The U.S. National Missile Shield

[Stephen_Bailey]

For fifty years now The United States Of America has (quite rightly) been criticising us in Europe for not contributing enough towards our own defence.
And yet, the very first time we in the E.U. take a small, tentative step towards a European Rapid reaction Force, they're down on us like a ton of bricks.
We're accused of trying to set up a European Army and attempting to wreck NATO.
Maybe, both would actually be good ideas?
I spent the second quarter of 1999 in Belgrade (several hundred KM from Kosovo - and was quite surprised when my own Air Force began to drop bombs on me).

During my own military service, we were constantly lectured on the evil intentions of the "Soviet Military-Industrial-Complex"; this un-holy alliance of the Military, Arms Industry & Politics.
it seems to me, the American strain of the virus is even more virulent and, in order to maintain its power, constantly scouring the world searching for new enemies to justify its existence.
They left Saddam in power, on the boil, as a constant "bogey-man"; built Milosevic up to be the new Hitler and turned on their former friends in Afghanistan (let's not forget who armed the fundamentalists in the first place!)
And now we have "Son of Star Wars".
A national missile shield to protect 'the land of the free' against rogue states.
Such as ???
( Anyone out there got any suggestions? )
Several months ago, in Phoenix, I saw the Government-sponsored TV comercial which offered 4 possibilities.
North Korea ( a country which can't even feed its own people).
Iraq ( Who left Saddam in power? )
Iran ( a nation desperately trying to RE-JOIN the world community) and,
Afghanistan ( where the army is having to steal gasoline and warring factions are actually using BOWS AND ARROWS!)

I don't think you really need to look too deeply into current U.S. strategy. it's yet another example of the americans saying to Russia, China and the rest of the world:
" Mine's bigger than yours! "

Why oh why does the U.S.A always have to keep reminding us it's the biggest kid in the playground?

S.B.

[steve_vlasenko]

I ain't got time to respond fully about this, I'll comeback tomorrow, but what I do have to say is that weak leaders, particularly from the right will always press the military button. Cheap jingoistism makes up for the lack of policy.

Take care.

Vlas

[zuzibox]

Steve - admin,

I am very disapointed in the whole lot here. It is so obvious that the eastern world still dosn't understands the equal opportunity meaning. New-bee or old-bee, why don't give the new guy a chance. He has the experience and sounds very inteligent and educated to me. The Easatern world sees a spy in everyone. Now get real, what he would spy on here?
Would be good on the other hand to keep your own view on people. First you welcomed Steve B than you changed your mind about him, because of what others had to say. So??? Where is your own mind?
Suggestion: Please take your political discussion somwhere else, this should be about finding moderators or not?
Sorry, but it is getting too much here.
Regards,
Zuzibox a new-bee

[Lina]

Just could not refuse to put my 5 cents in

First about European Army and NATO. If you say that there is no need for a "national missle shield to protect the "land of free" against the rouge states. Such as?" and than you have a problem to number any...than what is the point of creating the European Army? Is it a beginning of a new European "strain of the virus...scouring the world, searching for new enemies to justify its existance"?


By the way, when you were in Phoenix and saw that goverment-spons. commercial. What channel was it on? I mean was something like CNN, MSNBC...or something local?(pure curiosity)

I personally do not see Korea as a threat, Iran - eh, eh...do not know, probably not for a while too.

I do not remember much about the Iraq,(I would love someone to refresh my memmory please), but it seems to me "they" were not supposed to go as far as to remove Saddam...the "mission" was just to kick him out of Kuveit? If so, by removing Saddam it seems like "those bad Americans, whatever," would be portrayed as occupants. Oy it would give people something to talk about!!!

OK! Back to Star Wars! I really do not think that the US. has a screaming nessesity for a shield right now. From another side, I think Isreal needs it real bad Would it make me sleep better if they(US) build theirs? probably yes. Though, it still seems to be just a talk. I haven't heard anyone building it yet!Am I wrong?
It also seems that if the building of the European Army will start, the US will start building it's shield...May be.(Just to piss those Europeans off)-- that is purely my theory

Also, nobody seems to know wether "the above device " will work right!Do you have any garantees?

[steve_vlasenko]

I think you've posted on the wrong topic.

I'm from England! And if you had read the posts you'd have been aware that know one has mentioned spying! What was said was we have relationships that have developed over time, you'll get to understand this when you've posted more.

My question still stands why does someone come to a discussion forum with the intentions of moderating? Spying I think not! power tripping - maybe, loving controlling people - possibly, cause they've nothing else in there life, I dunno. He'll possible be great, but why make an appearance on a forum with the intention of moderating?

Take care

Vlas.

Stephen,

Off the subject somewhat, sorry. Tomorrow I'll post some information as to why this defence shield is political distraction.

[Stephen_Bailey]

Steve,

If you're planning to AGREE with me, I'll change my opinion!!

S.B.

[Nonson]

Zuzibox,

What is your interest in the new-bee? In what way do you find he/her intelligent? Lets hope this new-bee thing doesn't become an emergency issue.

Nonson
2.28.01