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Ok, the wimp filter thing was basically this: College weeds out the people who don't have what it takes. Thats why I'm taking English comp 101. Its the only english class I have to take, and obviously it will not make that big a difference in my writing skills to take one class. Sure, engineers need to be able to write well, I know this for a fact, but that single class is basically useless by its self, and is used only to get the people who are either too lazy to attend or the really bad writers to drop out.
Not that I think that is a good thing - many people can't write worth squat, but are extremely smart. Which is another thing about college I don't like. But I can't figure out a better way to conduct stuff - which is why I don't think college is for everyone.
I in no way meant that college is for wimps or makes people into wimps or is wimpy ;-) On the contrary, I think that college is extremely hard for the most part, and anyone who makes it through is not a wimp at all.
what are wimps? Humm... I guess people who don't have courage or who are susceptible to conformity weather it be to popularity or counter-culture. I suppose I just value making the most of life.
Now, to the meat of the issue ;-)
Yes, I agree, Education is extremely valuable, and if the entire world were eduicated (or a large enough percentage), it would definately help make this place more peacefull. Education is one of the factors that easily separates the US from countries like Afganistan and Cuba. Education, in its purest form leads to individual freedom, and freedom, although I think we (United States) are hated for it, is one of those things to be truly protected and valued.
Origionally, I wasn't quite sure where you were getting this starving stuff from Nation Building - glad you clarified it. However (once again - what do ya know, kilowatt things this) I think you have it out of perspective. Remember, these countries are leading to their own self-demise. For example, say country A decides to kill all people of African decent. Besides trying diplomatic channels (any country this fucked up wouldn't really listen anyway, IM(not so)HO), a trade embargo is sort of like your parents cutting off the phone and the allowance when you're a kid. I wouldn't support country A, and therefore wouldn't want to benifit their economy. Trade embargo, as you pointed out, removes the importing to country A of food. True, although there has to be some food in country A. People in conuntry A are probably allready starving, and food from other places probably doesn't get much further than its dictatorship and mercenary club. Removing outside resources (such as gas, power, food, telaphone, etc etc) from these countries hurts its infastructure and government much more than it hurts the people.
In the USA, if we were disabled from trade, and couldn't support ourselves with our farms, the people would starv, and the government (made of regular people, and yes, some politicians are human) would also take a cut. Thus, I believe that trade embargos can be extremely effective. Sort of like smoking a fox from its hole...
PS: along the lines of my original post, you had mentioned that you dropped out of college. I bet you have an interesting story as to how you got to where you are today.. would you mind sharing?