That is disingenuous argument that should be banned from FR for its illogic. I'm tired of it, and I actually AGREE with Rummy. Here is the problem with saying "what's your alternative?" to every naysayer if you are a conservative: the liberals ALWAYS win the argument if that is the standard.
Liberal: GOVERNMENT should DO something!
Conservative: No, it shouldn't. It screws up too much when it does anything! Government should be minimally involved!
Liberal: What's your alternative?
Conservative: How about Government let private industry handle it? What about leaving the problem to people to resolve themselves?
Liberal: So you want to do NOTHING?
Rummy could be right or wrong, philosophy may be right or wrong, but if you in arguing mandate an alternative always be provided by those who disagree with you, first, you are simply demanding a solution be implemented by SOMEONE instead of letting conservative philosophy work, i.e., letting the market take care of itself and settle things naturally. Second, you cede ground to activists that a different "solution" is necessary.
I can give you a more extreme example:
Nutjob: "We must do something about the Sun! It keeps going up every day and going down--eventually it won't come back!"
You: Don't be silly.
Nutjob: What's your alternative plan to make sure it comes back!?!?
You: ???????
Do we really need to do ANYTHING about the Sun? The burden is, and should be, on the person proposing action to convince people to follow HIS proposed course, not upon people responding to provide a better one. We are not in a world where only by action directed toward progress may the planet move forward in a positive way. Everyday human activities lead towards progress naturally.
I started this thread and I've replyed to posters.
I support Rummy's vision for the military.
That's my position.I need not defend it.It's proving itself worthy.
El Gato gripes but that's about it.
And as for you, LE, how smug of you to imagine something you find not conservative should be banned from FR.