Drinker,
I don't know how old you are but as a kid back in the 60's the world of oil was changing. 40 years later our need for oil is more than ever. Also in the early 60's the US feelings toward Castro were exactly the same. Fear of communism was great and fear of Castro allowing Russia to mount an attack against the US was so great that we wanted to oust Castro. Castro has outlived all his old US enemies. All the economic sanctions the US brought against Cuba has not brought him to his knees.
One always plays the "the world is diferent now" song. History shows that though technology has changed man is the same. I agree that Sadam is no good. I also feel that it should be more of a UN, international concern and the US should be better tuned in to our domestic needs at this point. If Sadam did have nuclear weapons would he attack the US or could he attack the US with them? If I lived in Europe I would be a lot more concerned. For some reason Bush is making this a US priority when the neighboring nations that could be most affected by Sadam want the UN to deal with it. What Bush proposes is unprecidented in the history of this country. I tend to agree with the Germans: War provides for a good distraction from domestic problems.
It was the senior Bush that raided Panama and kidnapped the wicked Noriego (sp?) The US under Bush has shown clearly that it wants a one-way street for them when it comes to international affairs. The US wants controls on other nations that will not control them. They sought exemption from international courts for US soldiers. Remember that one? Bush is seeking congressional support for full authority to use military action against Iraq. This is being debated on the floor as I type. Any minor infraction by Sadam would allow Bush to send in the troops.
Communism was defeated. The Soviet Union fell without the US mounting a military attack against Russia. Communism fell in Poland. This was also accomplished without great military action by the US. When military action is mounted in such a way the fallout is great and the cost is endless. 7,000 american troops are still wondering the mountains of afganastan- still fighting an unfinished battle. The puppet government in afganastan that replaced the taliban is without power over their people. Afganastan is only a remaining concern today due to the oil industry and an oil pipeline. The US needs an enemy and there will always be one available.
If it was the TRUE intent to bring Sadam down it would have already been accomplished. The US has people in Iraq- our spys are in place, our capabilities have been there for a decade.
Bush is intent to make his strike against Iraq next January. As the elctions of this year proceed and the 2004 election come close he needs this war. He needs this enemy and this distraction. HIs father, the elder Bush, was interviewed and shown in headlines last week- The headline: "I hate Sadam!" The picture of Bush showed him wiping a tear from his eye as he looked away from the camera. GIVE ME A BREAK!
