Clear views from across the big pond..... refreshing.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=627722005

How African aid can be the new imperialism

FRASER NELSON

FRASER NELSON


TWO men wanting to change the world met in the White House yesterday. They discussed their agendas, and did not quite agree. But this was always going to be the case when there are conflicting visions of a global empire.

The "imperialist" charge against George W Bush is clear: his plans to spread democracy around the world amount to an American empire in all but name. He is intent on exporting American political values to the furthest corners of the globe.

Tony Blair has avoided similar charges - yet the agenda for Africa that he will bring before the G8 leaders is no less ambitious. Like America, Britain also believes it has a moral duty to change the world - and is about to embark on a mission to do so.

The idea of the new American empire has been powerfully explained by Niall Ferguson, the Glasgow-born historian. Washington, he argues, is the new Rome as it maintains a new global world order, at great expense.

But while America is playing the role of policeman for the free world, Britain is angling for the role as the conscience of the West.

Unlike America, Britain has been here before. Our empire started off as a device for exploration and plunder, expropriating the natural resources of colonies and growing rich quick. But midway through the 19th century, things changed dramatically. The role of the British empire then became to establish the rule of law and better the lives of its subjects. It was not enough for Britain to rule the world: it wanted to redeem it - through civilisation, law and Victorian values

[malaise]

1. The only aid they've given Africa is

AIDS. Anyone who trusts these men should be locked up. Expect more grabbing of poor people's resources.