Yes, agree as to all you write!
However, in agreement, this brings to mind here the impact of the 'anti war'/"peace" movement people like Sheehan and such who are, in fact, eager for a non-military capabiity of and by the U.S. and how many liberal types fall victim to being influenced by that as if it was a rosey, rainbow solution to the world's woes (and our own).
Point being that the terrorist attacks of 09/11 shocked many Americans into recognizing that although we/they may not relish a degree of military capability by the U.S., that there are many others in our world today who are ruthless and insane, even, and seek our destruction. Many Americans during Clinton's terms were lulled into some stupified sense of prosperity that they lost sight of the rest of the world's aggression and what threat it poses to us and to others.
Thus, also lulled into thinking that the money necessary to maintain a capable military was superfluous.
I also believe that's what enables people like Sheehan and the rest...they claim some higher purpose of "peace" and yet congratulate and encourage those who wish us harm for wishing us harm. Thus, the propoganda method of the "peace" movement...to effect a weak and doubtful America, to encourage our enemies to increase their aggression upon us and allies.
The film, "Munich," comes to mind here.