>> The world would be a much, much better place if American citizens paid more attention to what their spy masters are doing in the world.
It doesn't work like that... "at least its our guys doing it" isn't some honest maxim we spout off in American fervor. It's akin to Winston knowing that when the 2-minutes-hate starts, whether you are into it or not, you stand up and blend in. Otherwise, those spy masters you mention make your life very uncomfortable, or take it away entirely. We just live here man, you don't think we actually are in charge and can make any difference...do you?
No it's not a democracy and never has been, the system of government here is a democratic republic. Misunderstanding America seems to be a very hip thing to do these days. Most of us do exactly what you do in your respective country: try to look out for our family each day. We're neither aware nor responsible for 99% of the rest of what goes on around the globe. Most of us don't care, because we have our own problems to worry about.
The talking heads you see on TV telling you "America thinks XYZ", or "America won't stand for <foo>!", are just that...talking heads. They aren't us, we don't know them, they don't come over and share meals...they are just a few elite that can't shut their mouth in front of a camera. It's just as shitty here as it is where you are from, most likely.
Now we have lots of propaganda. You know, like the USSR and North Korean propaganda... mantras that say we are the bravest, most "free", most prestigious people on the planet. It's just propaganda though, no one that lives here believes that nonsense. If they do, they just got off the boat...give them a year and their tune will change.
It doesn't work like that... "at least its our guys doing it" isn't some honest maxim we spout off in American fervor. It's akin to Winston knowing that when the 2-minutes-hate starts, whether you are into it or not, you stand up and blend in. Otherwise, those spy masters you mention make your life very uncomfortable, or take it away entirely. We just live here man, you don't think we actually are in charge and can make any difference...do you?