of center by several yards, but in his own circles, he is thought of quite highly. And he seems to be intellectually honest, although he may or may not be wrong in his opinions and judgements. I simply have no way to know about that, at least not yet. So here ya' go. Fran

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Zakaria . . . may have more intellectual range and insights than any other public thinker in the West.” —Boston Sunday Globe

“This is not a book about the decline of America, but rather about the rise of everyone else.” So begins Fareed Zakaria’s blockbusting bestseller on the United States in the twenty-first century. How can Americans understand this rapidly changing international climate, and how might the nation continue to thrive in a truly global era? Zakaria answers these questions with his customary lucidity, insight, and imagination.

Fareed Zakaria hosts CNN’s flagship foreign affairs show, is

Editor-at-Large of TIME Magazine, a Washington Post columnist, and a New York Times bestselling author.

Esquire Magazine

called him “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.”

Thanks for the info Francie. I have seen his show "Fareed Zakaria GPS" on CNN. He seems to be a very intelligent person. I haven't noticed anything bias about him......of course, I have only seen the show sporadically. I'm not a big fan of CNN. It seems to me that the foreign corespondent types are straighter shooters, as opposed to those reporters with their feet firmly planted in the states. Maybe it's the fear of being maimed or killed that makes them this way. Anyways.....that's my take on Zakaria, for what it's worth.

GO RV, then BV

[Off-the-grid]

Thanks RoadRunner!!! I rarely fit in anywhere, being mostly middle-of-the-road. Pro-choice, pro-guns (but not assault style) pro-environment, anti taxes, anti welfare state (take care of elderly, infirm, but not druggies and lazy baby machines) support our troops, but often disagree with the real reason they are being put in harm's way, etc.

Most of my fellow truckers regard me as too far left. The Earthship community I live in sees me as too far right. The guys I play golf with just think I'm too loud.

I have tried to stay silent in regards to politics, only speaking up on the global warming issue. I'll go back to just ignoring the O bashing.

Peace and Prosperity