[Justin Raimondo]

We disagree about the sources of American power -- and even the meaning of the word "power," in this context. American power is ideological -- the gains of the American Revolution, our constitutional system, and, most of all, the Bill of Rights -- and economic. As for military power -- tghe Soviets had plenty of that, and where did it get them? In the dustbin of history, along with the Brits, the French (sorry, Bonaparte...), the Germans, the Romans (Holy and pagan), and all the other doomed empires of the past. Empires rise, and then they fall. Yet a republic of freemen might live forever....

[Bonaparte]

"...sorry, Bonaparte..."

It's ok, Justin. I'm not French. Never was.

[Bonaparte]

In post 60, that should read, "So who did Pravda say gave them permission...?"

[Bonaparte]

"Empires rise, and then they fall."

But, but that's only because it's never really been tried. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[Torie]

Well a strong economy and a dominance of high tech are more than a theoretical source of power. But I agree with you in the end that the use or disuse of power in an intelligent or foolish manner is the key, for that is what gives moral force or lack thereof, and in the end that is the true sustaining fuel. But I think the US where it can should use an iron fist against evil, be it in Cambodia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, the Taliban, or Iraq, among others.

You may hate it, but in truth the US is more respected than ever, despite what the Arab mobs in the street might think. They're hopeless losers and they know it, and they know that their culture is in deep, deep trouble. That is the beauty of Iraq. The result might cause a cleansing systemic change throughout the regime. That is America's true task. With some luck we shall succeed. You and I are on the opposite ends of the bell curve on this one, even though on some issues we agree. But not when it comes to foreign policy. We shall almost always be foes. So be it.