Economic Self Interest and Compelling Stories

Russia and Georgia (the country not the state) are "Nearing All-Out War." Now, I do not claim to be an expert in relationships between countries from the former Soviet Union and I do not understand what has caused this chaos. (BBC)

But, what has me curious, is the United States response. I'm not necessarily talking about the government, publicly they have condemned it and are sending help along with many from Europe. But, the public in general. Twenty years ago this story would have had the majority of Americans glued to their television sets. Now? Seriously Rabbit the Olympics just started.

Now, if this escalates, we will definitely become more involved. But, since Russia is no longer our major enemy, we seem to not really care. My only guess is because of capitalism. The Cold War was a battle between "American Capitalism" and "Soviet Communism" (Note the quotation marks). Think about this, the Russians invaded Afghanistan led us to boycott the Olympics. Now, we could care less what the Russians are up to likely, because the Olympics are on.

This leads me to my main point. Any action taken by a country, is based mainly in their own self interest. It was believed that it was in our self interest to stop the spread of communism, so that's what we tried to do during the Cold War. We are in Iraq because we believe a stable and democratic Middle East is in our best interest (or WMDs, 9/11, Muslims, oil, whatever makes you feel safe).

At the moment, people are not as concerned with estimated deaths in the thousands. The world only stops turning when Americans die, right Alan Jackson? Anytime two countries begin to attack one another the problem is huge and will only grow if other countries are brought in.

I understand that American casualties are more compelling to Americans, that does make sense. But, why put as much focus on one American dying at the Olympics when thousands are dead in other parts of the world? I faced the same problem during the Virginia Tech massacre. How many people were killed in Iraq on the same day? I do not know and you don't either. But, those lives were just as important.

Bottom line? Every life is important, regardless of how compelling the story and what economic system their country chooses.

Rabbit