We might think back to Washington's admonition about foreign entanglements. We might listen to what the middle east is telling us: that we have troops on sacred soil, that the Palistinians should be recognized as a separate state, that we should be less blatant in our support of Isreal.
We might trade with everyone on an equal basis, and make trade the sole criteria for our foreign relationships.
We just might think about not being the "cops of the world."
The caricature of the "Ugly American" is a very real one in most parts of the world.
I would in no way suggest that we pull back within our borders. I would only suggest that we stop meddling in the affairs of others. Why do we have troops stationed all over the world, if not to enforce our national will on others? Is that the proper thing to do? Is that part of the problem rather than part of the solution?
Do we run the risk of exacerbating the situation by launching a pre-emptive strike against Iraq? There are those with more knowledge than I who suggest that we run the risk of creating a cauldron in the middle east. Do we have any understanding of the "unintended consequences?" History suggests not.
And yes, I do agree that the coming war is about oil and money. It's just impossible to sell the American public on spilling blood for that reason.
By the way, you're not talking to a wall, just to someone with a different world view. By the Grace of God, I hope you're right and I'm wrong.