If I can say this, why can't you? (Directed at neocons)?

Question

I have a great old friend who is a repubican from Midland, Texas.

When we talk politics, we never argue. The other day we were talking about N.Korea and I was stating my view on diplomacy and he was stating his on ... we can kick their butts if they mess with us. That is a common view of his. hehe

Anyways, THE POINT... I realized later that you know what.. we need each other in this society.

If everybody was a far left liberal like me then we probably would be an isolated country because I don't want us in other countries' business at all. And I realize that we need the guys like him that are ready to go kick **** when they are ask.

Then on the other side, if everybody was like him the world would be at war a lot more and there would probably be one world leader.

The POINT IS LOCATED HERE:
I recognize that he needs my diplomacy while I need his willingness to protect us at all cost.

Anyone else agree? It's ok if you don't just play nice if you can :)

Answer 1

I'm not a neocon first of all. However, you raise an interesting point for discussion. I see it, though as exactly what our soldiers are doing now. Protecting our country.

The Bush Admininstration, unfortunately, has NO diplomacy plan.
His idea is to go into every country that isn't a Democracy and invade and occupy. Iraq is a "war" that should have never happened. If you may recall, before it all started, Bush himself denied it was a "war".

I personally do not believe we should be the "bullies" of the world, and impose a Democracy on countries that do NOT want them.
Iraq is a culture that lives by its religious beliefs, not by a model of government. (So are Israel, Iran, and most of those countries).
Yes, I agree that we NEED each other, no matter how MUCH we disagree with each other.

But what I am really against is sacrificing lives for the cost of oil and forcing governments on countries that do not want them.
We were not attacked by Iraq on 9/11, contrary to popular belief.
But many people will debate that . I believe Bush let it happen in order to satisfy his own greed.

Answer 2

You say, "If everybody was a far left liberal like me then we probably would be an isolated country ..." Then you say, "I recognize that he needs my diplomacy..." Closed boarder policy is not diplomacy, it's burying your head in the sand. My biggest gripe with liberals is their attempt to understand those who hate us. There were attacks on the U.S. when Clinton was in office, and there would have been 9/11 even if Gore would have won (planning for 9/11 started before Bush took office). Stop thinking compassion for the enemy is diplomacy. It will only accomplish more deaths of U.S. women and children. I am not saying we should treat prisoners poorly but we should engage the enemy and destroy them whenever possible. Like they do to us.

Answer 3

Agreed. But the problem is you can get into gridlock where nothing gets done.

Extremes on either side can lead to a stalemate and divisions in the country (like we have now). You can ultimatly lead to name calling and emotion because people aren't willing to give.

Look at Teddy Rosevelt-- Walk softly but carry a big stick. Use diplomacy but if push comes to shove be ready to open up a can of whoop-a**. But we NEED to make sure opening that can is justified.

On that note-- TR was a real paradox if viewed in today's frame of reference. A Republican that was an environmentalist. He also liked to hunt (alot). Put alot of "liberal" policies into place (e.g. meat inspections, etc.). Sent the white navy around the world partly as diplomacy but also as a message that there was a new power in town (the USA and don't mess with us). If memory serves me-- he had a similar 9/11 incident in his time as well--

I tend to be left of center on social issues and right of center on others (fiscal matters, constitutional rights, less government, low taxes, etc.)

I get annoyed by extremes on BOTH sides of the spectrum-- liberals and conservatives. I'm sure many do (unless you're one of them)

Answer 4

The problems do not lie in people like yourself and your friend. The simple fact that the two of you can discuss an issue from opposite points of view without turning it into a battle shows intelligence, respect and the ability to maintain an open mind. Your point is excellent and 100% correct, we need both points of view.

There are too many people on both ends of the spectrum who do not take the time to listen to what the issues are. The automatic response is either anti-conservative or anti-liberal. Too many people just don't think for themselves any more.

Answer 5

I too have a liberal buddy, and the verbal sparring is always invigorating. And frankly my understanding of my own positions has been greatly improved by our sessions.

If you can't say what you mean in such a way that someone who doesn't believe it can at least understand it, then you're really not saying it well at all.

Although I would also mention that at this time we are not dealing with diplomatic enemies. We are generally dealing with people that need a good old fashioned butt whooping.

Answer 6

Are you asking to get slammed?? I agree with you!! With all points of view we should be able to moderate ourselves to an acceptable compromise. I have come to realize that my problem with GWB is the dissension he has encouraged in this country. While we have been at one anothers throats, He has been free to do what he wants while we are not looking. And he's gotten away with this for 6yrs. I just hope the next Pres., Republican or Democrat, will be enough of a moderate to bring us all to the table for discussion again!!

Answer 7

The answer is simple, if everyone were like him... war. If everyone were like you, we'd be taken... there is a balance. I am more like you, but balance is needed. You find balance in EVERY part of life, if there is no balance, there is no society:) I hate it as much as you probably do too. I am a wrestling/judo champion though, so I can't talk :))

Answer 8

It's a fair point.

The velvet glove of diplomacy must always have the fist of steel underneath it. That's what makes it work.

Answer 9

I have no problem with moderate liberals. However, the ones who make the most noise are the far left socialist ones.

Answer 10

Only a true nut on either side of the political isle would say we have to one but no way can we do the other.