Though I agree with almost everything you said...China is not a Superpower, they're a World Power. Whether or not they'd win in a war is subjective since most likely, if the West quit buying their goods, they'd starve. Their sheer numbers certainly would prove a major obstacle, but the natural recources they boast mainly lie in metals, which would probably fall short of feeding such an enormous population.
The U.S. certainly isn't poor in resources.. enough farmland to feed many countries. The Chinese military is nowhere near as seasoned or loyal as the U.S. Ask anyone in China if they remember Tiananmen Square and watch for a change in disposition. Chinese technology is certainly forthcoming, but they're still ages behind...but you did say that.
The Chinese definitely deserve credit for their rich history, intellect, and invention...but no...I have to respectfully disagree that they're superior. They are a great culture living under a repressive government which will never let their people live to their full abilities...regardless of their Jade pottery and their claim to one of the Wonders of the World.
It does, however, make me sad that this debate takes place under a thread started by someone who not only made no valid, debatable point...but whom I seriously doubt is even American.
Thats why I put that little disclaimer that I was trying to make generalizations. Indeed I have learned something, and that makes each day worth waking up for.
The last class I had that even dealt with history was an anthropology class taught by a graduate student from Denmark. He mainly liked talking in class about how hot American girls were, and about how meso-american indians enjoyed corn.
Tidbit aside, what are the separations now-a-days between Worldpower and Superpower? We were always taught that a Superpower was any country with nuclear capability. At the time that was Russia, Germany, USA, Canada, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, China, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Sweden, and some others that I can't remember the names of. Do me a favor, don't get old haha.
I guess my understanding of the difference between a Superpower and a World Power lies in a combination of several things; economics, nuclear capabilities, technological advantage, political standing...to name a few. Although the Chinese deservingly claim their share of all these aspects, they're still in a budding, pre-adolescent stage of their standing as a World Power.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, the world's political conventional wisdom proclaimed the U.S. as the "sole Superpower," and took a figurative "step back," almost recoiling with suspicion, even fear, since we all know that power corrupts...and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
What gives a country the ability to deem another one powerful? Actually I think I'm more interested in how that ranking gets determined. Ok to narrow that one down even more, are their government entities in the particular country that can state "these reasons?"
I ask that because we "talk a big game" but in reality have horrible numbers, or so far at this point from the political occurrences (and I admit I don't keep up. IMHO its a bunch of rich old men who are out of touch). I guess this seems more like a pros vs cons about America now. So not going into that, is the picture we present to the world the real happenings(no healthcare is a big one. I have a bachelor's degree, cannot find a job, and have no healthcare. Literally living with a parent just to survive), or is it the fake ideals of say the 1950's? (Every Harry Dick and Jane has a job or is a stay-home parent, and its possible to keep up with the Jones')
I know that was awkward. Long day of trying to find a suit cheap enough but that would fit. Eskews my thinking to screen ability.
It's not so much one country deeming another powerful, but a concensus of many with multipule factors.
Healthcare is a huge issue...straying from the subject severely...but instead of trying to model our system after many failing countries, why aren't we trying to get to the source of the problem? Litigation, insurance company greed, and a system built by/for/of lawyers, fed by pharmaceutical companies' lobbyists would be a good place to start...
I really am sorry you're struggling financially now. That sucks big time. I have no college degree. I'm a blue collar worker who started working for my current company fresh out of high school 25 years ago and can't imagine what it'd be like to work for another company..let alone beat the pavement looking, trying to sell my skills, despite the reputation I've built across this city.
Though I'm sure I trashed my credibility admitting I've no formal education beyond high school, I built my opinions from a wealth of valuable sources. I spend a considerable amount of time reading...everything. I enjoy opinions counter to my point of view and keep an open mind. Then I research them...in constant search of the truth...whatever that may be.
I sincerely hope you find a good job soon. Best of luck to you sir. When you do, I hope it turns out better than anything you hoped for.
IIN to think that the USA is the greatest country in the world?
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Though I agree with almost everything you said...China is not a Superpower, they're a World Power. Whether or not they'd win in a war is subjective since most likely, if the West quit buying their goods, they'd starve. Their sheer numbers certainly would prove a major obstacle, but the natural recources they boast mainly lie in metals, which would probably fall short of feeding such an enormous population.
The U.S. certainly isn't poor in resources.. enough farmland to feed many countries. The Chinese military is nowhere near as seasoned or loyal as the U.S. Ask anyone in China if they remember Tiananmen Square and watch for a change in disposition. Chinese technology is certainly forthcoming, but they're still ages behind...but you did say that.
The Chinese definitely deserve credit for their rich history, intellect, and invention...but no...I have to respectfully disagree that they're superior. They are a great culture living under a repressive government which will never let their people live to their full abilities...regardless of their Jade pottery and their claim to one of the Wonders of the World.
It does, however, make me sad that this debate takes place under a thread started by someone who not only made no valid, debatable point...but whom I seriously doubt is even American.
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Gelmurag
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Thats why I put that little disclaimer that I was trying to make generalizations. Indeed I have learned something, and that makes each day worth waking up for.
The last class I had that even dealt with history was an anthropology class taught by a graduate student from Denmark. He mainly liked talking in class about how hot American girls were, and about how meso-american indians enjoyed corn.
Tidbit aside, what are the separations now-a-days between Worldpower and Superpower? We were always taught that a Superpower was any country with nuclear capability. At the time that was Russia, Germany, USA, Canada, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, China, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Sweden, and some others that I can't remember the names of. Do me a favor, don't get old haha.
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[Old Memory]
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I'm already old :)
I guess my understanding of the difference between a Superpower and a World Power lies in a combination of several things; economics, nuclear capabilities, technological advantage, political standing...to name a few. Although the Chinese deservingly claim their share of all these aspects, they're still in a budding, pre-adolescent stage of their standing as a World Power.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, the world's political conventional wisdom proclaimed the U.S. as the "sole Superpower," and took a figurative "step back," almost recoiling with suspicion, even fear, since we all know that power corrupts...and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
--
Gelmurag
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What gives a country the ability to deem another one powerful? Actually I think I'm more interested in how that ranking gets determined. Ok to narrow that one down even more, are their government entities in the particular country that can state "these reasons?"
I ask that because we "talk a big game" but in reality have horrible numbers, or so far at this point from the political occurrences (and I admit I don't keep up. IMHO its a bunch of rich old men who are out of touch). I guess this seems more like a pros vs cons about America now. So not going into that, is the picture we present to the world the real happenings(no healthcare is a big one. I have a bachelor's degree, cannot find a job, and have no healthcare. Literally living with a parent just to survive), or is it the fake ideals of say the 1950's? (Every Harry Dick and Jane has a job or is a stay-home parent, and its possible to keep up with the Jones')
I know that was awkward. Long day of trying to find a suit cheap enough but that would fit. Eskews my thinking to screen ability.
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TheUltimateShammer
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[Old Memory]
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Suit up!
It's not so much one country deeming another powerful, but a concensus of many with multipule factors.
Healthcare is a huge issue...straying from the subject severely...but instead of trying to model our system after many failing countries, why aren't we trying to get to the source of the problem? Litigation, insurance company greed, and a system built by/for/of lawyers, fed by pharmaceutical companies' lobbyists would be a good place to start...
I really am sorry you're struggling financially now. That sucks big time. I have no college degree. I'm a blue collar worker who started working for my current company fresh out of high school 25 years ago and can't imagine what it'd be like to work for another company..let alone beat the pavement looking, trying to sell my skills, despite the reputation I've built across this city.
Though I'm sure I trashed my credibility admitting I've no formal education beyond high school, I built my opinions from a wealth of valuable sources. I spend a considerable amount of time reading...everything. I enjoy opinions counter to my point of view and keep an open mind. Then I research them...in constant search of the truth...whatever that may be.
I sincerely hope you find a good job soon. Best of luck to you sir. When you do, I hope it turns out better than anything you hoped for.