Ok, very rational and logical response sir. Yes, even Bin Laden said the 9/11 attack (and previous garage bombing) was formed because the U.S. had troops based on the saudi penninsula after the first Gulf War. They attacked Khobar Towers too which also supports that. I would offer that those U.S. troops and aircraft stayed in Saudi Arabia at the request of the saudi monarchy. We were invited, it wasn't some kind of conquest. Recall that Saudi Arabia was attacked by Iraq in the Gulf War and it wasn't clear they could defend themselves. I suppose the U.S. interest was protecting our main source of petroluem. Should we let a terrorist dictate our foreign policy and determine where we can base troops/aircraft? Also I would ask: If we pulled every single troop and military asset out of the entire eastern hemisphere right now and pledged to never return, what would happen? I think China would grab Taiwan. North Korea would overrun South Korea after destroying Seoul. Phillipine insurgents would destabilize the Phillipines. Pakistan would go Islamofascist (with nukes). Iran would help Syria take Lebanon. Israel would be attacked en masse and probably nuke somebody. Turkey would slaughter the Kurds. Thats just the obvious stuff. Regarding the election, I can't vote for someone because they are electable. I have to vote my principles even if that means losing. Romney doesn't impress me as a conservative. Perry does. Maybe you're right, in that case Obama would win and the country would take whatever consequences that represents. Anyway, just trying to answer your thoughtful response.
You like Perry? I hope you like illegal immigration. In 2001 Perry gave a speech in Mexico in which had advocated open borders between our two countries. He favors amnesty for illegal immigrants, opposes the use of e-verify, and supported and signed a bill giving children of illegal immigrants in Texas in-state college tuition. It's no wonder the mass media has been pumping this guy up. They always support the pro-illegal immigration candidates. As for what happens if we bring our troops home -- you are assuming that everybody is as evil as the neocons say they are, and are only refraining from butchering each other because Uncle Sam is sitting on their tail. You have a peculiarly insulting view of the rest of the human race.
Here is why the Democrats are afraid of Ron Paul: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ron-paul-most-competitive-against-obama-in-latest-poll-2011-09-15 He's the one who comes closest to beating Obama in the polls.
I don't see how the US can continue to keep running the world with the current crop of incompetents in charge. Foreign policy failure beginning with the Bush administration, in the middle east, bears heavy blame. He just sat on his coon dog and let the situation become even more inflamed. Obama is equally incompetent on foreign policy, and even more ignorant than Bush. Real leadership out of DC and you might see it turn around. Otherwise, the troops will continue to be sent, to counter the failure of leadership. All of the recent world uprisings are a sign of that vacuum.
At least I'm not a hypocrite pansy, as is someone I know who favors endless wars but doesn't want to fight them himself.
Actually he has three first names: Ron Ernest Paul. So, if elected President, 'PREP' would be more accurate. It is no small coincidence that his middle name is Ernest; a politician that actually tells the truth.
Here's a man with far more foreign policy sense than 377OHMS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoYGAxF-zWE
No need to become so embittered. You've been out-argued a bit but nobody has diminished you seriously. You'll live and argue another day. Not the end of the world as they say.