In complex world it is important not to lose sight of who we are; quickly the ‘good’ can become entangled in ‘bad’. 
Torture Series
http://justthoughts-blogger.blogspot.com/

Strange how the world is…even simple people can get caught in the looking glass. Ones who only wanted to love and raise their children, can be caught in a violent cover up

I am shocked…SHOCKED, I tell you!

“Also, you said “The threat against the United States by any measure is growing. Remember that after Afghanistan we had 80 percent of al Qaida dismantled or destroyed, yet today we see an incredible resurgence of that organization.” This is so very true… we are much worse off ever since these neocons assumed the throne. As is the rest of the world. I also agree that we weold be wise to learn as much as we can about the native peoples of this region, if we are ever to hope for peace.”

I think the Taliban have been all present and correct throughout. The best way to confuse your enemies is to confuse who you are.

The issue, I see, is this. If you are commited to going to war and “changing” a social structure, you must be prepared for an enormous amount of pain yourself. “They didn’t conquor Rome in a day”. I think a 30 to 50 year campaign might make inroads into the “Taliban” philosophy.

Not disagreeing with your central thesis here, but how do we “know” they weren’t in Iranian waters? Because Blair & Bush said so? Because they waved some “evidence” in front of our faces on teevee? Because of the inerrant intel they had?

C’mon now…. think back over the last 6 years, and then tell me “we know.”

I think this was a great op ed, and well thought out. I too, am a proud Marcinkowski for Congress supporter… I had fun and learned much helping with your campaign. I will work for you again when you run…

I wonder after reading all I could these past few days, if there really was an incursion into Iranian waters, and if so, by whose ‘boundries’ this has been defined…

Also, you said “The threat against the United States by any measure is growing. Remember that after Afghanistan we had 80 percent of al Qaida dismantled or destroyed, yet today we see an incredible resurgence of that organization.” This is so very true… we are much worse off ever since these neocons assumed the throne. As is the rest of the world. I also agree that we weold be wise to learn as much as we can about the native peoples of this region, if we are ever to hope for peace.

The two previous posts here on the Kurds and Iran were outstanding as well, and will help us understand more of these peoples we must work with… I am still reading and digesting the links and articles… so much new info to absorb and think about…

OT, but just want to add… to our village trolls… yes, I am sad to say, I do hate BushCo, and all their minions who have done so much to destroy everything so many of us love here in this Country. I believe that hating this moron, and the thugs who surround him is a patriotic thing to do… I can love a person, and hate and despise his actions. I love and will defend this country, and those who serve it with my last breath. If this is wrong, I think it is that I hate in my heart at all. I ask forgiveness for that, and will continue to fast and pray for peace… And may God swiftly and mercilessly punish those, who have done so many horrible things in the name of this Nation, and its citizens…

There is much debate about the British sailors, but I am much more concerned about the situation that embroiled 2 rather fool hardy Australians, who in individual episodes of misadventure paid an enormous price for their convictions.

Mamdu Habib and David Hicks are examples of how torture motivates guilt. In the case of Habib, who has Muslim “connections”, they threw him back. While Hicks who is a “white” Australian is being punished for a philosophy. Wednesday’s headline for The Daily Telegraph is simply “GUILTY”.

It should have read “Release from Torture”. Hick’s has travelled an extremely unwise path in his life, but he never deserved this kind of treatment and he CERTAINLY was not a threat to American society or the New World Order.

In the case of Hicks and Habib the guantlet has been laid down. And that is….”we can do what we damned well like and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Karma has a way of punishing arrogance. Gitmo and the whole concept of the destruction of dignity will only raise the stakes if it continues in the democratic age. Those who understand the way things are deserve to take heed rapidly.

“To counter a world-wide threat we will need world-wide credibility and cooperation. We must stand on our fundamental principles as a country and serve as an example for the entire world to see in order to obtain that cooperation. Cooperation will come because we stand for something better.”

Every success was built on that foundation. Chet Richards admirably condenses, summarizes and interprets Boyd on this concept here:

Grand Strategy by Dr.Chet Richards, Editor, Defense and the National Interest
http://www.d-n-i.net/fcs/boyd_grand_strategy.htm

For those of us, myself included, who aren’t naturals, we should read, study and write it every day till we know it backwards and forwards by heart. Like you, Chamberlain said the same thing to deserters just before Little Round Top. We all know how that turned out. Dr. Richards just shows Boyd’s, and our, big picture.

Thanks again for a great post. And Larry, Susan and No Quarter for a great anti-stupid.