A nice Republican lady called TGJS yesterday with some questions.

[JanMichael]

Unfortunately we never got around to answering all of them but it might be a fun exercise here.

She asked what our ideal President would do regarding:

1. North Korea.

2. Saudi Arabia.

3. Illegal Immigration.

4. Terrorism.


My answers.

1. Engage them through the International community. Do NOT poke the drunken angry badger with a wooden spoon. Yes it's a tough situation but Bush is incapable of being responsible.

2. If, if, it can be proven that they supported the WTC attacks in any way shape of form...Time to change our consumption attitudes, look to S. America and the North Atlantic, for the short term and cut off our support for that country. Seize assets as part of the new International Terrorism Laws.

3. Work Visas so those who come over can work without fear of arrest. They can keep things above the table instead of under it like now.

4. It's a Policing matter. I've never agreed with the Invasions. They remind me of Vietnam, we'd try to kill a guy on a bicycle with an F-111...

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Her call was great. My responses

1. Our available options for dealing with North Korea are limited since the admin knew a full year before it broke in the press. That leaves the situation far more complicated than it otherwise would have been. We would be foolish to anwer given that there is probably MORE we still don't know. There isn't an easy answer on this but one SHOULD get a RANGE of ideas, which is impossible with this ADMIN killing off any state dept info that doesn't agree with their view. That accounts for the dearth of remedies.

2. Again, an honest investigation would PRECEDE any action. Following that investigation, their assets could be seized as could any terrorist organization and as were IRAN's following the hostages. Mandate higher cafe standards and raise registration fees and taxes on SUV's used for any purpose not legitimate to business or rural survival, i.e. dirt roads etc.

3. Illegal immigration is scapegoating pure and simple. The majority of illegal immigrants in America come from countries where America has either interfered in their political future or regarded them as cheap labor. Punish those who attract illegal immigrants and one has made better gains. More labir dept investigations of businesses that profit, i.e. the hotel industry, construction and agriculture.

4. Defense money is being spent on OFFENSE while communities are cutting back o police, hospitals and pther vital infrastructure that guards from terrorism. Spend defense funds on DEFENSE not offense.

[liberalhistorian]

2. Excellent responses, especially concerning illegal

immigration. Immigration, both legal and illegal, has ALWAYS served as the perfect scapegoat throughout American history, particularly immigration from non-white, non-European nations.