Geopolitics and the Constitution

poncho,

Of course I accept it, and tickled to do so. I try to be calm and one of my favorite things here at BB is making friends with former "opponents". BiR and I almost got into a knockdown-dragout a while back so it is pure delight to me that we've become friends. We're still a long way from convincing each other (one day he'll understand his error ), but it has become a real joy crossing swords with each other because of the respect and friendship we bring into the battle. What's really neat about debating with him is that we're both (I think I speak for him too) considerate not to offend the other and because we know the other comes into debate with that spirit we just don't take offense at the other. My hope is that despite our differences, poncho, we get to that point. I truly respect you and your position. I disagree with it sometimes, but I know it is born out of a furious love of liberty and the Constitution. There are times it may not seem like it, but I assure you we share that devotion. I deeply love this country and the flag (and wear its uniform both proudly and humbly if that makes sense), but I believe that because we are special in the values that are truly American and because our strength makes us a superpower by definition, we should not shy from defending those principles and those ideals. To me, the US military is a noble institution and calling (I'm not saying you don't, I'm just explaining my own position). One of the reasons I so honor our military is that so many lives have been devoted to and lost defending not just American liberty but that Americans have given their lives to bring freedom to others. That is a realization that gives me goose bumps. Ronald Reagan told the story more than once of the Vietnamese boat person, looking up from a barely seaworthy "boat" to see the USS Enterprise and calling up to the sailors on deck, "Hey, freedom man." To me, American power is not an evil thing in itself but is far more often than not, a force for freedom to others. Robert Kagan tells of Henry Kissinger (of whom I'm certainly no fan) asking an aging Harry Truman how he wanted to be remembered, and that Truman answered that America had completely defeated her enemies, made them surrender, rebuilt their countries and brought democratic government back to them, and brought them into the community of nations. "Only American could do that" he said. To me, a crucial addition he could have said was that only America would do that. And, poncho, please understand that to the extent that you may differ with me on any of the above I don't think you don't love America. I also treasure our freedom because I have read the Founders, several volumes of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Hamilton, many others, Federalists and anti-Federalists, and yes, their sources, including Algernon Sidney, Edmund Burke, and John Locke. They had a profound understanding of human nature and government. And, BTW, as I know you know, they often differed on the right way to govern, but they certainly agreed, I believe, on the essentials.

Am looking forward to debating this further and to other debates--and agreements--with you.