Quote:
Originally Posted by Beemnseven
Wow, man, where do I start?
Where did the idea get started that Ron Paul wouldn't defend America? He's not a pacifist, and neither am I. The philosophy of non-intervention certainly isn't based on the notion that evil doesn't exist. And interpreting the Constitution doesn't mean we lay down and do nothing if we're attacked. I really struggle to see how you've arrived that conclusion.
Where and when has our sovereignty EVER been under siege in the middle east? If anything, we have rammed "our sovereignty" up the ass of every Arab man, woman, and child for the past 60 years. They finally decide that they don't like it, and when they respond, Americans are mortified and cry that they just don't understand how anyone could strike at such a freedom, and peace-loving society like ours.
Marching all over the world, and acting like the police chief of the planet Earth isn't 'national defense'. It pisses people off, and we shouldn't be surprised when it comes back to bite us.
Clearly we have to convince both sides of the political spectrum this basic truth.
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First let me say that I'm in no way questioning your love of country or Ron Paul's for that matter.
I don't know if Ron Paul is a pacifist, but I maintain I'm not sure if he would, under extreme circumstances, stand up and defend this nation. In a recent interview Mr. Paul said he wouldn't haven't killed bin Laden. He would have cooperated with the Pakistani government to try to bring bin Laden to justice and uphold the rule of law. These are his words. So I have a very difficult time reconciling his stance on matters of protecting our national interests with his interpretation of the Constitution and upholding the rule of law. I believe he's a good man, but following the Constitution to the letter can sometimes be a tricky proposition and doesn't guarantee that we will be at peace with the world.
Whether or not we can draw a straight line from our sometimes flawed foreign policy towards Arab nations over the past 60 years to the atrocities of 9/11 is somewhat of an open question, to be honest. Did the unprovoked invasion of Iraq fuel hatred towards the West, I believe so. (see my final comment below) But on the other hand, muslims are also guilty of murdering and oppressing muslims by the thousands through repressive regimes, without any U.S. involvement or military intervention. Interestingly enough, though, we're now seeing the Arab world reach out to the United States to get involved with the new wave of democracy spreading across the region. So no, it's not all about us shoving our way of living up their asses.
We both agree with your following statement:
Marching all over the world, and acting like the police chief of the planet Earth isn't 'national defense'. It pisses people off, and we shouldn't be surprised when it comes back to bite us.