As you may recall, we excoriated the Russians and boycotted the 1980 Olympics for doing precisely what you have just suggested. We also funded the Mujahedin and made sure they had the weapons they needed to finally defeat the Russians and kick them out. It would have been ironic indeed for us to turn around and do the very same thing only a few years later.

But if I’d been president, no lie, this is what I would have done: I would just have bombed the heck out of Afganistan, first. Then I would have poured money in there, using American capitalists, like McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, paved the roads in an ever-increasing circle and made a huge military base. Convert those people to capitalism and have an American uh….how do you say it….we would own Afganistan. Afganistan would be an American colony. Conquer the hell out of them. And then we would have a base in that area. And forget about Iraq.

And now there is Afghanistan, and the way sabers are a’ rattlin’ soon maybe Iran. Obama has at least tried to make a difference in the diplomacy end of things – a difficult task.

Peace on earth, good will toward man (and woman).

What the hell did that have to do with anything being said here?

What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? Elephino!

You’re right, I don’t know what Powell did behind the scenes. I don’t think he would behaved as badly towards the families as some of the generals, admirals did during the hearings but he wasn’t there so we’ll never know.

As far as thousands dying, a lot of them died in retribution when Bush failed to keep his promise to those people. He should have finished the job and gotten out of there. Of course, those people are so blood thirsty thousands on the other side probably would have been killed. Gee Louise.

Again I appreciate your insight. Good food for thought.

Then too, in your case, we don’t really know if Powell tried to make a difference behind the scenes, do we? He failed to make a public statement, as you say, but did he make any moves you aren’t aware of?

I don’t think it was a mistake that the elder Bush didn’t push on into Baghdad, other than it might have inspired his son to repeat his actions with a follow through. I remember the UN weapons inspector begging for just a couple more weeks, but to no avail. We were like kids with our troops all lined up on the border and we wanted to employ them. More than a hundred thousand died. Sad, so sad.

I really appreciate your thoughtful responses. I’m a moderate mostly, myself, despite my oneriness. I heard an interview Powell did, can’t remember with who but it was the strongest I’ve ever heard him speak. He said something like “the Cheneys and Limbaughs only WISH I’d leave the party” and indicated his desire for reason. I agree there. I’m sick of party bickering.

I think Bill Clinton was mostly sincere. It’s that 2 percent that was pretty evil. I keep hoping Obama is different because I want to like him. I like how he talks. But I totally bought into Bill Clinton’s “I feel your pain” and I don’t want to make that mistake again.

Oh what I meant by Powell being afraid because he’s black: I think to a certain extent (still) black men have to keep a low profile to progress in the military and politics. Al Sharpton aside, I do believe Powell has strong beliefs but he’s nervous about stating them. I would probably love his guts if he lost his temper once in awhile. He let Bush walk all over him and that had to be so hard to keep his mouth shut.

Do you really think they’re all posers? I like Joe Leiberman and I’ve been watching a Republican—Graham? I think his name is. But maybe he’s a Democrat. I like what he has to say and how he says it whatever party he’s in.

DKL: I didn’t know they banned John. I seldom comment on Times and Seasons anymore (aside from the fact that I seldom comment anywhere)because I find their topics most boring and not relevant or thought provoking. Of course I hardly go there either. Heck, I didn’t know Ardis had quit. But good on you to point out that female bloggers aren’t necessarily entitled to special treatment. Because yeah, it’s a contact sport. Can’t take the heat…

But since you’re the God of this blog and I don’t have all that strong opinions about it (except Ardis’ comment to me) Nick and Ardis knock yourselves out.

Doesn’t seem a very violent confrontation between Ardis and Nick, sort of amusing to watch from the sideline. May the best man/woman win! Of course, there is no winning, is there?

Nick, I’ve been banned from Times and Seasons more times than I’ve kept track of. They banned John Dehlin, too. The bloggers at T&S tend to view themselves as the Mormon academic blog, and insofar as they have a very strong record silencing voices that disagree with them, they have a lot in common with many Mormon academics. As you know, the only way T&S could take itself more seriously would be to assert authority over the priesthood keys. If you’re very smart, then commenting at T&S is like winning at roulette, as illustrated by this cartoon, which is one of my favorites.

I think it’s fine that he’s appearing on all these shows. It’s also obvious that he’s increased his appearances in accordance with the unpopularity of the Healthcare bill(s). Once all this is over, i’m sure the large numbers of appearances will go down.