gandalf: I don’t feel that you and Rus are ganging up on me. The irony is that I completely agree with the idea that we get loose of our dependence on foreign oil. I have said before (and I think on this thread) that we need to revisit our strategy regarding building new nuclear reactors. The French have an excellent energy model in this regard, and it would give a badly needed shot in the arm to our engineering and heavy industrial and construction capabilities.

I agree with nuance, but I also think that there is definitely evil in the world. Sadly, we (America) find ourselves supporting regimes out of necessity that are evil. Bad is sometimes better than worse, but it doesn’t make any easier to stomach. I can say that from experience having spent time in Central America during the 1980s. Did I believe in the mission? Yes. However, even though the ends can justify the means, it doesn’t let you sleep any better at night.

Let’s use Obama as an example. He is intelligent, very well spoken and has an excellent pedigree. He is also a product of the Chicago Democratic machine and has raised a staggering amount of money during his campaign. Isn’t it safe to say that probably a good chunk of that money is coming with strings attached? Same with McCain. I couldn’t agree more that he has gone from maverick to toeing the party line. This is why I won’t vote for either of them. Both are beholden, and that will not ever change, regardless of candidate and regardless of party.

The choices we are facing now transcend partisan politics or policies. I think the American people need to wake up and start making our OWN choices, not those thrust down our throats by politicos with an agenda driven by whose money they accepted.