Posted on 03/23/2003 9:47:48 AM PST by HAL9000
Thanks, that was the point I was making, and it is certainly a difficult point to make due to the historical record, although one could make an argument that many past wars of religion and idiology are also grounded in economics. I was thinking in terms of modern economics and modern communications and interrelations. Just like a strong system of laws is necessary for socio-ecnomic stability, effective communications is also critical to business and international relationships. We no longer need a trans-Atlantic mail carrier with England, France, or Spain, or a teletype connection with Tokyo, or a "Hot Line" with Moscow, and business interest (trade) continue to draw us closer.
I agree that close ties between peoples and nations CAN also lead to conflicts (...I thought I made that that), but that's the risk of "doing business", especially where few commonalities exist. Having said that, I will say that most people share a great deal in common. They want to look at the smiling faces of their spouses and children. They want a warm bed and food on the table. They want gainful employment, etc. etc. And that common interests and trade will prevail over isolation. That was my point.
And no, I would not say that we are in Iraq because of oil. I agree with GW's masterful and lonely leadership in eliminating the threat posed by Iraq to our national security (e.g. eliminating his WMD programs).
No, the reason the Soviet Union crumbled was because it was corrupt and rotten on the inside. Reagan had a lot to do with the outside pressure, but the Soviets were aready on their way to extinction. That being said I have never considered the Russians or the Chinese our friends. I spent 20 years of my life defending this country against the likes of them (Viet Nam era, Cold War, Desert Storm, and the first part of the War on Terror). You can't trust the ba*tards and we should sanction them economically for starters.
As for why France/Germany are against this war, that I'm not sure.
This news is very disturbing, and quite frankly, makes me sick.
You stated categorically (without qualification) that the Russian government did not know about it. That is why I asked you for your proof. If you had made the more modest and believable claim that nobody had demonstrated Russian government knowledge or collusion, I wouldn't have challenged you. If what you meant was "innocent till proved guilty" (as you now claim), perhaps you should have stated it that way. I would have had no problem with that.
LOL! I guess they don't believe in cultural exchange. :-)
I've always thought the USSR collapse was a modern Trogan Horse. I think we knew it, let them do it, and now will defeat them them completely. Welcome to WW3.
I blame X41 for not following through in the wake of Reagan's Cold War Victory. When a country surrenders, you should get their weapons and control their technology. Now we have all this military technology, nuclear materials, and viruses being sold to the highest bidder by the remaining Russian oligarchy. Political correctness has bitten us in the butt once again!
That's at least two messes that W will have to clean up after his father. The sins of the father......
bttt
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