Location: Near the confluence of the Missouri and Osage
Posts: 21,657
The bigger question is...are we expending resources in an economic way to fight terrorism?
We wage war abroad, while our economic and security infrastructure suffers at home.
If I was the enemy, I would like my plan.
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~SC Harvey~
"The Republicans know we have a constitution, and they dismiss it with contempt and arrogance ... The Democrats simply have never heard of it ..."--Livyjr-2008
"Patriots don't let patriots vote stupid..."--Frenchy-2009
Yes, and having a military presence in Saudi Arabia. I forgot about building military bases in over 100 countries.
So, they have no other reason for these attacks than our presence in these countries? No religious motivations?
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"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."
So, they have no other reason for these attacks than our presence in these countries? No religious motivations?
Not in my opinion. They are religious fundamentalists, yes. And, I'm sure they seek political power. So, because of the US pursuing its "interests" they likely would have conflicts with countries ruled by theocrats.
Location: Near the confluence of the Missouri and Osage
Posts: 21,657
Quote:
Originally Posted by Etta Place
Not in my opinion. They are religious fundamentalists, yes. And, I'm sure they seek political power. So, because of the US pursuing its "interests" they likely would have conflicts with countries ruled by theocrats.
We have religious fundamentalists here also...cannot equate.
__________________
~SC Harvey~
"The Republicans know we have a constitution, and they dismiss it with contempt and arrogance ... The Democrats simply have never heard of it ..."--Livyjr-2008
"Patriots don't let patriots vote stupid..."--Frenchy-2009
Not in my opinion. They are religious fundamentalists, yes. And, I'm sure they seek political power. So, because of the US pursuing its "interests" they likely would have conflicts with countries ruled by theocrats.
If we were to pull out our presence from the ME then they would have no more reason to have any problem with us and would no longer either try to harm us or wish us harm then?
__________________
"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."
If we were to pull out our presence from the ME then they would have no more reason to have any problem with us and would no longer either try to harm us or wish us harm then?
I don't know for sure because I cannot read their minds. But what purpose would they have to come after us if we acted like good world citizens? I know I must sound Pollyannish. The world is a complex place. What's your opinion on this?
Now, I'm not saying the U.S. should act like passivists and just turn the other cheek if threatened. But non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries should be our motto, in my opinion. I don't know if that's possible though in this time of globalization, and the world economic system.
I think there are efforts on the part of some "enlightened elites" to soften the effects of globalization on the world's poor and the environment, and to reduce U.S. militarism. We shall see how that works out. They will advocate incremental change.
And, of course, I doubt whether the US is going to give up these bases unless our economy collapses and we can no longer afford them. The political scientist and author, Chalmers Johnson, feels that these military bases are the U.S. version of the British colonies.
Location: Near the confluence of the Missouri and Osage
Posts: 21,657
No matter the outcome in Iraq and Afghanistan, we will always be dealing with terrorism. The genie is out of the bottle.
__________________
~SC Harvey~
"The Republicans know we have a constitution, and they dismiss it with contempt and arrogance ... The Democrats simply have never heard of it ..."--Livyjr-2008
"Patriots don't let patriots vote stupid..."--Frenchy-2009
I don't know for sure because I cannot read their minds. But what purpose would they have to come after us if we acted like good world citizens? I know I must sound Pollyannish. The world is a complex place. What's your opinion on this?
Now, I'm not saying the U.S. should act like passivists and just turn the other cheek if threatened. But non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries should be our motto, in my opinion. I don't know if that's possible though in this time of globalization, and the world economic system.
I think there are efforts on the part of some "enlightened elites" to soften the effects of globalization on the world's poor and the environment, and to reduce U.S. militarism. We shall see how that works out. They will advocate incremental change.
And, of course, I doubt whether the US is going to give up these bases unless our economy collapses and we can no longer afford them. The political scientist and author, Chalmers Johnson, feels that these military bases are the U.S. version of the British colonies.
My opinion and contention is that we could pull out our presence from the entire ME tomorrow and this would be seen as only a sign of weakness on our part and would encourage more attacks on our interests and eventually again on our shores.
However we got to today in our world I don't think we are in any position to go back and reason with those that are raised from birth and encouraged by their countries/religious leaders to hate us. The leaders of these countries remain in power by preaching and encouraging (IMO) hatred of all things "Western".
Do we need to retain a full fighting force there such as we have today? Debatable and above my pay grade. Do we need to maintain a deterrent, monitoring presence? IMO, absolutely.
__________________
"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."
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