I'm sorry Ivan, and gentlemen, if my comments in any way suggested that I had a "West good, East bad, everyone else stupid" opinion about the world and the nuclear arms subject. (with reference to ATI's quote)

I'm aware of your Russian origins Ivan, and for this reason, and through common decency, I wouldn't point the bone at any particular nation when it comes to who is responsible for events and upsets during the 'cold war' or any other era.

I'm a little bewildered by your comment which 'suggests' that it is my 'American TV watching' experience that is responsible for my views about the US. Although American television and movies have been pretty much the staple visual entertainment in the western world for the last 50 years doesn't mean that it's the sole source of information, nor does it mean that intelligent people would not realise that there are always three sides to every conflict (i.e. Party 1, Party 2 and the Truth).
I am the first to make light of the Hollywood propensity to present, over and over, "How we won the war - by the Americans" (from John Wayne right through to Stylone)
I am not a "Yankophile" (meant in the 'affectionate' manner that we Australians use the term) and I am certainly not so silly that I would use any 'movie' or TV show to become the foundation (or even influence) my thoughts and feelings on such a serious subject.
Are your perceptions of Australia and it's people a result of watching 'Steve' the crocodile man on the box. I would think not, and you have a right to expect that I wouldn't suggest that it was the case.

I have seen the results of armed conflict. Real close up. I abhor any type of violence, especially that which involves the innocent. Nothing hurts me more than to hear of or see the horror that is the result on both sides of any armed conflict. However, after many years of studying the history of our world, and it conflicts, and possibly due to the realisation that sometimes comes with age and experience, I've come to the sad conclusion that there are always 'innocents' involved and unfortunately, as much as I hate it, when conflict does become necessary (God forbid), the freedom from the other horrors and injustices (for which the war is fought) somehow outweighs the aweful consequences that result.

I acknowledge your point about the existence of the USSR being a part of the possible reasons why Nuclear weapons were never used or threatened. But seeing as the USSR no longer exists, and Russia is no longer a 'super power', we are left with few choices.
I don't profess to know the answers. I can only say what I feel and that is that, personally, I am happy with the status quo in terms of the US being the 'watchdog' (for want of a better word) of the world.
It's only my opinion but my true feeling is that the US has, at least essentially, the best interests of the world at large, on there minds. That's not to say that Russia or North Korea or anyone else hasn't or wouldn't in the same position.
It's just that (once again in my opinion) I see the proof in past actions, over many decades, not simply recently.

Apart from that, I can't say, but then no-one else can either, as I see it.

As for your quote "and peacekeeping missions being unable to use armed force if the population the are supposed to protect is being decimated before their eyes because the UN has to get the security council together to decide IF they can use armed force... "

I'm not sure if you're agreeing with my assertion that the UN has recently proved to be totally inefficient recently, when it comes to it's role of solving conflicts by way of consultation, resolution, sanctions etc.
I hope we agree on that, at least.

I've always enjoyed reading your posts, Ivan and I've come to like the few disussions that we have had over time.
I'm sorry if anything I said was upsetting to you, so much so that you would 'disect' my post, and set about rubbishing almost every thought I have shared.
If it was what I said, or the way in which it was expressed, please accept my apology for that.

If you simply disagree with my logic, and needed to say so, then let's agree to disagree.

Steve (not the crocodile man) j/k

First, mate, I'm sorry about the Russian bit. I didn't know. I have seen references that people have made (the name is what does it, which is silly really - we don't assume everyone named Patrick is Irish........... ) I don't recall seeing any of your posts correcting the issue - so sorry, I will remember.
My wife is Dutch actually, Schreyenberg is her name, so I know a little of things Dutch.

With regard to the NEWS issue. I can only agree with you. We are faced with a situation where we sometimes only have access to one side of the story, and in the West it would tend more often to be the American view.
I don't know if it's right or wrong. I suppose they have to try to promote their view and keep their people happy with the way things are progessing. We all know about the truths of the 1991 war that came to light long after the troops returned (Gulf war syndrome - exposure to chemicals etc). And of course, there is always the suffering that effects the 'other' side, most of whom are completely blameless.

Australia is a great place to live. I'm very proud and aware of how fortunate I am to be here (although we've been copping a bit of a beating over the refugee issue lately - I believe).
I suppose I have to admit to being a little sensitive when it comes to people imagining that we all run around in 'Mick Dundee' hats and can't tell the difference between a crapper and a bidet. (The Simpsons episode was very funny and I enjoyed every minute of it, but it didn't do alot to dispell the myths - nextdoor neighbours 10 miles away, Prime Minister a sheep farmer swimming in his own dam, no knowlegde of 'bullfrogs' - I could go on!)
Paul Hogan has much to answer for - In fact he's really not all that popular here - That's why he's in the US.

You mention your sensitivity over the recent conflict in Iraq. We've found out in earlier discussions, while it was going on, that there are two very distinct polarised groups as far as this issue is concerned, so I agree it's best to leave it well enough alone.

Thanks for your comments, I'm glad we had this little talk.........