The Corrections (by Victor Davis Hanson)

nationalreview ^ | July 18, 2003, 8:45 a.m. | Victor Davis Hanson

[MEG33]

I think Japan has figured out it has a problem.I believe that was why they backed us on the Iraq war and have offered troops.Australia will be brought kicking because of the "peace advocates".Korea is the monster. China is enjoying our discomfort but doubt they want war.We have been given the privilege of power and with it the burden.We need others to realize they need to help.Seeing the big guy hurting is great sport in the rest of the world it seems.(Unless they need us at the moment)

[Byron_the_Aussie]

Yes, it is. We call it the Tall Poppy Syndrome here in Australia, a dark corner of the human spirit that enjoys watching the mighty humbled. The only two ways I can see the problem being assuaged is if 1. the rest of the world starts to do its share of the lifting (and I note Japan's plan to commission two aircraft carriers) or 2. if US military costs are cut, by withdrawal of NATO and Japanese commitments. There'll be no peace or oil dividend from victory over the DPRK, they'll be a basket case worse than East Germany. Massive deficits caused by military expenditure and a failure to cut domestic pork is not good news for our side of politics. Thanks for your interesting reply, all the best, By

[MEG33]

We've kept thousands of troops in SKorea for years.SKorea needs to step up to the plate.I don't have any easy answers to our problem. You had to be here(even in small town Texas or Idaho) to know the effect 911 had on our willingness to sacrifice.We grumble and fret and have some leftys who are gloom and doomers and some isolationists who slept through 911.I know this..We are incapable of doing it all alone.The Iraqis thought Americans could do everything at once.I just don't want the UN to do it.They are not capable of doing one thing without us to back it up.

[William McKinley]

Australia is on board. Australia has been even more staunchly allied with us than England of late (even though obviously with much less power or resources).

[MEG33]

Howard pulled off the Iraq support but there's a loud lib voice there .I think a problem in their neck of the woods might be easier.They did go in to East Timor and that time we lent aid and comfort..but no troops.(I think I'm right.)There were columns blaming the Bali bombing on too close a relationship with America.I read a lot of Australian news about that time and felt Howard deserved much credit!