bgates, I’m not happy that Iraq is devolving into a quagmire.
I don’t think that American policy will change until we’re confronted with what we created. I’ve learned that people will learn only when confronted with the results of their own mistakes.
There’s no point in arguing with someone who thinks that real estate is always a good investment. I would say to that person to keep on investing away, and stop trying to convince me that RE is a good investment. Go ahead and make all the money for yourself.
With Iraq, I disagreed from the beginning but my fellow citizens went for Bush. What I’m saying now is that Bush had 3 years to show results but so far it’s negative cash flow all around. How long can you keep on sinking money into that house that you thought would appreciate for sure? Eventually, it’ll bankrupt the household, cause a divorce or family discord.
The thing is that the bulls always need suckers born every minute to keep their ponzi scheme going. That’s why they’re always out and about evangelizing.
I think that, by their actions, the Europeans (and increasingly the Brits) are telling us: well if you think your so right, then keep on doing what you’re doing, but don’t ask us to fix it when it goes awry. Remember when Rumsfeld banned the French and Germans from contracts in Iraq. They have nothing to gain if things goes well and nothing to loose if things go south. So they’re just sitting by and watching the show.
I find it interesting that America co-sponsored the UN resolution on Lebanon. The French are sending 200 troops. We’re not sending any (maybe because they’re all stuck in Iraq).
The son of someone I know wanted to join the military last year but couldn’t join because he flunked out of high school. At that time the Army was desperate enough for recruits that they sponsored him to get his GED. He could then enlist after completing his GED (which he could not pass). Six months ago, the Army called him and said that the GED requirement was lifted so they sent him to boot camp. This example shows how desperate things are. A former general said that the war could break the Army. I think it already is.
