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[garnetscott]

Originally Posted by Hopefultiger

1. Dude, please. The US has done this same thing over and over again. We prop up the Saudies( from the 50's on). We helped overthrow Iran and put the Shaw in power. We helped Sadam hang on to power (ALL those chemical weapons he used had MADE IN THE USA on them), until he crossed us. Then we helped take him down and put in another government in place. It's not so we can own the oil, it's so we have a stable supply. As tensions rise, the persion gulf becomes a very dangerous place and prices go up.

2. Yep, that's where their colonies were and they do still have influence. BUT, the UN has begged for help in Africa several times for humanitarian reasons. With the exception of Nigeria (which ironically HAS OIL), we've never lifted a hand or sent any troops to amount to anything. Why do you suppose that is... MORE people have died in Africa than anywhere else and Idi Amin made Hussain look like Strawberry Shortcake. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE OIL.

3. If that were so, then we'd just support Israel and tell everyone else to suck it. But the fact of the matter is, that we need their OIL, so we have to play both sides of the fence.

4(PS). Yep, That's George W for you (his Daddy.. a brilliant international politition.. would NEVER have done that) and it's the main reason that he and his administration were so inept at international politics. That west texas method cost us 3500 (and counting) dead American troops. 25,000 (and counting) perminatly disabled troops and over 1 TRILLIAN dollars. Not to mention 100,000 plus (CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE) Iraqi dead (most of which were low level grunts just serving in the army to make a paycheck and civilians). Yippi Kay A!!

OK, I'll go slow so you will understand:

1) I'm not a "dude." I am a grown man who owns 2 businesses, and works a 50 hour a week job on the side.

2) We haven't been propping up the Saudis since the 50's. That started as an official action when Jimmy Carter formed the EPA, capped oil production in the domestic fields, and agreed to buy from OPEC (late 70's - I know because my grandparents lost their mom-and-pop service station due to cost).

3) The British set up the Shah and Carter gave him asylum, pissing off Ahmadinijad and his buddies, causing the hostage crisis.

4) "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" This is unofficial US policy. As far as chemical weapons go, he made ass-loads on his own, they were found in mobile units, and were is your proof that we gave him any?

5) Africa has called, and we have answered the call. Idi Amin was in power during Nixon (ended LBJ's Viet Nam, and had his own crap to fall for), Ford (not in office long enough to do anything), and Carter (too weak to do a damn thing) runs in the White House. Who do you wish to blame?

6) We protect Israel and support them, and CAN'T tell the rest to suck it. Iran is now nuclear, Iraq's nukes are in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, which BTW, are propping up Hamas.

7) George H.W. Bush, 41st POTUS, was not that good of an international poiltician. He had his moment in Kuwait, but he also tossed chunks on the Japanese PM at a state dinner, and lied about raising taxes. That west Texas ideology did NOT cut $600 million out of intelligence budgets from 93-01. Neither did it shut down military stations around the nation, and force retire 15% of the leadership. Neither did it send troops to Somalia, with NO plan of action, and then get some killed in Bosnia, and onboard the USS Cole due to not having any gas.

I have a scarred body from my time in service that may predate your exit from diapers, so you get a pass. Just make sure you know the times in which things happened before you TELL me what happened.

P.S. - Sorry about the LONG post.