America First?

[AACJ]

Some popular news commentators have described Trump's "America First" slogan as Hitleristic and dark.

I would like to help those individuals that are misconstruing Trump's "America First" statement.

A micro-representation of America: A parent stands within his/her domain (household). The parent has two children for whom he/she is responsible. The parent has a certain amount of ability and resources with which to take care of the house and children. In managing said resources and caring for the house and children, the parent necessarily takes his/her household and children first, not the neighbor's houses and children. This does not mean the parent will not do good to and for others as he or she is able. Likewise, the President stands as the head of America. He also has those who are within his domain of responsibility for whom he must provide and care for. He too has a certain amount of ability and resources with which to do so. He too must take his domain of responsibility (America) and those for whom he is responsible (US citizens) first, not the other nations.

In both real-life scenarios, it is self-evident that the established parent and President must think and behave consistent with the principle that the duties and responsibilities inherent in their positions are of primary consideration. This does not require selfishness or building up America regardless of the cost to other nations.

Of course, many liberals who despise Trump's presidency probably could understand the real meaning of the "America First" slogan if they would just stop filtering everything Trump says through certain preconceived notions.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

I try to imagine what it is like to be born in America. To be part of a nation whose military might is the biggest in the world. Who has helped out smaller countries not be bullied by bigger countries. A country whose President is the leader of the free world. I guess I might think other countries owed me. I guess I might feel very proud to be American.
Australia cant afford to be too proud. We need the goodwill of America, if we are attacked.

 

[Armoured]

I try to imagine what it is like to be born in America. To be part of a nation whose military might is the biggest in the world. Who has helped out smaller countries not be bullied by bigger countries. A country whose President is the leader of the free world. I guess I might think other countries owed me. I guess I might feel very proud to be American.
Australia cant afford to be too proud. We need the goodwill of America, if we are attacked.

That's a tactically/strategically arguable point.

The only time Australia has ever been under threat of imminent military invasion, we were quite self sufficient in defence, thankyouverymuch, while at the same time maintaining foreign military commitments.

While these "my dad could beat up your dad" type discussions are always fun, in practical, real world terms, the world's biggest moat and the distance between major centres are our best defence.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

That's a tactically/strategically arguable point.

The only time Australia has ever been under threat of imminent military invasion, we were quite self sufficient in defence, thankyouverymuch, while at the same time maintaining foreign military commitments.

While these "my dad could beat up your dad" type discussions are always fun, in practical, real world terms, the world's biggest moat and the distance between major centres are our best defence.

You'd know more about these things Armoured. I didn't realise I was addressing you.
OK, so if we ditch America, who can be our new allies? Indonesia? China? (I'm getting out of my depth here I know )

 

[Armoured]

You'd know more about these things Armoured. I didn't realise I was addressing you.
OK, so who can be our new allies? Indonesia? China? (I'm getting out of my depth here I know )

Oh, I think "new" allies are the last thing we want, although forging closer military co-operative ties with the Indons or Chinese has been a trend among successive governments for a while now (one I've always been suspicious of).

In terms of classical military defence, forward defence remains our best option, and, as such, the alliances we need to cultivate the most remain those nations between us and our most likely potential aggressor/s. Therefor it behoves us to make sure that we remain close, politically and militarily to Timor Leste, PNG, Malaysia, Thailand and similar. Until recently, I'd have said the Philippines, too, but the further we keep our finger prints from that pending train wreck, the better.

If you want a major power ally in the classic sense, in all seriousness, India is almost certain to cement its place as a major world power this century, and they are probably the star we should be looking to hitch our wagon to, as the US looks set to, at best, allow it's presence on the world stage to diminish, and our ties with Europe, while strong, will always present obvious logistical difficulties in the event of local or regional conflict.

Economic warfare, as such, is a rather different kettle of fish.

 

[4x4toy]

I think if America gets back on it's feet we will return to being the best giving nation again .. That's what we do, buy, spend and give ..

 

[Armoured]

I think if America gets back on it's feet we will return to being the best giving nation again .. That's what we do, buy, spend and give ..

Uh-huh. How is America not "on it's feet"? How is that going to change?

 

[SolomonVII]

I try to imagine what it is like to be born in America. To be part of a nation whose military might is the biggest in the world. Who has helped out smaller countries not be bullied by bigger countries. A country whose President is the leader of the free world. I guess I might think other countries owed me. I guess I might feel very proud to be American.
Australia cant afford to be too proud. We need the goodwill of America, if we are attacked.

Australia has always punched above its weight in world politics because it has remained true to the principles of freedom and civil society that it has allied itself with.
The simple fact is that we who value freedom do need to remain true to each other. The bluntness of Trump's rhetoric is causing a lot of ears to prick up as countries who have no pulled their weight militarily begin to contemplate a world where American military might no longer has their backs.
It is certainly in the interests of the rest of the free world for Americans to hear that we are with them, and that the role that they have played in maintaining and expanding freedom since the Second World War is a venture we are all in 100 percent.
Australia actually sets a pretty good example for the rest of the free world when it comes to military spending, and standing up to the world's bullies.

 

[tulc]

what President Trump wants is to try and remove the history of "America First". A Short History of 'America First'

But charges of anti-Semitism persisted, and were compounded with perhaps one of the most infamous speeches given by one of AFC’s most famous spokesmen, Charles Lindbergh. In a speech in Des Moines, Iowa, on September 11, 1941, Lindbergh expressed sympathy for the persecution Jews faced in Germany, but suggested Jews were advocating the U.S. to enter a war that was not in the national interest.

“Instead of agitating for war, the Jewish groups in this country should be opposing it in every possible way for they will be among the first to feel its consequences,” Lindbergh said. “Tolerance is a virtue that depends upon peace and strength. History shows that it cannot survive war and devastations. A few far-sighted Jewish people realize this and stand opposed to intervention. But the majority still do not.

“Their greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio and our government.”

seems like someone's hoping no one remembers history.
Here's someone who wasn't a real fan of "America First"
https://i.reddituploads.com/3717990...536&w=1536&s=81f705ce68652479732857985e852b1e

tulc(has always liked Dr. Seuss)

 

[AACJ]

what President Trump wants is to try and remove the history of "America First". A Short History of 'America First'

seems like someone's hoping no one remembers history.
Here's someone who wasn't a real fan of "America First"
https://i.reddituploads.com/3717990...536&w=1536&s=81f705ce68652479732857985e852b1e

tulc(has always liked Dr. Seuss)

Victorious trump supporters understand what the slogan means. The context of his inaugural speech and his many other speeches make clear the meaning. Historical groups or other peoples do not have a monopoly on the phrase.

I would strongly advise the anti-Trump personnel to stop underestimating Trump and his supporters.

Preconceived notions.

 

[tulc]

Victorious trump supporters understand what the slogan means. The context of his inaugural speech and his many other speeches make clear the meaning. Historical groups orother peoples do not have a monopoly on the phrase.

I would strongly advise the anti-Trump personnel to stop underestimating Trump and his supporters.

Preconceived notions.

Ahhh...I don't think I was doing so.
tulc(thanks you for for the warning none the less)

 

[AACJ]

Hi Tulc,

Ahhh...I don't think I was doing so.

I did not say that you were.

No offense meant.

 

[tulc]

Hi Tulc. No offense meant.

None taken.
tulc(is going to get more coffee)

 

[miamited]

This does not require selfishness or building up America regardless of the cost to other nations.

Hi AACJ,

I agree with you that a parent's first responsibility would be expected to be his own family. I agree that in all things the President of the United States should consider the welfare of the people over whom he sits. The real question, for me, that arises from your statement above is whether or not that's the thinking of President Trump?

Quite frankly, I've always seen America as great. We are a people burdened with sin, but on a global scope, we are a great nation and always have been,but...

Why does America have to be 'greater' than other nations? Why can't we just live in the world with the world. Other nations have smart people. Other nations have men and women who are raising their families and going to their jobs every day. I just don't see that America is any less great than it ever was before. When I hear these statements of 'making America great again', yes, I will admit that the first thought that runs through my head is, "What, on the backs of all the other nations on this planet?"

Why would anyone not see America as a great nation? We have freedoms for the people that a lot of nations don't enjoy. We have a strong financial system and we've only recently pulled ourselves out of a severe financial problem that we ourselves created. We still provide untold hundreds of thousands of dollars of aid to many other nations that exist with us on this planet. Why are we not a great nation?

So, yes, when I look at all that America is and I see, from my vantage point, that America is a great nation, then I have to ask myself, "What's going to change that's going to make America a great nation to President Donald Trump? For me, a great nation, would be doing the exact things that we've been doing. Helping others. Giving so that others might enjoy a life of freedom, but also allowing those people of other nations to live under whatever government they choose.

Make America great again? I don't understand. When, in the last 100 years has America not been great? Our nation stands proud and tall with the the greatest military of any other nation on the face of the earth. Our nation stands proud and tall as the first one to jump out there in the face of disaster and adversity with food and water and shelter of those suffering in other countries. Apart from the sinfulness of our own people, I believe that as God looks down upon the earth, He would see that America is a great nation upon the earth. He may not approve of a lot that we do, but there's no doubt that we're a great nation in terms of power and respect and being somewhat responsible or helpful for the citizens of many other nations.

Make America great again? When was it not in recent history? Actually, since the Revolutionary war, I think America has been seen as a great nation. Not always the 'greatest', but certainly a great nation, nonetheless.

We'll see just exactly what President Trump means when he says that he's going to make America great again. Honestly, I imagine that in four more years we won't be whole lot different than we are today, but we'll see.

God bless you.
In Christ, ted

 

[4x4toy]

Hi AACJ,

I agree with you that a parent's first responsibility would be expected to be his own family. I agree that in all things the President of the United States should consider the welfare of the people over whom he sits. The real question, for me, that arises from your statement above is whether or not that's the thinking of President Trump?

Quite frankly, I've always seen America as great. We are a people burdened with sin, but on a global scope, we are a great nation and always have been,but...

Why does America have to be 'greater' than other nations? Why can't we just live in the world with the world. Other nations have smart people. Other nations have men and women who are raising their families and going to their jobs every day. I just don't see that America is any less great than it ever was before. When I hear these statements of 'making America great again', yes, I will admit that the first thought that runs through my head is, "What, on the backs of all the other nations on this planet?"

Why would anyone not see America as a great nation? We have freedoms for the people that a lot of nations don't enjoy. We have a strong financial system and we've only recently pulled ourselves out of a severe financial problem that we ourselves created. We still provide untold hundreds of thousands of dollars of aid to many other nations that exist with us on this planet. Why are we not a great nation?

So, yes, when I look at all that America is and I see, from my vantage point, that America is a great nation, then I have to ask myself, "What's going to change that's going to make America a great nation to President Donald Trump? For me, a great nation, would be doing the exact things that we've been doing. Helping others. Giving so that others might enjoy a life of freedom, but also allowing those people of other nations to live under whatever government they choose.

Make America great again? I don't understand. When, in the last 100 years has America not been great? Our nation stands proud and tall with the the greatest military of any other nation on the face of the earth. Our nation stands proud and tall as the first one to jump out there in the face of disaster and adversity with food and water and shelter of those suffering in other countries. Apart from the sinfulness of our own people, I believe that as God looks down upon the earth, He would see that America is a great nation upon the earth. He may not approve of a lot that we do, but there's no doubt that we're a great nation in terms of power and respect and being somewhat responsible or helpful for the citizens of many other nations.

Make America great again? When was it not in recent history? Actually, since the Revolutionary war, I think America has been seen as a great nation. Not always the 'greatest', but certainly a great nation, nonetheless.

We'll see just exactly what President Trump means when he says that he's going to make America great again. Honestly, I imagine that in four more years we won't be whole lot different than we are today, but we'll see.

God bless you.
In Christ, ted

This is what makes us great or worthless , or any other nation for that matter ..
Deuteronomy 28, King James Version (KJV) | Chapter 28 | The Bible App | Bible.com

 

[miamited]

This is what makes us great or worthless , or any other nation for that matter ..
Deuteronomy 28, King James Version (KJV) | Chapter 28 | The Bible App | Bible.com

Hi 4x4,

I agree with that!! And we sure ain't that and I'm confident that isn't what President Trump is looking to do to make America great again. He is, at best, a C&E 'christian'. He isn't even able to comprehend his need for forgiveness.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

 

[4x4toy]

Hi 4x4,

I agree with that!! And we sure ain't that and I'm confident that isn't what President Trump is looking to do to make America great again. He is, at best, a C&E 'christian'. He isn't even able to comprehend his need for forgiveness.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

I know right , Go figure ..

 

[AACJ]

Hi AACJ,

I agree with you that a parent's first responsibility would be expected to be his own family. I agree that in all things the President of the United States should consider the welfare of the people over whom he sits. The real question, for me, that arises from your statement above is whether or not that's the thinking of President Trump?

Quite frankly, I've always seen America as great. We are a people burdened with sin, but on a global scope, we are a great nation and always have been,but...

Why does America have to be 'greater' than other nations? Why can't we just live in the world with the world. Other nations have smart people. Other nations have men and women who are raising their families and going to their jobs every day. I just don't see that America is any less great than it ever was before. When I hear these statements of 'making America great again', yes, I will admit that the first thought that runs through my head is, "What, on the backs of all the other nations on this planet?"

Why would anyone not see America as a great nation? We have freedoms for the people that a lot of nations don't enjoy. We have a strong financial system and we've only recently pulled ourselves out of a severe financial problem that we ourselves created. We still provide untold hundreds of thousands of dollars of aid to many other nations that exist with us on this planet. Why are we not a great nation?

So, yes, when I look at all that America is and I see, from my vantage point, that America is a great nation, then I have to ask myself, "What's going to change that's going to make America a great nation to President Donald Trump? For me, a great nation, would be doing the exact things that we've been doing. Helping others. Giving so that others might enjoy a life of freedom, but also allowing those people of other nations to live under whatever government they choose.

Make America great again? I don't understand. When, in the last 100 years has America not been great? Our nation stands proud and tall with the the greatest military of any other nation on the face of the earth. Our nation stands proud and tall as the first one to jump out there in the face of disaster and adversity with food and water and shelter of those suffering in other countries. Apart from the sinfulness of our own people, I believe that as God looks down upon the earth, He would see that America is a great nation upon the earth. He may not approve of a lot that we do, but there's no doubt that we're a great nation in terms of power and respect and being somewhat responsible or helpful for the citizens of many other nations.

Make America great again? When was it not in recent history? Actually, since the Revolutionary war, I think America has been seen as a great nation. Not always the 'greatest', but certainly a great nation, nonetheless.

We'll see just exactly what President Trump means when he says that he's going to make America great again. Honestly, I imagine that in four more years we won't be whole lot different than we are today, but we'll see.

God bless you.
In Christ, ted

When Trump says "Make America Great Again," he is, of course, speaking comparatively. Compared to bygone years, our current America is not great; that is, it is not as great as it once was.

Greatness for a nation is, of course, measurable and conforms to certain biblical standards. Although I do not believe we should apply to our nation all of the standards/expectations that we would normally apply to individual Christians, I do believe we can and should press forward in praying for and expecting a return of the US to its former Christianized condition.

Certain moments in history demonstrate that a society can be turned around fairly quickly if Christians not only hope for a spiritual/moral change, but also expect a rapid change and actively work for such change through available means and methods. The recent majority-conservative victory that has been called a "political miracle" is certainly indicative of such rapid change. I have noticed more Christians getting involved in bringing about such change in the US over the past 2 years or so. I do expect further positive change.

We are the Salt of the Earth; salt effects the entirety of that to which it is applied. We must stand in the gap for the President and our nation.

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

God has chosen to work through the prayers of the saints. Oh Lord God Almighty, thank you for raising up more and more praying, bible-believing saints to intercede for the nations and America the Beautiful. Amen!

 

[Armoured]

When Trump says "Make America Great Again," he is, of course, speaking comparatively. Compared to bygone years, our current America is not great; that is, it is not as great as it once was.

Greatness for a nation is, of course, measurable and conforms to certain biblical standards. Although I do not believe we should apply to our nation all of the standards/expectations that we would normally apply to individual Christians, I do believe we can and should press forward in praying for and expecting a return of the US to its former Christianized condition.

Certain moments in history demonstrate that a society can be turned around fairly quickly if Christians not only hope for a spiritual/moral change, but also expect a rapid change and actively work for such change through available means and methods. The recent majority-conservative victory that has been called a "political miracle" is certainly indicative of such rapid change. I have noticed more Christians getting involved in bringing about such change in the US over the past 2 years or so. I do expect further positive change.

We are the Salt of the Earth; salt effects the entirety of that to which it is applied. We must stand in the gap for the President and our nation.

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

God has chosen to work through the prayers of the saints. Oh Lord God Almighty, thank you for raising up more and more praying, bible-believing saints to intercede for the nations and America the Beautiful. Amen!

How do you measure a nation's greatness?

 

[miamited]

When Trump says "Make America Great Again," he is, of course, speaking comparatively. Compared to bygone years, our current America is not great; that is, it is not as great as it once was.

Hi AACJ,

Why not? I mean, what exactly do you see about our nation that makes it not as great as it once was? Because we have an immigration problem? Friend, the very beginning of our nation was an immigration problem. Europeans didn't want to live under whatever rule they were under in Europe or they wanted what they'd been told was a better life with greater freedom across the pond. Is it because we don't hold to the same value principles that we once did? Do you honestly think that President Trump is going to change the values of people? We have the strongest military of any other nation on the planet. We have, overall, the best education system on the planet. No, it doesn't work for everybody, but you can't tell me that a Yale or Harvard or USC graduate isn't as smart in his field as anyone coming out of some other university somewhere else. As far as early childhood development, we hamper our own efforts in that. Sure, the Japanese have a very strict and very studious early education process, but I can tell you that most American parents wouldn't put up with what the Japaneses school system gets to do to have that. Our parents fight with teachers over their children's 'rights'. In Japan your child disgraces the family if he gets in trouble. It's a completely different mindset that affords a possibly better early childhood development, but we catch up when our children go on to college. As far as I'm concerned, the failure in America's education process lies with the parents, not the schools.

The opportunity is there. The same knowledge is there, but our parents don't teach their children to respect the authority of their teachers. To be obedient to them as their superior while they sit in class. The ultimate outcome of such parenting means that if there is one child in a studious class that causes a problem, the entire class suffers while time is taken to deal with and appease the problem child. Just imagine if there are two such students in a class of 25 or 30. If parents in America would teach their children like the parents in Japan to appreciate and honor their education and those who teach them, I imagine we could cut a lot our school problems in half, at least.

So, I have to ask you honestly. What specifically do you see about the United States that causes you to think that America is not as great as it once was? And for those specific issues, is it really the leadership of our nation or merely the ever changing technology and mores of the people?

To me, this idea of 'making America great again' is merely some amorphous and reasonably ambiguous cry that we have raised to put things back the way they were for a people who wouldn't stand for it in a heartbeat if we did. Fifty years ago the majority of the people believed that abortion was wrong, but today, the majority of Americans hold that abortion is pretty much ok. Fifty years ago divorce was out of the question for most couples. Today, it's practically a right of passage. These attitudes don't have much to do with the leadership of the nation, but rather the attitudes and mores of the people themselves. Fifty years ago parents disciplined their children. Today, if you touch a child in anger or correction you're abusing that child. You're squelching their 'freedom of expression'.

Sadly, I see that the nation as a whole has bought a pig in a poke. However, it's all in keeping with the prophecies of the Scriptures as to the continued fall of mankind.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted