Political Probabilities

[Adam Y.]

My only problem with this article is that it makes an assumption that I don't agree with, and that is this: just because we have survived for 213 years on one system of government (note: I'm counting from the ratification of the Constitution, not the Declaration of Independence) that must be the best system, and it is our job to spread it around the world so that everyone can be free. The last time that I checked, forcing people to accept democracy isn't giving them freedom, letting them decide what kind of government they want based on their own history and beliefs is.

We did that with Iraq about ten years ago. We told them to go rebel and pick their own leader. It didn't work at all. Also, historically I know the emperor of Japan still exisisted after World War II because of what you are saying.

In my (not so) humble opinion, the question of what Kerry might have done differently with regard to invading Iraq is pointless. We’re there for better or worse (I believe worse), and we need to pick the candidate we think can best resolve the situation and get us the hell out of there while leaving a sovereign and secure nation in our wake. International (read: French, German, Russian, and other thus far alienated nations) troops and money are needed to accomplish this.

I don't think France and Germany are ever going to help us no matter what president is in place. Im not sure about Russia though. They might change their minds.

[Bill Gold]

Originally Posted by Adam Y.

I don't think France and Germany are ever going to help us no matter what president is in place. Im not sure about Russia though. They might change their minds.

Now who has the pessimistic outlook for the future?

France and Germany were upset that we didn’t let weapons inspectors do their job, and that we unilaterally decided to invade a sovereign nation and overthrow its government. If they see that the American public now rejects that kind of action by removing that leader and his advisors, then, if we put forth an honest effort to include them (France/Germany/etc.) on decision making and peacekeeping control, they would have no reason not to aid us. An apology and a humble foreign policy (with regard to our allies) are needed, and George Bush has proven himself incapable of both. Why would anyone want to help us if we, as American citizens speaking in our once every 2 years voice, continue to support a President and a Congress that has continually insulted and belittled powerful foreign nations who have the ability to assist us. The only chance we have to recruit foreign ground troops and monetary support is to change our own leadership so that it is less toxic to our international relations.