Replies

And despite the fact that the federal government has spent tens of trillions over the past few decades it couldn't protect Americans from terrorists.

This is a uniquely American thinking --- that the money solves everything. What does the budget have to do with that?

We had a sufficient budget to fight and win in Vietnam, but the nation simply did not want to do that. We have not fought anything or anybody ever since. Instead we ran from everywhere, and this is what emboldened the enemy.

You may or may not agree with my explanation, but citing money in this context is... well I'd rather not characterize that.

The author is wrong. If anything, 9/11 was a reminder of why we should not play global dictator

Apparently, not only you have not travelled to counties under dictatorships --- you have not even read about them. Only ignorance at that level can cause someone to call the U.S. a "global dictator."

I do not know whether you view yourself as libertarian, conservative, or something else, but you certainly do not hold your own country in high regard.

This is a uniquely American thinking --- that the money solves everything. What does the budget have to do with that?

It is significant because Bush and Congress want additional funding for yet another government agency (Homeland Defense) when there are already agencies in place for intelligence gathering and protection.

Who, exactly, is this enemy you speak of which has become emboldened?

Apparently, not only you have not travelled to counties under dictatorships --- you have not even read about them. Only ignorance at that level can cause someone to call the U.S. a "global dictator."

"Do what we say or we will drop bombs on your cities. We will cripple your infrastructure and kill your people." That sounds dictatorial to me. The US has troops stationed in over 100 countries around the world. We don't dictate terms to countries like China because China can fight back. We only threaten and bomb countries like Iraq and Afghanistan because they are powerless to retaliate.

I do not know whether you view yourself as libertarian, conservative, or something else, but you certainly do not hold your own country in high regard.

I consider myself to be a Libertarian. Furthermore, I recognize that the country and the government are two distict things. Perhaps you have them confused.