Re:Freedom of reach IS freedom of speech
by bitwize on Sunday December 11, 2022 @01:31PM
(#33945886)
When I think of "banana republic" I think of a puppet government installed by corporations to ensure the corporations' profitability -- much like the United Fruit Company did to Honduras and Guatemala, hence the name.
The USA has exactly this kind of government: https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-27074746
Re:Freedom of reach IS freedom of speech
by lilboiluvr69 on Sunday December 11, 2022 @01:45PM
(#33946062)
I am familiar with the research cited in that article. I am also familiar with the United States' prolonged history of foreign interference and human rights abuse.
But in the United States I can openly kiss my same-sex husband in public. In Zambia I would be arrested.
The average citizen of the United States still enjoys a relatively high standard of living. Sanitary conditions. High wealth (compared to the rest of the world). Human rights. I find comparisons to banana republics to be hyperbole which ultimately distracts from your arguments.
And while I believe wealth disparity, healthcare, and fascism are all real, sadly neglected problems in the United States, I would strongly caution you against hyperbolic criticisms. You should reflect on what you think of when you think 'banana republic', and in what ways day to day life for the average citizen of the United States are comparable to say, the average citizen of Zambia.