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.
But when did reforming the entire middle east become America's priority? We are told routinely that there are only a handfull of terrorist there. Why would we need to reform that region of the planet? And in attempting to do so, do you not think that will only create more enemies over there? I've recently read that some top conservatives in this country seem to think so, and I tend to agree.