to Octavio

Submitted by Sidda (United States), Nov 8, 2006 at 19:45

Hi Octavio. It seems like a contradiction, but most Americans are isolationist at heart. I don't think there is a group, by and large, who are less interested in the rest of the world than average Americans! I'm not bragging about that. Maybe because we are somewhat isolated with the big oceans; I don't know. Still, we understand our responsibilities in the world. I would be glad to sit back and let, oh say, Botswana take the lead on solving all these problems.

I don't think the average American cares what Muslims do in their own countries either. However, if they are going to come here and kill us, and threaten to fly the green flag of Islam over the White House and replace the constitution with Sharia, then I have to say, "whoa Betsey." Don't want to fight but will if I have to. No burka for me. The vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, realize we are facing a grave threat. There is disagreement on how to combat that threat.

Iran is a difficult situation. There are no easy answers and war must always be a last resort. I don't think Americans are really eager for war, especially given our little adventure in Iraq. There are other options; however, we will have to take some decisive action soon. It seems to me that Europe, like the UN, likes to talk a lot. Blah, blah, blah, but they never really DO anything. Of course, we sometimes DO without thinking it all through. Still we cannot be weak or afraid to confront if we must.

Well, House and Senate now under Democratic control, so we'll see what direction we go in now. Already Rumsfeld has resigned.

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