[jecIIny]

I agree we can hurt them. But as I said, they unlike Iraq a few years ago, have the ability to strike back effectively. If they close the Straits of Hormuz (which they could do fairly easily), they would instantly create a worldwide economic crisis. It could require a large scale military invasion of Iran to reopen the straits. The logistics involved in such an operation would mean that the straits would be kept closed long enough to possibly plunge much of the world into a depression. Then there is the expense involved. We have a president who would rather walk barefoot the length of a football field strewn with broken glass and red hot coals than raise taxes. The national credit card is pretty well maxxed out. How will we pay for this? Manpower? The only way we could do this would be a massive mobilization of reserves. I am sure I don't need to describe the consequences of that. And even if we could do that it is not sustainable long term unless we reinstate conscription. We are the world's only superpower. But we are not omnipotent. There is a serious danger in not acknowledging the limits of our power. Ask Napoleon and Hitler (both of whom had their entire country's on a full war footing, something W seems extremely unlikely to even contemplate).

[GOPJ]

We have a president who would rather walk barefoot the length of a football field strewn with broken glass and red hot coals than raise taxes. The national credit card is pretty well maxxed out.

Raising taxes isn't a great way to get money. And we've got plenty of money for a war. You're not from 'round these parts are ya sonny?