>>>Bad policies to whom? To you and like-minded, for sure, but not to me. I don't want to cut and run in Iraq and I believe that tax cuts - judiciously applied - do help the economy, So I like that direction, Mike. And where does diminished stature come into play? What, because some other friendly countries don't agree with us that diminishes us?
>>>
>>>My squadron in the USAF had a motto: "Lead, follow, or get out of the way". In terms of geopolitics we'll lead, they can follow, or they can STFU and mind their own business. If you believe, as I do, that we're a major force for good in this world then you have to look the other way when we're being criticized and not take it too seriously. It's human nature for other countries to take shots at us.
>>>
>>
>>You make my point. I think it has truly escaped you how much our place in the world has slipped. Bellicose attitudes like yours -- follow us or STFU -- are a big part of the reason. And you want to blame it all on "the liberals." Amazing.
>
>Have you read "What's the Matter with Kansas?" John's response to you reads like he was trying to model the viewpoint the book describes.
>
>Tamar


As opposed to the original 1896 version of the same name?

http://projects.vassar.edu/1896/whatsthematter.html

I recommend it - it is a good read. It's only an article but very enlightening. (Oh, I have read the book by Thomas Frank by the way)