[johniegrad]

Washington was elected unanamously and this was exactly his position

I note your use of the past tense.

I maintain that Demidog will never have the opportunity to test his beliefs about military intervention because no one with that set of beliefs will ever be elected to the appropriate position of authority

I note my use of the future tense.

You will never have the opportunity to test your theories because no one will subject this country to the level of risk you ascribe to. Therefore, you argue from your position with no risk of refutation not because it is correct but because it is not testable.

[Demidog]

Here's a hint. Military intervention with no just cause puts us at far greater risk than becoming a politicaly isolationist but economically engaging nation.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

You will never have the opportunity to test your theories because no one will subject this country to the level of risk you ascribe to. Therefore, you argue from your position with no risk of refutation not because it is correct but because it is not testable.

Hey, Demidog... as it happens, I have no interest in imperialist conquest of your house and property. However, if you should post some cool Die Krupps stuff on Ebay, I might be interested in buying it. In short, I am Territorially Isolationist towards you, friend, but I would happily Engage your business Economically if it serves our mutual profit.

WHAT?!?! You don't want to murder me?? You have no interest in attacking me??

Gosh, and here I was afraid I was taking a terribly "risky" position....