“Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.”

This is a good quote showing modern jingoism and what Americans think their duty in the world is. I'm using this in an essay on how the Gettysburg started this trend of bringing our ideals to others through force. Thanks for having this :)

If freedom and protecting the weak from evil is just an "Ideal" then you are more than misguided; you are a coward who would risk nothing to help their neighbor. With great power comes great responsibility and while the US can not save the entire world, when it can help it should. People like you should be happy to just hide under your desk because you do not understand how lucky you are to like in a truly free and democratic county. You abuse your freedom of speech, but that’s ok, you will have people like me willing to fight for it. What are you willing to fight AND die for, that is not selfish?

I would wonder what the world would think if we did totally mind our own business, only watch out for ourselves and do nothing to help the suppressed. Yes, the US has made many mistakes and many lose their lifes for freedoms sake. Alot of these countrys would still be under the thumb of dictators. I guess that is a peaceful way to live. But is it worth it?

I like it, but as usual, it's an Urban Legend. See: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-colin-powell.htm