The U.S.A. and Somalia: the only 2 countries in the world

[Senior citizen]

who haven't signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.^ Gee, if we didn't have such a compassionate conservative "no child left behind" President, we'd probably be waging an international War on Children because they're such a nuisance and they cost money.

But there are a lot of things we haven't signed and ratified, like the Kyoto Treaty. This country doesn't see itself as part of the world community, but as a world power destined by God to dominate the world. So maybe, just maybe, the terrorists and those nations who disagree with us don't hate us for our freedoms, maybe they hate us because we're selfish, greedy, inconsiderate world bullies.

-------
^ "How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas," David Bornstein, Oxford University Press, c. 2004, page 253.

[grace0418]

1. It's frightening isn't it?

Can you just imagine what Americans look like to the rest of the world? Considering the way our media portrays only the right-wing mentality of America, it's a wonder we aren't attacked more often really.

[eurolefty]

2. This is why

In Somalia they want to mutilate female genitals.
In the U.S. you want (in some states) to execute children (under 18 year olds convicted of murder).

These countries can't sign the treaty without changing their laws, which they are unwilling to do.

[Senior citizen]

3. Actually genital mutilation is done in U.S. also

We have such strict gender roles that when an intersex infant is born, the doctors decide which sex they want to make it into, and surgically remove anything not appropriate to the designated sex, so that a stereotypical gender role can be assigned. Often this leads to the victim having sexual difficulties throughout life, not to mention emotional problems. But it is all quite legal here.

We've also had cases of female genital mutilation here, with immigrants from countries where this is common. While FGM is illegal here, is it certainly not unknown.

It is bad enough living in a fascist country, but to know it is one of only two rogue nations in the world that show complete disdain for international humanitarian concerns, is just disgusting.