Greetings Readers:
From the point of view of an outsider looking in from an Asian country it amazes how misguided, strategically uninformed, and warmongering the Republican Candidates have proven to be. They don’t seem to realize where we came from and where we’re going. They’re full of bad news. Republicans disregard the overall economic, political, and military strength of America.
Not one word about the lowest gasoline prices in four years, of the unemployment rate falling below 4.5 % in 35 states, and the lowest death rate among American servicemen, that we know of, who died in combat and can be counted on one of your hands.
Not one mention of appreciation for the excellent job Obama accomplished lifting the economy from the worst recession since the 1930’s. To mention such a fact is anthem for any one of the candidates. Yes, I know it’s a solely, entirely a Republican debate, but even so something good must have happened these past eight years.
There is discussion of increasing defense spending, of further commitments toward war with ISIS. The defense cost would easily apply to China or Russia at a later period. The candidates refer to a ‘Push Back” against these two nations who for the most part participate within their own sphere of influence and responsibility. The Republicans debate of making America ‘Great again?” We are great and are already a great nation.
Each debater is an advocate of conflict and war not less of each. It is a dangerous field of potential abusers of political and military authority. I see them as part of the problem bearing no solution but the beginning of more Middle East interventionism. A peacemaker among the is as rare as a four-leaf clover.
Most of what I hear and see is absolutely ridiculous: Pataki, Cruz, Graham are for ‘No Fly Zones.” When Pataki was asked “What if a Russian aircraft is shot down? His reply was “Yes, shoot down a Russian plane and I guarantee Putin would back off.” There are no such guarantees.
Graham, Huckabee want to deploy 20,000 U. S. boots on the ground, 10,000. Iraq, 10,000 in Syria. Sounds like we’re off to another start as during the Surge. Only a temporary measure, lasting a year, and then the quagmire.
One stated “It all began when Obama allowed Putin to invade the Crimea.”
Most of the debaters quoted lines which are becoming familiar in their campaign. ‘Many Americans are outraged, angered, and scared.’ I ask you can it be that bad, have we lost our good old American Grit? I think not. During the Second World War the U. S fielded 14,000,000 service men and women, fought on two vast fronts against multi hundreds of crack divisions, against thousands of tanks, ships, and aircraft. The ISIS and ISL have at best a 35,000 force with 80,000 supporters and volunteers. Their missions are to induce the U. S. into the their ideological battle, and panic and frustrate the American people. So far the panic strategy may be working. There have been three major attacks since 9-11, and of course a recent lone-wolf San Bernardino attack that totals only 89 Americans killed on U. S. soil.
At the preliminary debate Graham was quoted as say, “I cannot see what all the fuss is about George W. Bush” I admire him and thought he was a good president.” It’s no wonder the politician is polling at only 2%.
The newly formed 34 nation coalition led by Saudi Arabia does mention in its charter ISIS, only the words “To Fight Terror.” Why? The Coalition was not formed to target Sunni ISIS, but the hated apostate Shiite Sect which governs in Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
All the Best.
Ron.
