USPatriot8320
10-17-2006, 04:18 PM
Way back when I wrote an op-ed about my personal views. Now it's time to update with some thoughts.
Russian: Putin continues to squeeze the Russian people. With the imprisonment of a wealthy businessman to the killing of a journalist. Russian continues to slip. Putin's defiance to the US in regards to Iran should be startling, but with the recent closeness of Russia and China, one should open their eyes to see an alliance being formed. While many of us can agree this alliance has probably been in place for many years, now the two countries are flaunting it. Voting rights having been restricted, realigning with "communists", and killing journalists, my friends, the cold war part 2 is on the horizon. With the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, Russia thinks they can reclaim themselves. Remember when Putin said the saddest thing of the 20th century was the fall of Russian power. He's still trying to bring it back.
China: Economic "freedoms" and other reforms, China has begun to see the power of money and capitalism, how long this will last is anyone's guess. It will probably last until the government feels they could lose power then let the purge begin. I have never trusted the Chinese. Building up their military and brushing off US criticism. Lately I haven't heard threats against Taiwan but I could be wrong. The Chinese have amassed a sizable number of troops and missiles on their border across from Taiwan. In response the US sent 6 aircraft carrier groups to the region, which is unprecedented, meant to say, "back down or else." The Chinese ignored it. However; with North Korea's latest temper tantrum, it has shown the Chinese are weak. They can not control even a dictatorship they alone keep alive. Pretty pathetic of a country who wants to control all of Asia. However I do not feel they will cave, if anything the Chinese will adapt a more hostile behavior. My opinion is this; in the media they tout trying to stop North Korea but in reality they want NK to have the bomb. It will destabilize the region leading to a new arms race and possibly start a new war. A new war where China can take the sidelines for awhile then jump in could be very beneficial to them. However, the odds of NK attacking Japan or SK or even the US and China not be hit in the crossfire is very slim. In my opinion, I have no clue what they are up to, but the one thing I'm certain is they want to skirt US influence in the region and hope the rogue nation hits us.
Mexico: Same as before, but progress is being made. However, with changing control of Congress, it could put the wall in jeopardy. The recent election debacle in Mexico should prove to every US citizen that we need a perm. military presence on the border and a fence. The country is unstable and cracking. If Mexico falls into chaos it would hurt the US unless we take action now.
Canada; A lot of progress is being made. Since I'm in hospitality and tourism I hear a lot of stories about crossing the border into NY. Just last night a tour group of seniors was very late to arrive. The reason; a tour group member had a medical procedure done recently where the doctors injected him with a radioactive substance, not sure of the procedure, however when the bus was coming back into the US via NY the sirens went off and the bus was surrounded. The bus was held for 2 hours while police and border patrol agents inspected. Thats just one story out of countless others. Even in the small city where I live, we now have a border patrol office and the coast guard is frequently heard over head. I don't know what it is about this area, but they want their presence to be very known. In terms of the threats coming into NY via Canada, I'm going to say its safe to downgrade the border threat from the North.
Iran: This country has amassed a sizable amount of military on their borders. Iran, as we all know, helped Lebanon to repeal Israeli attacks. Iran continues to defy international pressure. Their nuclear program is alive and well. But why would a country be so defiant with the US next door, well they must have the backing of someone(s). Here's where Russia and China come into play. China defends NK and Iran saying they are handling the problem and Russia tells the US that we can't go after Iran. Will Iran attack? Doubtful. But the Israeli's will not put up with a nuclear Iran. If the US doesn't do anything to stop them, I don't think for one minute the Israeli's will just let it go, they will attack and god bless them for doing so. I feel this threat is limited. Bigger bark then bite.
North Korea: They have recently tested a "nuclear" weapon. Reports vary but this rogue nation has completely lost it's mind. North Korea should have been dealt with a long time ago. Now we have a problem on our hands. Even if we don't believe they have the bomb doesn't really matter. The latest temper tantrum from Kim Jong should send shock waves throughout this country. Even if NK can't reach the mainland they can hit Japan and South Korea. The economic fallout would be massive and the US would have to respond to defend our allies not to mention that our troops, thousands of them, are in the middle. Would NK risk it all? Yes, they would. If the regime is going to fall they mine as well take a few countries with them. North Korea is failing and is becoming desperate. I believe in a pre-emptive strike on this country. It's time to level with China and say, if you want a nuclear war you can have one, but we will NOT tolerate North Korea any longer. Call me crazy, but what would have happened if Hitler had a nuclear bomb? Scary thought, but its the same thing. Gulags are common and torture is part of every day life in NK. NK has to be dealt with swiftly and fiercely.
The greatest threat of all, Ourselves: The deep rooted divisions we now have. The latest report to say electricity is running out. Deficits are rising state by state. The populace is getting tired. Very few of us have health insurance. Many of us see our paychecks getting smaller and smaller. Inflation has now surpassed wages. We are at a pivotal point in terms of our nation. Each side has to ask themselves this, "How far are we willing to take it?" Just because we are America doesn't mean we are free from the problems a lot of other nations face. One thing we must realize is that no matter the party affiliation, our leaders have lied and continue to do so. We as American's deserve better. I'm a firm believer that foreign aid should not be dished out. That we should back ourselves away from supporting other nations and to have a policy that is one that says don't mess with us we wont mess with you. Isolation while keeping an eye out. Peace can be achieved if we are serious about it. If we must nuke a nation, then so be it. In terms of the homeland. I understand that Christians feel like they are being persecuted, however, nobody is arresting you. You aren't being forced into a different religion, etc. Stop trying to make Christianity the religion of this country :flame: I'm not saying any one does it on this board but there are plenty of others who want a theocracy here. These types of things are ripping us apart. It needs to be said, we need to respect one another and realize the problems we are facing are because of leadership. They use gay marriage, abortion, stem cells, etc. to tear us apart from seeing the big picture. Gays, heterosexuals, African Americans, whites, everybody needs to learn to coexist peacefully. We are a great nation and unless we stand up for ourselves and the republic then the constitution isn't worth the paper it was written on. Do we have to agree on every single issue? No. But let the public decide on social progress. Congress needs to back away. We need more states rights. I'm proud to be an American as is every one else, but I'm also a proud New Yorker. I must admit; if Congress banned homosexual marriage, I would most likely protest, but if my fellow New Yorker's decided that the state isn't right for homosexual marriage I wouldn't. There is a big difference. I don't feel anyone has the right, socially, to tell New York whats best for the state if they do not live here. No more than a New York Senator should dictate whats best for Florida or Texas. Its time we stand up for individuality. Its time we tell the federal government not to meddle in states affairs and focus on what affects us all. Some of you will say that abortion, gay rights, etc. affect every one of us, but I will say this; if a state allows these things and you don't like it, then move to a different state. Its the power of free travel...
I'm sorry that this time I wasn't as eloquent as the first. I've had a lot on my mind and I wanted to express it. If want to debate or add to any of my points then please do. If you don't like what I said, but want to just say, you're retarded then please, keep your comments to yourself. I'd like a live debate on certain points. But please remember these are just my thoughts. Don't ridicule, but education.
James
Russian: Putin continues to squeeze the Russian people. With the imprisonment of a wealthy businessman to the killing of a journalist. Russian continues to slip. Putin's defiance to the US in regards to Iran should be startling, but with the recent closeness of Russia and China, one should open their eyes to see an alliance being formed. While many of us can agree this alliance has probably been in place for many years, now the two countries are flaunting it. Voting rights having been restricted, realigning with "communists", and killing journalists, my friends, the cold war part 2 is on the horizon. With the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, Russia thinks they can reclaim themselves. Remember when Putin said the saddest thing of the 20th century was the fall of Russian power. He's still trying to bring it back.
China: Economic "freedoms" and other reforms, China has begun to see the power of money and capitalism, how long this will last is anyone's guess. It will probably last until the government feels they could lose power then let the purge begin. I have never trusted the Chinese. Building up their military and brushing off US criticism. Lately I haven't heard threats against Taiwan but I could be wrong. The Chinese have amassed a sizable number of troops and missiles on their border across from Taiwan. In response the US sent 6 aircraft carrier groups to the region, which is unprecedented, meant to say, "back down or else." The Chinese ignored it. However; with North Korea's latest temper tantrum, it has shown the Chinese are weak. They can not control even a dictatorship they alone keep alive. Pretty pathetic of a country who wants to control all of Asia. However I do not feel they will cave, if anything the Chinese will adapt a more hostile behavior. My opinion is this; in the media they tout trying to stop North Korea but in reality they want NK to have the bomb. It will destabilize the region leading to a new arms race and possibly start a new war. A new war where China can take the sidelines for awhile then jump in could be very beneficial to them. However, the odds of NK attacking Japan or SK or even the US and China not be hit in the crossfire is very slim. In my opinion, I have no clue what they are up to, but the one thing I'm certain is they want to skirt US influence in the region and hope the rogue nation hits us.
Mexico: Same as before, but progress is being made. However, with changing control of Congress, it could put the wall in jeopardy. The recent election debacle in Mexico should prove to every US citizen that we need a perm. military presence on the border and a fence. The country is unstable and cracking. If Mexico falls into chaos it would hurt the US unless we take action now.
Canada; A lot of progress is being made. Since I'm in hospitality and tourism I hear a lot of stories about crossing the border into NY. Just last night a tour group of seniors was very late to arrive. The reason; a tour group member had a medical procedure done recently where the doctors injected him with a radioactive substance, not sure of the procedure, however when the bus was coming back into the US via NY the sirens went off and the bus was surrounded. The bus was held for 2 hours while police and border patrol agents inspected. Thats just one story out of countless others. Even in the small city where I live, we now have a border patrol office and the coast guard is frequently heard over head. I don't know what it is about this area, but they want their presence to be very known. In terms of the threats coming into NY via Canada, I'm going to say its safe to downgrade the border threat from the North.
Iran: This country has amassed a sizable amount of military on their borders. Iran, as we all know, helped Lebanon to repeal Israeli attacks. Iran continues to defy international pressure. Their nuclear program is alive and well. But why would a country be so defiant with the US next door, well they must have the backing of someone(s). Here's where Russia and China come into play. China defends NK and Iran saying they are handling the problem and Russia tells the US that we can't go after Iran. Will Iran attack? Doubtful. But the Israeli's will not put up with a nuclear Iran. If the US doesn't do anything to stop them, I don't think for one minute the Israeli's will just let it go, they will attack and god bless them for doing so. I feel this threat is limited. Bigger bark then bite.
North Korea: They have recently tested a "nuclear" weapon. Reports vary but this rogue nation has completely lost it's mind. North Korea should have been dealt with a long time ago. Now we have a problem on our hands. Even if we don't believe they have the bomb doesn't really matter. The latest temper tantrum from Kim Jong should send shock waves throughout this country. Even if NK can't reach the mainland they can hit Japan and South Korea. The economic fallout would be massive and the US would have to respond to defend our allies not to mention that our troops, thousands of them, are in the middle. Would NK risk it all? Yes, they would. If the regime is going to fall they mine as well take a few countries with them. North Korea is failing and is becoming desperate. I believe in a pre-emptive strike on this country. It's time to level with China and say, if you want a nuclear war you can have one, but we will NOT tolerate North Korea any longer. Call me crazy, but what would have happened if Hitler had a nuclear bomb? Scary thought, but its the same thing. Gulags are common and torture is part of every day life in NK. NK has to be dealt with swiftly and fiercely.
The greatest threat of all, Ourselves: The deep rooted divisions we now have. The latest report to say electricity is running out. Deficits are rising state by state. The populace is getting tired. Very few of us have health insurance. Many of us see our paychecks getting smaller and smaller. Inflation has now surpassed wages. We are at a pivotal point in terms of our nation. Each side has to ask themselves this, "How far are we willing to take it?" Just because we are America doesn't mean we are free from the problems a lot of other nations face. One thing we must realize is that no matter the party affiliation, our leaders have lied and continue to do so. We as American's deserve better. I'm a firm believer that foreign aid should not be dished out. That we should back ourselves away from supporting other nations and to have a policy that is one that says don't mess with us we wont mess with you. Isolation while keeping an eye out. Peace can be achieved if we are serious about it. If we must nuke a nation, then so be it. In terms of the homeland. I understand that Christians feel like they are being persecuted, however, nobody is arresting you. You aren't being forced into a different religion, etc. Stop trying to make Christianity the religion of this country :flame: I'm not saying any one does it on this board but there are plenty of others who want a theocracy here. These types of things are ripping us apart. It needs to be said, we need to respect one another and realize the problems we are facing are because of leadership. They use gay marriage, abortion, stem cells, etc. to tear us apart from seeing the big picture. Gays, heterosexuals, African Americans, whites, everybody needs to learn to coexist peacefully. We are a great nation and unless we stand up for ourselves and the republic then the constitution isn't worth the paper it was written on. Do we have to agree on every single issue? No. But let the public decide on social progress. Congress needs to back away. We need more states rights. I'm proud to be an American as is every one else, but I'm also a proud New Yorker. I must admit; if Congress banned homosexual marriage, I would most likely protest, but if my fellow New Yorker's decided that the state isn't right for homosexual marriage I wouldn't. There is a big difference. I don't feel anyone has the right, socially, to tell New York whats best for the state if they do not live here. No more than a New York Senator should dictate whats best for Florida or Texas. Its time we stand up for individuality. Its time we tell the federal government not to meddle in states affairs and focus on what affects us all. Some of you will say that abortion, gay rights, etc. affect every one of us, but I will say this; if a state allows these things and you don't like it, then move to a different state. Its the power of free travel...
I'm sorry that this time I wasn't as eloquent as the first. I've had a lot on my mind and I wanted to express it. If want to debate or add to any of my points then please do. If you don't like what I said, but want to just say, you're retarded then please, keep your comments to yourself. I'd like a live debate on certain points. But please remember these are just my thoughts. Don't ridicule, but education.
James