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Discussion of the premise of the article welcomed. Attacks on the source discouraged.

Boonie Rat

MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66

This Hornberger sounds like a DemocRAT, foaming at the mouth type. He was just spouting out DemonCRAP propaganda!

31. Is it not true that a war against Iraq rejects the sentiments of the time-honored Treaty of Westphalia, nearly 400 years ago, that countries should never go into another for the purpose of regime change?

Hornberger: Yes.

While this appears on lewrockwell, the questions themselves were posted in the Congressional Record by Congressman Paul. Hornberger, an LP candidate, has decided to answer them. Paul entitled these questions "Questions That Won't Be Asked About Iraq"

This particular question has many facets. First of all, I wonder why a Libertarian is concerned that the United States is not abiding by a treaty to which it is not a party. The Treaty of Westphalia was signed in 1648 well before the founding of the United States. It was signed by the Holy Roman Emperor and the King of France - institutions which no longer exist.

This very notion of the "Bush doctrine" going against the precepts of Westphalia was pointed out by Henry Kissinger. And it is of course a conscious decision on the part of the Bush administration to do just that.

Also, the Treaty of Westphalia specifies:

The Emperor shall likewise declare, That within the Investiture of the Dutchy of Mantua are comprehended the Castles of Reygioli and Luzzare, with their Territorys and Dependencys, the Possession whereof the Duke of Guastalla shall be oblig'd to render to the Duke of Mantua, reserving to himself nevertheless, the Right of Six Thousand Crowns annual Pension, which he pretends to, for which he may sue the Duke before his Imperial Majesty.

Should we be abiding by that, too?

3. Is it not true that those who argue that even with inspections we cannot be sure that Hussein might be hiding weapons, at the same time imply that we can be more sure that weapons exist in the absence of inspections?

Hornberger: Yes.

Umm, no. The point is that so long as Hussein is in power, we can be sure that Iraq is attempting to get WMD. Whether we are inspecting or not. That is why "regime change" is the goal. We CAN be more sure of the WMD status in Iraq with a democratic government there.