You're talking to a WWII vet, mate; don't give me that "surrender" shit McCain has been doling out.
I knew that (through your other posts/blogs), and I deeply respect the service you and the other men and women of the period gave with honor. And (at least from me) I give you some slack for that. But even communists (not accusing you of course) fought on the Allied side during those years. IMO you do tend to lean to the left and if it's an issue I disagree with I will (respectfully) mention it. I do use sarcasm a bit at times and it may not always translate well in the execution. Me I'm a 24 year vet, with over half of that served during the cold war, I'm strongly anti-socialist/communist. But I'm not anti-Democrat/liberal (just disagree with many of their policies) and have many friends that fall into this category. Like Paladin, I find it shocking for a WWII Marine to have a very liberal outlook, though you definitely have a right to your opinion (IMO that goes double since you put your ass on the line).
As a WWII vet you can surely understand the concept of peace through strength. In a Utopian society sure it would be great if each nation could talk about issues and us diplomacy. But the reality is that many of the planets nations only understand strength, to them nothing else matters. If Georgia was as powerful as Russia would they have dared attack? Revolution non-withstanding, can you tell me any time in history where a militarily weaker nation (non aligned) declared war on militarily superior nation? To me the democrats (of recent), weaken the country needlessly and gives those that wish us ill an opening to test us. I severed under Carter, Reagan, Bush SR., Clinton, and W presidencies, the differences were dramatic, always less capable under the democrats. Clinton paid down the deficit after the cold war, all nice and everything, but in doing so opened us up to this crazy insurgency, because we had fewer resources to act swiftly and concisely. IMO that is the top priority of the govt. to keep Americans safe at home and abroad. This housing BS, health care, welfare, and on and on should rest with the state, not the federal governments. I'll give my fair share, but I don't need or want their hands in my pocket.
