Hi Fernando,

>Doug,
>
>>...They have nuclear weapons and will use them if attacked...
>
>Well, I can't discuss belicism knowledge with you. Americans are light years ahead Brazilians, dealing with this subject,

Ouch! <g>

>but God only knows what could happen if those people (and the US) get involved in such a (regional?) war.

hate to be the bearer of bad news but the war's already started. At this point it's only a matter of degree. Soon, Russia will invade Isreal on the pretense of helping their Muslim friends and the world will react, "Are you just trying to gain control of the oil fields?"

Almost all of the Russian forces and the others will be destroyed.

>Think that things shouldn't be understood this way (who has more destruction power). BTW, think China has more affinity with the meadle east folks than with the Americans, and they have a tremendous war power (and lots more people).

Well, China is already 'meddling in the Middle East. Where do you think some of those surface to air missles are coming from?

>
>US already had their Vietnam, USSR had their Afeganistan, isn't that enough?

I guess not. Tell that to those who want to obliterate Israel.

>Shouldn't it be wise to try a more unpartial and moderate aproach like the European Community is trying to do?

Nope. Appeasement never works. Soem peoples are so morally bankrupt that they only understand the business end of a gun. I hate to say that but it really is the truth.

>Think the "cowboys era" is gone for good, or at least it should have.

*chuckle*

I don't think you 'get' the whole cowboy thing. <g>

>But, anyway, you certainly know what you're doing, you have the knowledge.

I'm not too sure of that but I appreciate the thoughts.

>When comes to US soldiers being killed in another unfair/unexplicable/endless war, who'll cry again, who to put the blame on?

Maybe no one, though in all conflicts it's the mothers who always cry.

Look, I'm not advocating the arbitrary use of force but I do think that we have a huge responsibility. A lot of people are just plain envious of the wealth of the US. Personally I think that our wealth has made us soft but that's a topic for another thread I suppose. <g>

>
>>The Arabs took Europe out of barbarity??
>
>Sure, believe it or not, they did! It wasn't the Americans that took Europe out of barbarity! <vbg>

So who rescued their butts in two world wars then? Ypu're right though that Europe preceeded the US. Sadly, withless that 1% of the population regularly attending any kind of church I'd say that Europe is now in the post-Christian era.

>
>I don't know how the US schools teach their kids world history,

Very poorly at this point in time.

>but try a Google search (althought I think there must be fine books about world history in US for sale), and perhaps you may learn some about the Dark Ages and the role played by the Arabs.

I'm not suggesting that their culture has nothing to offer but they didn't provide what lifted Europe out of the dark ages.

>You may also take a look in what the Christians have done with the Arabs, during the Crusades (and their so called "religious" motivations for that, very interesting to understand what some people think about the noble interests of the US in the middle east).

Understood, but remember, that was in response to Islamic jihads. No excuse here but at least get the chronology right.

>If you still get some time left, try the Spanish Inquisition, to learn a bit about the Christians x Jews tale.

Indeed. Another fine example of religion vs a real relationship with God. I've mentioned this several times so I'll leave it at that.

>Good reading to help understanding modern history. If you already are aware of all I mentioned (and I think you are), please pardom me, but I can't understand your statements.

No problem. Go find a copy of Foxe's Book of Martyrs. It will help you understand my pov I think.

>
>Don't miss the subtle differences between culture and knowledge/technology, they're quite diferent things. Culture is timeless while knowledge/technology isn't, for example.

Culture is not timeless. It ebbs and flows, depending on the moral character of the peoples it encompasses. Cultures can rise and fall, grow and disintegrate. Look at history.

>The European people have culture, the Arabs have culture, the Chinese have culture... some countries (and their people) just have knowledge and/or technology, while some other have neither one, unfortunatelly, and their faith is to be systematicaly exploited by the dominant countries (dominant doesn't implies to have a decent culture). Also don't miss the diferences between cultures/races/religions, it may lead you to erroneous reasoning.

Right. But that doesn't seem to really prove anything, does it?

>
>Regards,

Same here! <s>

>
>Fernando