RoR: Forum

Not sure I would look at it that way. It would be like asking me can we save a lot of money by cutting money to combat tracking down serial killers, preferably now rather than 6 months later.

Post 41

Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 1:14pm

John,
I think we're talking about two different things going on in Iraq. I am much more persuaded by the idea of tracking down and killing terrorists than the altruistic idea of coming to the aid of the Iraqi people, helping them to establish a democracy, helping them build an infrastructure, molding them into a pro-western culture, etc. I don't like the government trying to legislate culture here, let alone there. Historically, what is the success rate in attempts such as this? Why do we have to come to everyone's rescue? Why not let these warring tribal factions fight it out on their own?

Post 42

Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 1:23pm

We don't need to help them establish a democracy, only a government determined to cooperate with the west in rooting out terrorism. Democracy would most likely take root after having influence from our culture which would come about from our presence there, but this would be an ancillary effect not the primary motive of our presence. I find it hard to think that is an altruistic idea since the alternative is an Iraqi government determined to sanction terrorism and let terrorists have free reign to attack the West. I would at least like the investment made so far not be in vain.

Post 43

Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 1:38pm