The prison fiasco didn't bother me much, although it was a big embarrassment, watching our guys act like drunken high school kids...My problem with Iraq is that I honestly did not feel they were a direct threat to the United States. We could have keep that country under wraps with airpower for decades, killing or destroying anything that even appeared to be militarily *offense* in nature.
More than likely we could have even taken out Saddam and his kids, without putting one single soldier on the ground. I have no doubt about this.
I am actually more disturbed about the epic fraud and chaos being created by the invasion of our country by the millions enter illegally, routinely, at will, as this administration stands winking and nodding.
I happen to be a man of principle, one who believes that this attack on our borders and sovereignty is every bit as dangerous as any terrorist. This is *compounded* by the fact that trucks with unknown loads are entering this country as we speak from Mexico. Trucks that are routinely packed with hundreds of illegals, could easily be packed with something else. Mexico is a country where the law enforcment can be bribed with prostitues, and small amounts of cash.
Unlike some others, I take my vote *very* seriously, and only those that share my principals will get my vote.
"I take my vote *very* seriously, and only those that share my principals will get my vote."
In other words you are voting for Kerry.
Does Kerry share your principles?
So...what will Mr. Kerry do to secure our borders? Probably open them up even more, give away benefits like Governor Davis did. Standing by principles is honorable but often of course it's also self-defeating.
I experienced no emotion whatsoever to Abu Grabib. I wasn't outraged nor was I embarrassed. I realize that was the minority opinion at the time but a few people do not determine the value of our country. Instead I felt satisfied that the matter was well under way to being corrected before visuals were supplied by the press.
"We could have keep that country under wraps with airpower for decades, killing or destroying anything that even appeared to be militarily *offense* in nature."
We could have maintained the status quo. We can maintain the status quo on the entrance of illegals, as well. You maintain Iraq did not present the threat that illegals do, so in one area we are justified to be inactive while on the other damned that little action has been taken.
I believe action is and was necessary on both fronts.
Iraq is part of a larger strategy. If this country is to be safe we need to reform the Middle East. This cannot be accomplished by maintaining the status quo. Iraq was a strategic target given their violation of UN sanctions. We now have Afganistan and Iraq on the road to historic reform with Iran blocked in the middle. This provides encouragement for reform especially when under the weight of the youth revolution. Iran and Syria well understand the events Bush has set to motion. It's a shame not everyone in this country is as aware.
In the end, if this strategy works this country will be safer for these actions.
On the illegal front I am concerned. More so about the weakening of the American culture than for the weapons or drugs that can be spirited in. If this country is to remain strong it needs to be reliant on the values that gave it its strength. Only, I have to say, the threat from within by the liberals is perhaps of more concern than illegals. It isn't illegals that have established institutions designed to weaken our law and values.
In order of direct threat I would place it as the following-
1) Terrorism
2) Liberalism
3) Illegals
Though China is a rising concern as well.
I take my vote seriously. hat is why G.W. can count on it come November.
I too take my vote seriously, I think most of us do on the FR.
You know I agree with you on the illegal immigration issue. GWB has been a big disappointment in not protecting our borders as well as needed. I'll assume that you'll probably be voting for Michael Petruka of the Constitutional Party come Nov. since Kerry doesn't share your values. I'm not going to criticize you for that.
As for me, I work in a defense plant here in the St. Louis area. If Kerry had his way over the years I'd been laid off a long time ago. I can't ignore that fact.
Its a safe bet that Kerry will carry California. Your vote and Fair Opinions vote don't mean as much as someone in a state somewhat up for grabs like mine. I can't ignore that either.