Not to stir this up again, well...maybe just for that reason, but I happened to be hunting and missed this thread during its passion so I'll opine now.
A few good points and questions have been raised. However, everyone must have missed my post in another thread about this subject. Why, you ask? For the same reason this issue keeps rearing its ugly head - no one wants to know or accept the truth of the matter.
Firts, we have certain individuals saying we shouldn't be the world's police force, then, in the same breath, ask why we don't do something in every region of the world where atrocities exist. Which way do you want it people??
Now, you cannot talk about when and how to leave Iraq without understanding why the f*** we are there in the first place! Sorry for the language - it was used as an attention-getter.
Why did we ally with the USSR in WW II only to be enemies with them later?
Why did we supply training and arms to Hussien during the Iran / Iraq war?
Why did we supply training and arms to [aint] Bin Laid In [several years] during the Russia / Afghan war?
Why didn't we "go finish the deal in the first Gulf War" like everyone now wants to bitch about?
ALL for VERY good reasons.
Now, our current conflict in Iraq:
Did we go there to secure a supply of oil? Partially, yes. Is that bad? No. Unless you don't mind paying $7 per gal gas, ten-fold expenses for heating oil, electric bills, all types of plastics used on a daily basis and a host of other products derived from the petroleum industry.
Did we go there to free a nation? Partially, yes.
Did we go there because of 9/11 and his role in terrorism? Partially, yes.
Did we go there because of Hussien's imposed threat to the U.S? Partially, yes.
It is complete idiocy to think if we leave everyone else alone, they will leave us alone. That may have worked 60 years ago but the life all of us have come to know is completely dependant upon a World market and protecting the assests of the U.S. in whatever region that may be. Sound selfish and self-serving? You bet your ass it is! That is the truth of it that peace-loving soccer-mom type liberal asshats can't deal with. They want their bread, they just don't want to know what it takes to bake it!
Now, many un-free nations hate and despise the U.S. NOT because of what we have, but what they don't have - Freedom. This is disassociated hatred. Meaning, it's misplaced towards something (US) they are willing to do (terrorism) rather than against a dictator government that they cannot (death, torture, no freedom of speech - except against the U.S., death of their families if they speak out or resist, etc).
The effectivness of our military has been in question by the world for many, many years. Beginning with Korea and McCarthy's debacle, perpetuated by Viet Nam, and all of the lack of responses to the terrorist attacks against us over the last two decades. Desert Storm was the only show of strength and it was over too quickly to remain in anyones mind for very long.
By the way, ask yourself what made our military so effective during the early and mid 20th century. Was it a large standing Army with the latest technology? Hell no! Our omnipotent leaders skeletalized our troops after every conflict. It was the patriotism of the American people who rose to the challenge and took up arms as nation to take on any comers. We lost that during Viet Nam and have not gotten it back (as a nation). And, the World knows it.
Now, because of the misplaced hatred by many, a growing disrespect for our military effectivness, and our own internal implosion this nation is ready to be plucked by some adventurous tyrant somewhere. No longer is the ideology that America can't be invaded becuase of a rifle behind every blade of grass.
We fought China once to an emabarassing (on both sides) draw. China's looking for a rematch and using N. Korea as the catalyst, once again. Iran has nuclear technology and if they gain the means to deliver them, they will. Take a friggin' look at a world map and the reason we are involved in the places we're currently at might get a little clearer!
We will stay in Iraq the same as we did in Japan and Germany solely to protect our assests, but more importantly to protect our soveriegnty. Now, Mark, you ask how will we be able to sustain this longevity. We WON'T unless the unpatriotic cowards of this nation get off their collective apathetic asses and show a little intestinal fortitude and resecure this nation. It is as much reponsiblity of EVERY citizen to participate in the security of this nation as it is the government's.
Thus endeth today's lesson.
Enlightenly Respectful,
![[wink]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/002.gif "Wink [wink]")
Most of the time I like to sit back and enjoy the game but sometimes I like to get the ball bouncing. [lol]
