Well Nolan I to have not made up my mind on this war. I don't care to ever see another US bodybag. I wish we did not have to see any from any place. But if we go then I must back my country.
***I generally agree with your point of view here. However, there are specific instances where I would NOT fight for my country and do everything in my power to stop a war or intervention -- such as getting involved in a war with no prevailing national interest. It's not about pacifism or being afraid to fight, it's about backing "bad" causes. Kinda' like betting on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Do I believe some of these countries maybe holding us up just for a little extra. It looks that way. We are in Turkey as you say already to help defend them.
***Defend them against what? The Cold War ended 14 years ago. There is NO reason for American military forces to be anywhere on foreign soil (with some minor exceptions, but generally we need to get our troops on THIS side of the ocean and quit meddling oin the affairs of sovereign nations). Let South Korea and Germany defend themselves. Quit draining tax money to defend people who should be DEFENDING THEMSELVES.
Nato is on the way. We then as a country knowing this is the rath of god for Turkey. Might be smart enough to stay the hell out of there. However think of the money the sevice man and woman spend there. Think of the money another 40000 will spend.
***Studies I have seen suggest American military precense on foreign soil is, at best, a break even propostion for the locals. The trouble is -- they have to spend millions/billions of dollars on infrastrcuture improvements such as roads, water, sewers, etc, to support the bases. An influx of soldiers on TDY or stationed locally also tends to drive up housing prices for the locals (less housing, supply/demand). I call this a PUSH.
This will go on long after the war is over. But I agree with you at what cost. Tony Blair is going to lose for sticking with us. At least it sure sounds that way. If we know or have strong info Turkey may have a change in there government due to us being there.
***I'm not sure I follow you. We may have to "change thier government?" Have we not learned from the past that it's not 1965 Guatamala or 1973 Chile anymore? We can't overthrow and change foreign governments (unless they threaten our national security). All o fthis trouble has started because we insist on having battleships in every port, planes on every base, and a Pizza Hut on every street corner. I for one think it's time to pack up and go home. Let the troops take care of what's going on here at home. Quit trying to be the world's policeman. We have enough troubles at home without spreading ourselves so thin that military conflicts become INEVITABLE.
And this change even make things worse for us. Where is our leader ship? Do most folks in DC have there head up there butts.
***I won't even tough this one. I am appalled at virtually every component of US foreign policy. This is a non-partison attitude. The Clinton Adminstration was just as bad, if not worse.
I agree Turkey has always done well for us. But maybe our welcome is wearing out. We dont seem to think that ever happans. Back to the dollars. If a county wants to help. They can use our protection at the same time. Then a number of dollars should not be in the 30 billion range.
***I am generally against foreign aid. Period. End of sentence. End of statement. Agency for International Development (AID) is a disaster. Read the General Accounting Office report on that 420 billion boondogle. The World Bank and IMF (largely backed by the US) are DESTROYING nations.
Whats next we give France 15 or 20 billion. Then Germany another 10 billion over what they already get. I mean when the hell does it end. We need dollars right here at home. 48 out of 50 states in the hole or dam near broke. Wisconsin could use about 4 billion where do they sign up. Ill take Wisconsin over every country mentioned above. I again I ask where is the leadership?
***I agree with you. Funny that the ONLY presidential candidate that advocated an end to foreign aid, and end to global American colonialization, and an end to open borders was accused of being a xenophobe. His name was Pat Buchanan. I hated Buchanan's social policies, but on foreign policy matters were are learning the HARD WAY that he was right. They aren't laughing now.
-- Nolan Dalla
