Pretty harsh words, spiral! I don't mind too much, because I'm an avid Kerry supporter. I do support the war in Iraq, but not the justifications or how we did it. We shouldn't have brushed off our allies. I think that the genocide was reason enough. And I know that there are tons of little countries full of violence and genocide. To those who say we can't police such situations, then I say this: who will? The tiny third-world nations? No. They can't afford it and are too splintered to amass a military (that's probably good). Europe and Asia have proven unwilling. It's time that the people of the world got up off their collective butts and DID something about the world situation! When we have the power to end such suffering, how in God's name can we sit by and watch the world tear itself apart.
Whatever happened to nobility? To freeing the oppressed? I support Kerry because I think he can unite the world under such a cause, not just go it alone. He won't back down from terror. He will get us allies in our fight.
Also, Spiral, I know America has its problems. Our homicide rate is outrageous. It's some strange societal thing that I simply cannot fathom. The fact of the mater is, though, that dispite our problems, America still has the greatest resources and most powerful military in the world. If the world is going to fight terrorists or tyrants, then America should probably be the spearhead. We have a justification to fight terror that I will never forget: 9/11.
That said, we need to try to win the hearts and minds of the people who might become terrorists. We aren't capable of killing them as quickly as we make them. I wish we could.
The world hates Bush. Europe doesn't yet hate the American people. If we re-elect Bush, I'm afraid they'll make the connection and start hating us. Kerry is, if nothing else, a fresh start. I don't think he'll shy away from a fight when needed. What politician could and even think about reelection? At least, the world doesn't hate him. I believe it's time for a leader who can mend ties with allies and reach out to the Middle East. If we can get people to stop hating us, then there will be no more September 11s.
That rambled a bit, and I'll probably be attacked for it, but that's OK. I've stated my foreign policy stance. There's much more, but this fits the subject of the thread best.
Seriously, though, if you are an American citizen, VOTE!!! If you don't care, then maybe you should. If you're not informed, then 10 minutes on the candidates' web sites will give you a rough idea of what they want to do.
Whoever you support, just vote.
Namaarie