I can't wait for the small government folks to attack

[malaise]

Obama for not sending commercial airlines to rescue them from their seaside resorts or airports in Egypt.

Expect shouts of 'we were left on our own' from folks who demand that everyone else be left on their own in 5...4...3...2...1

[Ozymanithrax]

1. Actually, it has not at all been uncomon for Presidents to use...

the military to rescue Americans from disasters not of their own making. If it is using the military they won't bitch, because small government types all follow the notion that defense is the main, and often the only, duty of the federal government.

[geckosfeet]

3. So that raises some interesting questions. Such as...

Defense. Defense of what? If one is traveling in foreign territory - what is being defended? Personal safety and property?

Can that be extended to business interests in other countries as well? In other words, are corporate entities entitled to military defense? Or do they need to employ their own security?

And, if corporate entities are entitled, does this mean that if I have enough money I am entitled to military defense as well? Whereas if I am a poor schlock vacationing I am not entitled?

My perspective is that defense is just that - defense of sovereign territory. If you travel you are on your own unless you find your way to an embassy. It is ridiculous to expect the military to bail everyone out no matter what silly situation they put themselves in.

[Ozymanithrax]

7. Defense of ones citizens.

When we invaded Grenada, the U.S. went there publicly because American citizens at the university were in danger.

That is not unique. There have been many uses of the military to evacuate citizens. The military worked in Haiti to evacuate American citizens and give humanitarian aid, just as it did in the Tsunami relief in Asia. Those are legitimate actions of defense. Keeping the sea lanes open for legal shipping is another goal of defense. That is why we and many countries are patrolling the red sea and around the horn of Africa for pirates, as well as the Straits of Malacca. That is defense. Jefferson himself sent a ship to stop the depredations of the Barbary Pirates and forced them to sign a treaty to leave American shipping alone. Drug interdiction, which really is just about smuggling contraband, is also a legitimate action of defense.

Sometimes it is good to evaluate what the other side actually thinks. Only the libertarian wing of the small government crowd want to reduce the size of he military, and even they just want to pull it out of foreign countries.

Defense is not just defense of sovereign territory. Under many alliances, we have an agreements to defend other sovereign territories. Every American embassy in the world is considered U.S. territory that we are required to defend. And, the U.S. has gone to the rescue of American Citizens in trouble in foreign countries. It is part of what they do.

[geckosfeet]

9. Well then. Imperialism for everyone.

Military intervention is quite different from defense.

What you describe is military intervention - and could also be described as police action.

Certainly not defense.

[Ozymanithrax]

11. Not according to internatonal rules, laws, and norms.

And which of those actions I mentioned would that be. Anti-piracy patrols are part of international reposnisibilites by all nations? Rescuing citizens from Grenada? (Probably the closest since the other excuse was to kick the Cubans out). Humanitarian aid? Coming to the defense of another country with which we have a treaty? These all come under defense. It is not as simple as it looks.

[gateley]

2. What are 'small government folks'? I guess I should ask 'who'. nt

[malaise]

4. Those who want to deprive your kids of decent public schools,

health care, parks, social security, medicare, hurricane or tornado relief, but expect to be rescued when the first whiff of teargas reaches the hotel entrance...wherever on the planet.

[gateley]

10. D'oh! Thick, gateley? I was thinking government officials in mid-level jobs!

:rofl:

And of course you're right. That's what they "pay" the government for - personal protection. :eyes:

:hi:

[justiceischeap]

5. "Marines Ready for Egypt Rescue Mission"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x297200

[malaise]

6. They'll still complain - they want out and now

Watch and see

[toddaa]

8. We have already rescued them

We gave them a tax cut.

FREE MARKET TO THE RESCUE!!!