Didn’t something like that happen in the thirties?

When I was young I was really into Star Trek, and viewed the Prime-Directive as a good approach to foreign policy. As I got older and more into politics, I advocated isolationism. People countered that we should all help each other, and for a time I found that a compelling argument.

Now I see good intentions corrupted -- sudden withdraw of help causing massive damage. I see a government that does whatever it wants around the world with nothing but apathy from its citizenry -- facilitation of genocides and support of authoritarianism. I see the rounding up and abuse immigrants on one side and the use of immigrants to fill labor needs rather than fund proper training on the other. I see globalization used to cut workers wages under the guise of mutual dependence maintaining peace.

There is certainly value to helping others and maintaining peace, but generally, I think Americans need to push our government towards minding its own business.