RationalCop

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

Kingbee... thanks for the clarification. VES

Reply to Karachi, 2008, Nuclear Terrorism. in International JoeUser Forums

And that point is? If folks at outside the official capacity of the their nationality but with the blessings and help of that country they should be responded to? Yes, I agree, that's one of the reasons we are in Iraq. The fact that some countries achieve their ends through the means of people who can't be directly tied to them does not absolve that country of responsibility. If you point was that this kind of attack should be responded to, I'm gla

Reply to Karachi, 2008, Nuclear Terrorism. in International JoeUser Forums

They would probably try to attack us back, and in doing so, sign off what would be left of their culture and country. Bye bye Pakistan. Next question? VES

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

Kingbee, If that was a response to my inquiry, the inquiry still stands. Since Steven said this on this forum, it must be that he's reproaching people on this forum ( as opposed to the general public who neither know of his reproach nor can defend against it). That being the case, I think his "reproach" could easily be evidenced if it is accurate. VES

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

Where did all the ballistic flag wavers go? Or do these "patriots" offer to hold one's coat while he fights? Who on here was calling for a draft before that has now changed their position? You are implying some contradiction in character so you must have some evidence of this. VES

Reply to Draginol the liberal in Politics JoeUser Forums

Posted again due to the infamous red X.... VES

Reply to Would they really? in Politics JoeUser Forums

No responses yet I see. VES

Would they really? in Politics JoeUser Forums

I read in another thread a quote which is frequently bandied about. This quote has been around a long time and many people have used it. The quote: "While I do not agree with you sir, I will defend your right to the death to say it." How many in here would actually sacrifice their life for someone else's right to say something or have an opinion? It sounds nice and it looks good in co

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

You know, I think it would be healthy IF everyone served two years for their country in some fashion, however... I agree with this, but not in the way I think you mean it. You see, the guy who picks up your trash, he's servicing his country. The guy who se

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

In other words, whether the war was "immoral" in some galactic sense is irrelevant, what is relevant to this discussion is that the so-called high conscious college student community only discovered this immorality once their asses were on the line. Brad, that is not unique to college students, or to th

Reply to Universal Military Service Bill of 2003 in Politics JoeUser Forums

The politicans know that what motivated mass anti-war movements the most is self-interest. Make college students have to forcibly go to war and voila, instant protests and sudden arguments about how "immoral" it all is. And rightfully so. VES

Reply to I'm voting for Bush! in Republican JoeUser Forums

How so? It seemed to be utterly relevant to the Republican when Clinton was running; now that Clinton's no longer running, it's not relevant? How hypocritical. Apparently issues of character are only issues of character as long as Republicans

Reply to NPR: National Propaganda Radio in Politics JoeUser Forums

You think I have pity for this man? I relayed a concept. It was not directed at anyone in particular. But if the shoe fits.... VES

Reply to NPR: National Propaganda Radio in Politics JoeUser Forums

Pity for the guilty is treason to the innocent. - Ayn Rand VES

Reply to Draginol the liberal in Politics JoeUser Forums

Does she not have the right to security because she pays not taxes? She has a right to support herself, she doesn't have a right for others to support her. Fee based services, that's the way to go. VES

Reply to Draginol the liberal in Politics JoeUser Forums

I also object to the phrasing and nature of some of the questions, but this is where I turned out... It's probably not too far from correct. VES

Reply to Bush: Is the election already lost? in Politics JoeUser Forums

Speaking as independent, and only for myself not for other independents, I want social freedom AND economic freedom. This places me at odds with positions on either side. Typically, conservatives seek economic freedom while restraining social freedoms and liberals are vice versa. In the past, I have voted conservative because I think being economically better off sometimes affords you more social freedom anyway. This election, I am for the first ti

Reply to Monsters and villains in Politics JoeUser Forums

As for war, when has war EVER (name one) been rational? That depends upon which side of the war you are on. There are at least two combatants (or two sides) in each war. The side that responds to force used against them is rationally waging war. I use the

Reply to Monsters and villains in Politics JoeUser Forums

I can't begin to express how much I appreciate reason, rationality and context applied to this situation. Thanks for the link. VES

Reply to Factors in becoming a super power in Politics JoeUser Forums

If some of the factors that are claimed to be important for becoming a superpower are now suddenly not all that important afterall, then it invalidates your theory in the first place. Once again, you are ascribing Brad's theory to me by saying "your theory" following my quote. So for the last time, I w

Reply to A General Worthy Of The Title And Respect in International JoeUser Forums

You may also notice, foolish one, that to say that you're merely trying to pat yourself on the back and are trying to make sure others don't miss that bullshit. Well good for you for not degrading yourself by saying hahahaha although you will post on my link and type the words hahahahaha. Double standards. Awesome. </TAB

Reply to A General Worthy Of The Title And Respect in International JoeUser Forums

So your one example indicates that the whole war was fought without restraint? Perhaps instead of just reading, you should learn to understand context, concepts, and the idea of totality. When your foreign policy leads you to a place where you can't justify to the men on the battlefield your purpose for being there, that in itself results in restraint. When politicians become involved in directing war effo

Reply to Factors in becoming a super power in Politics JoeUser Forums

I think there is a conceptual problem here based on the continued ridiculous example of comparing Germany to the US, or to being a durable super power. Can a superpower be created simply by directing all means available to create an engine of war? Yep, that's what Germany did. Becoming a super power by sheer brute strength, with world (or at least hemisphere) domination in mind, is not going to make for either a desireable or durable super power. A

Reply to A General Worthy Of The Title And Respect in International JoeUser Forums

One thing: INDONESIAN OIL DEPOSITS So are you saying that was our interest in the war? If so, we must have won (by your criteria) if we got it in the end. I think not. The goal of our involvement was to help the South Vietnamese ke

Reply to Factors in becoming a super power in Politics JoeUser Forums

Germany walked, no, strolled all over France and grew into a superpower. France crumbled. How is that possible in your theory? Aside from my above comments, I'll add this. You appear to be responding to me, yet you are referencing Brad's theory as though it was mine. (mixed references to Brad in the t