Sarah, you make many good points, and it's obvious that you're well- informed. I'll admit to "shooting from the hip" and going with my gut feeling when it comes to these matters. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions.
I do take issue with this, though, along the same lines of asking why the U.S. should be the planet police: > Why are you so opposed to the possibility that democracy might spread > throughout the Arab world? It's awfully arrogant to think that everyone wants or should to live in a democracy. Just because it works for *us* doesn't mean it will work everywhere, and I'm still not convinced it's the best plan. (I lean toward Socialism.) > Yes, it's naive, but it could work and the Iraqi people deserve the > opportunity, as do the Arabs living under other dictatorships. An additional problem with this "deserved opportunity" is that the lines between "church" and "state" become so easily blurred. Next it will be suggested that everyone become a christian. Sure, it would be an easier and more peaceful world if everyone believed in the same things, but god, how boring. Personally, I don't think we've exhausted diplomacy yet. Lori
