US Ranked Low on Global Peace Index?
~ The Rebel ~
2012/06/14 03:05:43
The just released 2012 Global Peace Index (GPI) from the Institute for Economics and Peace shows that the world has become slightly more peaceful over the last two years, with Iceland ranking as the most peaceful country and Somalia ranking as the least peaceful place. The U.S. ranks 88 of 158.
The index takes into account factors including jailed population, political instability, conflicts fought and military expenditure.
“What comes across dramatically in this year’s results and the six year trends is a shift in global priorities. Nations have become externally more peaceful as they compete through economic, rather than military means. The results for Sub Saharan Africa as a whole are particularly striking – regional wars have waned as the African Union strives to develop economic and political integration.” said Steve Killelea, founder and Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Read More: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/06/13-4
Top Opinion
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+4I find it particularly shameful that the US is ranked 88th over 158 countries assessed; JUST 1 rank ahead of CHINA and 18 ranks below Cuba...
during my lifetime [spanning well over 1/2 century] the nation has spent more time at war than in peace. and, since those wars are fought elsewhere, the populace can conveniently ignore them. so no hue-and-cry to end them
the one exception was during Vietnam and the draft. when almost anyone could be tapped - - well - - THEN it mattered, of course.
and notice, the PTB haven't made THAT mistake again. that might mean an end to US war and interventionism and WE CAN'T HAVE THAT!
and, yes, we just keep putting people in jail. after all, if we WILL keep farming out our prisons to corporations - - the politicians have to keep those corporate interests happy so that the donations will keep coming. so, make everything illegal and keep those prisons FULL!
so if not having been invaded automatically puts you high on the list, why are we #88?
I would guess the reasons have more to do with whether the respective governments are Nosy Nellies who believe they're better than everyone else.
but that's just me.
still, I think the argument holds up. look at the arrogance of the other countries that are high on the list: Iran, Syria, Lebanon. and the US.
hmmmmmmmmm.
look around. it doesn't really seem to be working out all that well from what I see. but to each her own.
there ARE other options than China, jfwiw. Switzerland seems well suited.
better than us, I'll wager.