Reply #104: With all due respect, that seems naive to me. [View All]

1. We know there were no terrosits in Iraq before the US invasion. We know our troops are a target. But the "people blowing up Iraqi civilians" are NOT "black ops" nor would they stand down if we leave, as you suggest -- most are themselves Iraqi civilians. They are fighting each other. This is much more complex than you seem to realize.

2. Our "friends" are primarily the nations with which we have diplomatic relations, and with which we collaborate in the UN. We have alliances with them, trade partnerships, and political relationships. Yes, BushCo has turned their people against the US under BushCo, which puts their leaders in a very difficult position politically. But that doesn't mean their leaders couldn't be persuaded that it's in their nation's best interest to participate in an effort to assure Iraq's independence, and to persuade their people in turn.

3. No doubt they'd be less "trouble" if BushCo hadn't acted and spoken as they have, but here we are. We still have to deal with them. You suggest there's some optimism there, but there's also alot of danger that needs to be recognized realistically, particularly concerning nukes. These are not friendly, happy, let alone benign countries.

4. I think as Americans, we're a bit spoiled in our views of what economic impact could mean. No, it's not just about "freeing up money" for domestic needs -- it could easily, overnight, become LACK of money for things we take for granted. I'm no expert, but it's my understanding that if oil became traded in Euros, our economy would become irrelevant; and if China ever decided to call in its debts, we'd be done for. People in other countries look at us as spoiled, greedy hogs in many ways. We are already in over our heads in debt. If our economy were severely impacted, you would see suffering not among the Bushes and Cheneys, not among the Ken Lays and Tom DeLays, but among women, children, and minorities first. NO Lydia, it's not about "showing unemployment" from the National Guard and Reserves; it's about things at least three generations of Americans can't even fathom.

5. "Strategy makes no difference if your goal is misguided." Who could disagree with that? I doubt anyone does.