[Belisaurius]

neglect the internal decay of our own nation to fight wars outside of it?

It's not unnatural to feel that way, but there's no a friendly Great Britain and an overpowering Royal Navy out there making it possible for us stay in bed naval-gazing. If we don't keep the vacuum filled, someone else will do it, perhaps real chicoms in communist suits, instead of the "communists in conservative suits" we have know.

[A. Pole]

If we don't keep the vacuum filled, someone else will do it

And should! The world is too big to be "filled" by United States. Realistic policy is not to be everything for everyone - it is to participate in or manage multipolar balances. If done cleverly the power of others can be leverage to the advantage of the clever side. That is why Reagan administration was supporting Saddam Hussein.

If United States continue to follow old Spanish interventionist Great Armada strategy it will spend the resources and will cease to be a great power.

[Amalie]

Point taken, but still doesn't answer the question of fighting the battle for the culture. I am not saying never fight battles outside of our continent; just don't abandon the ideals and vigilence that keep our own Marxist wannabes in check. Thanks