Reply to "The World's Policeman"

Look at Vietnam--even the politicians knew it was impossible. It was a revolution just like we had one in 1776. Because of that situation we are skeptical of our government's policy to intervene. You say George did the right thing in Iraq? Well Saddam is still in power with a lot of capability left. Why did he stop too soon? So if you do intervene, then finish it properly. Now look at our troop deployments around the world. We are in Japan and Okinawa for 51 years and in Korea for 46 years. In the case of a prosperous South Korea, they should be able to defend themselves. Who is the big enemy with respect to Japan? The Peoples Republic Of China is not invading anybody. They are building their economy as are all the Asian nations. As the policeman of the world, we have neglected our own citizenry. We should have no homeless. We should have a reasonable national healthcare system. Our educational system should be world class. Our infant care should be no. 1, etc., etc., etc.

Let's balance the budget, in part, by bringing home our troops--but keep them in the service, only stateside, and stop giving wasted foreign aid. Also stop dumb things like NAFTA. We loaned Mexico a lot of money after NAFTA and they devaluated the currency, no big orders came in to create jobs in the USA. What a deal for the tax payer. Do you know that our Defense Department has taken military equipment orders away from US manufacturers and put them into Mexico? Those US tax dollars should be spent here.

So are we to be the military policeman of the world as well as the economic policeman of the world? US aid built new Korean steel mills and they beat us competitvely in the world markets. Our policy toward illegal aliens gives them a better deal than our own working poor. Is that ok in your opinion? So don't give us that nonsense about its the right thing to do. Even the Bosnians only wanted the arms embargo lifted.

If you wish to respond to Gerald Roth, click here g.roth@ix.netcom.com