[blueriver]

I'm not implying anything. I simply made a couple of statements. Not everything in the world has a one to one ratio with something else. Some things are related through several steps of connection. And some things, while not actually related at all, serve to illustrate some things that are. It's called abstract reasoning, and for some people it's a way to understand some ideas. For others it seems foolishness.

I understand abstract reasoning and am not opposed to it being used in many cases. However, when it comes to justifying a war, or rationalizing going to war where American blood is being spilled I think using abstract reasoning is dangerous.

[jwpjr]

Actually, I'm not trying to justify the war in Iraq or to rationalize the war. My support of the war is not based on the fact that they might or might not have had WMD's or that they were a direct and immediate threat to the US. There are a number of countries in the world that represent a threat to us and our way of life, some more directly than others. We are going to have to deal with them sooner or later and it's my humble opinion that sooner would be better. Truth is, all I know about the world situation is what I read and see in the news and here on FR. I have absolutely NO control over what my country does or doesn't do to address these threats. I would love to have some inside information that gave me absolute knowledge of whether or not the move into Iraq was a good idea. I know my limitations and after nearly 70 years of life I find it easier to fret about things I have at least some control over in my life.

I guess we are on opposite sides of this discussion, but I honestly enjoy having the discussion. Thank you for a reasoned and noninflammatory approach to it.