> Free Trade Agreeement with the US.  We got screwed.  We liked it.  So they
[snip]

Now, this one I can't agree with. When you have a free trade agreement, 
*both* sides win. Sure, you have selected industries that go bankrupt, but 
the benefit to consumers (cheaper goods) far outweigh the losses of a few 
underperforming companies. Macroeconomics 101.

As far as the main topic goes, I would still vote for US:

- It is one of a few countries that can make a real difference. No offence 
to Iceland or Luxembourg - they simply don't have the resources.

- A lot of its economic policies are based on idealism, rather than 
self-interest. For example, it is illegal for American businessmen to offer 
bribes to foreign officials in order to get contracts, access to the local 
markets, etc. On the other hand, German businessmen are allowed to itemize 
bribes on their tax returns. Needless to say, this policy hurts US 
companies, but - "principle before profit."

- Free trade is a biggie. Foreign imports encounter little resistance from 
US Customs. Small packages are not subject to tariff, and most goods (with 
notable exceptions of steel and RAM chips) are subject to a 1-3% tariff. 
Compare that to Europe - customers beg us to put a lower value on the 
package so they don't have to pay 20EUR to pick up an 80EUR package. US is a 
champion and promoter of free trade worldwide.

- As Russel once pointed out, on several occasions United States intervened 
in situations where it had little to gain. Think Yugoslavia, Somalia, 
Afghanistan. The goal there was to stop the evil, protect the innocent, help 
the poor, and spread democracy.

Best regards,

Vitaliy 

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