I don't think what you stated in your title is correct, and I don't think that what the American people think of freedom is what you stated, although I will not comment on what the Bush administration is implying when they use the word freedom. There are many people in the U.S. alone that are against the actions of the current administration, and they do not consider themselves to be "American-haters" and I do not think that other people in general would call them haters of their own country.
As for America being called racist, I don't like racism and compared to other countries around the world, the U.S. is one of the least racist countries out there, not to mention that racism is thought of as negative in the nation (rightly so).
Quote:First of all, is there anything really wrong with capitalism? I see nothing wrong with attempting to become wealthier. And the removal of the social programs here in America does nothing, in my mind, but create more independence on the part of the individual here in America, which I see as a good a thing.
Francisco, I disagree with your statement. Looking back on the past century, the attempt to get richer is the source of many atrocities. Nations that desire to gain more wealth and power, in their pursue of "autarky", invaded and exploited the populations that they conquered. Indeed, Hitler's want for Lebensraum, the money that the Nazis forced away from the Jews, Mussolini's invasion, Japanese aggression, are all sources of atrocities manifested by the want to get wealthier and more powerful, for wealth for them come hand in hand with their desire for power.
I do think you are over-simplifying things. The absence of social programs did not help America in times of depression. Hoover, a hardcore "Laise-faire" politician did little to even try to improve the people's well-being. Keynesian theory states to "spend the money". This is what Roosevelt's action reflected and his programs, although it did not produce a dramatic effect, did help at least some of the people and at least tried to end the depression.
I understand that you are porbably a follower of Rand? (Is that a picture from Atlas Shrugged? :wink: ) I don't agree with Rand.