Better tech, more troops, better reputation in the world because we are rich and free. Look at the big picture. Doubling our wealth as a nation say since we started nominating the liberal Republicans since 1990 (Bush, Bush, Dole, Bush, Bush, McCain), 20 years, would take 3.4% more growth a year. Crazy, huge numbers . . . except that they are not in a free economy. With double the economy what type of tech would our military have? What type of airport security etc. would we very casually be able to pay for?
Our domestic policy is much, much, much more important to our position in the world and our military power than our foreign policy, in my opinion.
Are you saying that al qaeda would love us if we had a better reputation in the world?? That the French would love us if we were richer?? Please back up these statements because right now they are just pure speculation.
And, our military could have had all the tech in the world. None of it would have prevented al qaeda attacking us. Better airport screening would not have prevented al qaeda attacking us. They brought down 4 airliners with box cutters. If I recall correctly, they were prepositioned on the flights - how would high-tech screening have prevented it?