How much is the empire worth to you?

[StandWatie]

If it meant paying what the rest of the world pays for gas?

If it meant food prices tripled?

I suggested in another thread that War on Some Terrorists could be won instantly by bringing home the foreign garrisons we maintain but I was thinking that even if that was done and no more terrorism ever that Americans would demand we go reconquer the world once they realized just how much of their life is subsidized by the Empire.

What is your price limit?

[bryant69]

1. You'd have to make the case

I have to say I'd be excited if a Democratic Presidential got up and said, "Here in America we have things too easy, and we've had them too easy for years. We deserve to suffer; it's a simple as that. That's why, if elected, I am going to make it harder for you. I'm going to enact policies that triple food prices. I'm going to increase your heating bill and gas prices. I won't be satisified until you Americans know what it is like in the third world."

Yep--that'd excite me.

However, not to paint with too big a brush, higher gas prices might be acceptable--depending on how high you wanted them to go--that part, you might be able to sell. It would be tough because Conservatives would start talking about ANWR and off shore drilling and all.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://Politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[StandWatie]

3. I wouldn't recomend mentioning it at all..

from a purely political standpoint, but I was wondering if the people here who would like to see a humble, normal, foreign policy vs. playing Superpower realize just how much they benefit from being able to extort our way across the globe.

[edward]

9. The opposite is true.

Americans pay dearly for empire.
High gas prices in other countries contributes to public transportation.

[Kolesar]

2. It is going to happen eventually, anyway

It is only a matter of time until we hit "peak oil" and oil production starts to taper down and the prices climb without end. Hello deprivation.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Oil Will Probably Become Prohibitively Expensive

before it becomes extinct.


Actually it is in the interest of oil producing companies to keep the price at an acceptable level...

Because once the price reaches an unacceptable level, folks will start to conserve and look for alternative sources of energy.


And Europe and Japan benefit greatly from the American Empire too.

[HereSince1628]

5. Our "acquisitions" should evaluated on a case by case basis

As of today we've spent 122% of the value of Iraq's GDP (1999 estimate). And it looks like we will be spending a lot more.

At this rate we have already committed more than combined individual incomes of all Iraqis. And the electricity and lights don't work.

I know we are buying access for oil companies, but I wonder if Bush and his oil buddies aren't being a little irrationally exuberant on the price?

[StandWatie]

6. I mean things like Saudi Arabia..

things were we are essentially paid off to retain our friendship, or leveraged into accepting US loans to pay for US food and discouraged from growing food crops.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. If This Was A War For Oil It Would Have Been More Prudent Economically

to just buy it from countries other than Iraq and give it away...

[HFishbine]

8. $1.50

;)