The US should close all foreign military bases. What do you think?

[Mad Hatter]

As an American, I think it's lost past time the US stop meddling in the affairs of the rest of the world.  We are not only energy self-sufficient but are now an energy exporter.  Unlike China and many other countries, we are more than self-sufficient when it comes to feeding our people.  I propose we close all our military bases in Europe, Asia and elsewhere in the world and terminate our membership in NATO.  We will form an alliance with Canada and Mexico (if they're willing).  Each member will be equal to the other two and have full veto power. The nations of Central and South America may, at their option, join our new alliance, gaining the same full membership and veto power as the other members.  The money saved from our constant meddling in the rest of the world would be used to provide for a common defense of the Americas, to build up our infrastructure and to concentrate on scientific and cultural advancements that will enhance the lives of all citizens of the Americas.

I admit our history with Central and South America has not been good, to say the least.  It will take awhile to regain their trust.  But if we're successful, an economic, cultural and military alliance of the Americas would be good, not only for the Americas, but for the world.  Imagine the length and breadth of the Americas crisscrossed by high-speed rail.  Our enormous resources devoted to enriching the lives of Americans (North Central and South) instead of wasting them on futile military adventures elsewhere on the globe.

What do you think?

[GuerrillaUnReal]

As an American, I think it's lost past time the US stop meddling in the affairs of the rest of the world.  We are not only energy self-sufficient but are now an energy exporter.  Unlike China and many other countries, we are more than self-sufficient when it comes to feeding our people.  I propose we close all our military bases in Europe, Asia and elsewhere in the world and terminate our membership in NATO.  We will form an alliance with Canada and Mexico (if they're willing).  Each member will be equal to the other two and have full veto power. The nations of Central and South America may, at their option, join our new alliance, gaining the same full membership and veto power as the other members.  The money saved from our constant meddling in the rest of the world would be used to provide for a common defense of the Americas, to build up our infrastructure and to concentrate on scientific and cultural advancements that will enhance the lives of all citizens of the Americas.

I admit our history with Central and South America has not been good, to say the least.  It will take awhile to regain their trust.  But if we're successful, an economic, cultural and military alliance of the Americas would be good, not only for the Americas, but for the world.  Imagine the length and breadth of the Americas crisscrossed by high-speed rail.  Our enormous resources devoted to enriching the lives of Americans (North Central and South) instead of wasting them on futile military adventures elsewhere on the globe.

What do you think?

I think it's a terrible idea. Our force projection is pretty much the only thing that keeps this country as a thriving economic super power. If we remove all of our military bases, not only do we lose all our allies around the globe, completely endanger our economy but we all have to fight on our turf instead of theirs. I understand your point of view and I think you come from a valid sincere place but I disagree with you.

What good is all that extra money going to do when the government is corrupt and can't effectively use what it has now and the value of the money saved is cut in half due to the value of the dollar plummeting from no longer being the reserve currency?

[Mad Hatter]

I should make it clear I am not advocating a political union of the Americas.  Unlike the EU, each nation of the Americas would remain a sovereign nation.  The EU was a huge success when it was a "common market," a free trade zone.  The introduction of political union will ultimately be their downfall.

The new American Union, or AU, would include the best elements of the EU's free trade zone but each country would continue to control its own economy, currency, borders and immigration policies.   I believe this new "AU" would be so economically, militarily powerful and united in a common cause that no rogue nation from outside the Americas (Russia, China) would dare mess with it.  Putin may well roll his tanks into the Balkans and Poland (in fact, I think he will) in an effort to reassemble the USSR but a strong, united American Union would forever be beyond his influence.

South Korea and Japan are more than a match for North Korea.  South Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam are capable of standing up to China, a land overflowing with people but few resources.

That's what I think.  What do you think?

[Jackstar]

As an American, I think it's lost past time
[...]
What do you think?

'MURICA FUCK YEAH

[FightTheFuture]

Yes, lets just cede the rest of the world to Russia and China. By gum, that`s BRILLIANT!

[Value Of Pi]

As an American, I think it's lost past time the US stop meddling in the affairs of the rest of the world.  We are not only energy self-sufficient but are now an energy exporter.  Unlike China and many other countries, we are more than self-sufficient when it comes to feeding our people.  I propose we close all our military bases in Europe, Asia and elsewhere in the world and terminate our membership in NATO.  We will form an alliance with Canada and Mexico (if they're willing).  Each member will be equal to the other two and have full veto power. The nations of Central and South America may, at their option, join our new alliance, gaining the same full membership and veto power as the other members.  The money saved from our constant meddling in the rest of the world would be used to provide for a common defense of the Americas, to build up our infrastructure and to concentrate on scientific and cultural advancements that will enhance the lives of all citizens of the Americas.

I admit our history with Central and South America has not been good, to say the least.  It will take awhile to regain their trust.  But if we're successful, an economic, cultural and military alliance of the Americas would be good, not only for the Americas, but for the world.  Imagine the length and breadth of the Americas crisscrossed by high-speed rail.  Our enormous resources devoted to enriching the lives of Americans (North Central and South) instead of wasting them on futile military adventures elsewhere on the globe.

What do you think?

This "meddling" nonsense is exactly the accusation used by every enemy of the U.S. from Stalin on. While we don't always do the right thing or the smart thing, what we do by virtue of our military and economic power is to advance our interests around the world, as well as those of our friends.

Those interests include freedom, democracy, economic growth, peaceful relations and human rights. That's not meddling, it's leadership, and well in the spirit of a country whose actions around the world during World War II and the Cold War did, in fact, save the world from unfettered tyranny.

I respect your intentions but this America First philosophy you have would only result in making America last. But the Russians, the Chinese and every two-bit dictator would be forever grateful for Americans like you who favor withdrawing from the world to Fortress America. Everybody else, not so much.