When in doubt, google, Lyle. There's no shortage of information on her.

@Bob McBride...OMG she is something else. That makes your comment even funnier. Thanks Bob.

Go Tammy. Send Tommy back to his pasture!

Spud Lovr ‏@SpudLovr

RT @jmartin4s: Tammy Baldwin putting Tommy Thompson in his place over his outright dishonest 9/11 attack ad #WIsen http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5bwR2e7eCZM …

WTF?

Trying to send Tommy 'back to his pasture' seems more offensive than trying to 'send Obama back to Kenya'...

@morninmist -

This blog is not about the Tammy/Tommy race - if you have a problem, then Hoffa suggests that you see a doctor immediately!

I think you just uncovered Lyle's ploy to create a world government. We vote in their elections, they vote in ours, pretty soon we lose our country...

@CowDung You are right. A Frenchman should not vote here because he lacks the first hand knowledge of what is going on here. I, likewise, should have no say in how to govern France.

@ Michael.... If it wasn't for America, the French would be speaking German.

...but if it weren't for the French, Americans would be speaking English.

@Bren....As usual, you get it. It's amazing how many people refuse to comprehend our place in the world and the impact that we have.

Well pretty much the same could be said of elections in Britain, France, Germany, Iran (assuming the counts are on the up and up), Russia, etc., etc., etc. Do you suppose the folks in those countries take into account their awesome responsibility to vote in a fashion that suits our preconceived notion(s - or are we to assume there's one, correct notion) of which candidate would facilitate our interests to best advantage?

This truly is a silly, silly concept. And I must say as the election draws closer and it appears everything is about dead nuts I'm sensing some desperation, producing a number of rather absurd attempts to convince people that if Obama loses, we're totally screwed. If you haven't yet checked out Jason Pfa...er....whatever's attempt to guilt his grandparents into voting for Obama, you're missing another doozie.

Bob McBride....The biggest difference is that no other nation has our military power and has shown the willingness use it.

Lyle, the guy we've got now isn't exactly a peacenik and Romney's not inclined to launch WWIII. If those nations in Europe or other highly advanced countries (who completely lack problems of their own to worry about, apparently) have been led to believe otherwise by irresponsible media in our nation or their own inability to separate "le tintement jambe" from a credible analysis of the candidates (where available), then they're in no better position to know what's good for us than we are.

The world's greatest socialists and dictators ALL support Obama. That says it all. The Iranians love Obama. The socialists in France love Obama. That is the REASON to vote for Romney. We dont want to be Europe or the Middle East.

Yeah Bren makes you wonder with the vote having so much power .. why you wouldn't need an ID to make sure the election is fair.

Bob, one could "say" the same of elections in smaller countries but the truth is, as Mr. Ruble has pointed out, they have dissimilar individual resonance.

I don't believe it's a "silly, silly" concept but a documentable fact that our country has been a dominant force on the world stage almost from the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our form of government, originally radical, has become a model for others.

I'm deeply concerned about Romney bringing in Bush foreign policy advisers, among all of the other antisocial ideas he's throwing out in myriad variations along the campaign trail. America should be #1. Americans should be #1. No exceptions. All Americans. Romney should be proud of his fellow countrymen. I don't "hear" that from him. I "hear" that 47% of Americans are takers, etc., etc., etc. And I don't like it.

What don't you like, Bren? Are you hoping for a higher percentage of 'takers' in the US?

Okay Bren.

calm down Craig. Bren, Lyle and the other Liberals see our world leadership as getting along with everyone in the sandbox, regardless if it is right or wrong. When we have been successful as world leaders is when we have taken a stance. All of our allies typically side with us to resolve the issue. I don't want Germany or France (especially France) to tell us what we should do. They wouldn't put up with our influencing an election, so why should we put up with theirs. In fact, their "support" of BO is a good enough reason to vote against him!

Let's face it, we have made a few mistakes over the last 236 years, but they have been few and far between.

@Craig...Of course I call myself an American, but I also consider myself a world citizen. The world does benefit from the U.S., but we must also acknowledge the awesome responsibility that we bear to not abuse our power and influence. However, we are also dependent on the rest of the world. It is important how the rest of the world views us and we them. You state that the "USA bails everyone out of trouble and kisses their asses and plays the world's peacekeeper"; but we also get more benefits from it than if we didn't do it. Would you prefer the Chinese or Russia to do it?

As far as the U.S. and Israel...The U.S. didn't create Israel, fight to create the State of Israel or fought against Israel's many enemies. Not a single U.S. Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman has fought on Israeli soil, airspace or territorial waters, the citizens of Israel has stood alone. I am not going to address any more of your myth. Until you know the truth just keep that kind of garbage off the thread.

@The Anti-Alinsky...Just a few mistakes? Go ahead and promote American Exceptualism at your own risk. If you think the rest of the world will put up with us dragging them into useless wars and interventions, you are sadly mistaken. You personify what is meant by the 'ugly American'.

So the USA should have become friends with Hitler and let him have his way?
If only we had a crystal ball to see how that would have played out for you.

Lyle Ruble:"Until you know the truth just keep that kind of garbage off the thread."

No problem Lyle, I will accept your request and no longer read your fucked up bullshit articles. I once was told to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, which seems like good advice. But in this case it is not important for me to understand another person's point of view...
You are anti American and you don't accept other's opinions as having any credibility if they do not agree with you. Your shit don't stink either does it?
Maybe your local Police Department should be ran by the Muslim Brotherhood, this would demostrate America's acceptance of all beliefs worldwide.
Good riddance.

Lyle wrote: "...Go ahead and promote American Exceptualism at your own risk. If you think the rest of the world will put up with us dragging them into useless wars and interventions..."

Lyle, if you want to label the success the United States have had for the last 136 as " Exceptualism" go ahead. regardless, I don't believe that the United States should be dictated to, whether it's foreign policy, economic practices or our leadership.

If we feel a war is just, other countries do not have to support us. Let's face it, if Britain did not support us in the war, it's not like we were going to invade them.

@Lyle - look at the amount of aid Israeli gets from the U.S. Stood alone my ass.

@WEACHATER...I'll just mention three things...The unnecessary war in Iraq, the prolonged war in Afghanistan and the Great Recession. It was the American Financial Industry that brought down the world economy.

@Lyle You should clarify the point about the great recession. It was caused by THE PRIVATE BANKS, not the US Government.

I believe we are considered the hope of the world. There's confusion, too. If one lives under a totalitarian regime (even one that is benign), the government controls the message. It's difficult to understand a country that provides aid and expertise on the one hand (U.S. government/citizens) while simultaneously exploiting workers and resources on the other (private interests). Understanding also that protecting our national security abroad is not always popular with malcontents.

A relative who lived in Johannesburg during apartheid and U.S. sanctions said that all the major U.S. banks and companies had branches in S.A. This type of disconnect undermines the good that we do and destabilizes some trust. But as a democratic republic, our citizens have the right to pursue "happiness" in the form of profit.

Government regulations (hall monitors) can only go so far in controlling the behavior of private citizens and their works here and overseas. If we as a country want to project consistent messaging and build trust, some of us are going to have to engage in self-inspired soul-searching.

With few exceptions I have been treated well when traveling overseas. People have many questions about the U.S. and how we live (real vs. tv). They see what we do as power decision-making. We have a lot of friends out there.

@Bren Your points are well taken. My concern is that with globaliization there also arises the problems of economic and social upheavals. A national government's priority is to keep the peace within its' domain. When outside forces bring about problems that are greater than what the government can handle, this will result into social chaos. Consider Greece and Spain. This worldwide trade formula weakens governments and makes individuals more vulnerable to the whims of the powerful. This whole mess should be re-considered.

@Luke....Biological Darwinism doesn't equal Social Darwinism and to do so is a serious fallacy.

@Limpwrist Lyle

regarding darwinism... if not for liberal policies, the ignorant and pathetic wouldn't be allowed to put in place policies that only expand their pool of ignorant people. They'd die out in a few generations. Lucky for you or you wouldn't be here.

Lyle,

I didn't say they were the same thing. There are parallels, however. That's why my post will stand unrefuted.

@Luke...There are a number of variables that affect nations and cultures and their ultimate survival. Rome's weakness was corruption and the Third Reich failed because of its misuse of power and a faulty belief in racial superiority.

Lyle,

True.

My statement stands unrefuted.

@Nick

The rest of the world laughs at Obama and his bowing and shows of weakness (as opposed to shows of strength).

Russia laughs at him, China laughs at him, Iran laughs at him, even the terrorists laugh at him.

What do you think about that? As much as you might want to disagree, you cannot argue against facts.

OCR: I think the World laughs at us because we elected the tool. He has exposed our weakness by undermining everything past Presidents have worked for.
Of course they want him relected, that makes them one step higher in the food chain.

Nick- Being uninformed should at least make you seek facts before you make statements so outside the realm of truth. For one thing, Romney is showing his stripes. He is and always has been a moderate that leans right. I beg you to look at his record in Mass. and not come to the same conclusion. As a matter of fact, that is why he lost the primary in 2008 and why it was so hard fought in 2012.

As for the damage, I guess shipping weapons to Libyan members of Al-Quaeda just 5 days before our Ambassador and 3 others were killed, helps are standing in the world. That makes Iran-Contra look like a pimple on the a$$ of history. I guess lying to people to cover it up just before the election helps are standing in the world.

I will say that the Europeans appreciated that they are now an equal to the U.S., even though we fund the military solely to not only protect the U.S., but them as well. I'm sure the Middle East is just gleeful that we are sitting by and watching people die at the hands of a dictator, rather than have the U.S. oust one and liberate their country. Yes, I'm sure the apology tour went over like the Beatles storming America.

Oh wait. They are still attacking us, burning our flags, killing our diplomats.

Oh and if you want to talk immoral, Obummer is holding the middle class hostage with higher taxes come 1-1-13 all so he can punish the evil corporations and rich, white folks.

World wide war? LOL go shoot up some more drugs. Obama and Romney are quite close on foreign policy, as shown in the last debate.

More hate and scare tactics from the left, what a surprise.

"but damn..folks are world renown dumb!"

Thanks F'head! I don't think much of the Dutch either.

If it's sooooo bad here Freddie Van Der Schmuck, go home. We already have enough ignorance here.

That was my next question.

@Jay Sykes...The situation is that by putting too much oil on the market it would collapse the price of oil and those economies that are dependent on oil revenues would quickly find themselves in economic crisis. Since everything is imported their reserves would quickly be exhausted leading to civil unrest. Iran is currently going through this due to the sanctions. Now multiply Iran by about another 16 nations including Russia, you have a prescription for disaster. If we slowly transition to domestic sources, then the world markets can adapt without creating a crisis. That's just like the fact that the energy companies are not banging down the doors to immediately drill our reserves, there is more than enough oil without touching them.

Lyle,

How will the economies of the emerging markets respond to dramatically reduced crude prices? Will they use less or more crude as a result? How will this affect automobile purchases and driving practices worldwide? Will reduced crude prices put more or less money in the hands of people?

Finally, how will it be possible for crude prices to drop dramatically without a simultaneously huge increase in production and a worldwide depression? What would make those two things happen at the same time?

Let's see...an energy independent America that comes with the price of the middle east vaporizing? Where do I sign up? What would the loss be to the world if the middle east suddenly burned to the ground? Zero. Other than a small amt of tech work being done in Israel the world would literally not skip a beat. What does Saudi Arabia produce outside of oil? What does Iran produce outside of oil? I would suggest the second largest export of both those countries is terrorism.

It will be a good day when America doesn't have to care what happens in the middle east. And this will also likely have a positive effect on Russia too as a high level of corruption and graft in that country stems from the oil companies.

Further, as anyone watching the economy knows; higher oil prices are a drag on the economy. Significantly lower fuel prices would be a super charger for the economy here in the US.

Increased global economic activity would really help the governments of the world collect more money and deal with debt.

@Lyle Ruble.... How would you propose to put a stopper in the rapid increase in oil production in the USA and North America?

You didn't define "collapse of oil economies" based on a specific dollar price/bbl. I would expect the world market equilibrium price of oil to be very near the marginal cost per/bbl of tar sands or 'fracked' oil.

Canadian oil sands and drilling of new shale oil wells, that produce only due to the fracking process, become economically nonviable with a drop to about $70/bbl. I'd look for the price of oil to bottom in/near the the high $60's range. We might just see $2.25/gallon for gas at the pump, here in Wisconsin.

@Fred van der Wal....I'm sure that they wouldn't if given a choice. However, they haven't been given a choice and have to put up with our choices.

@Lyle You imply that our choices are always terrible. Come on- cheer up- our choices are not always disastrous! What an apologist!

Fred, sounds like its time for you to denounce your citizenship .

BTW, this is an incredibly inane blog. Talk about the ultimate hypothetical liberal orgasim !

Don't be silly. Europe is blowing up as we speak. The crisis in Spain and Greece coupled with the large influx of immigrants coupled with low native birth rates is all an equation for disaster. Look, we get it. The lefty liberals in this country want to bring Europe's brand of socialism to the US. The US and it's citizens don't want it. The US stands for individualism, success and achievement. You can blow hot air all you want but we're the only place on earth that has a robot the size of an SUV tooling around the surface of Mars right now. No other country on earth could successfully land a device on the surface of Mars and have it function(beagle much?). Americans won't allow you or anyone else to drag us down to your level.

That's been going on for a long time, aided and abetted by offshoring and investments by companies like Bain and folks like Mitt Romney. I think the Chinese would prefer Romney as he has heavy investments in Chinese companies.

Let's hear it for being loose.

@J.B. Schmidt...So you are saying that the conservative mythology is better than the liberal mythology?

Something that must be realized is that the world does not need us. If we ceased to exist, the world would go on. We live in a mythological world overstating our own importance. That, my friend, is a recipe for disaster.

Your analogy of a lenient parent verses a strong parent says a great deal about you. Keeping with your analogy, knowing when to be lenient and when to be not is what makes a good parent. To always be a strong parent is not being a parent but only a bully to be feared. In disciplining your own children; do you use corporal punishment or do you use the tools of respect, understanding and thoughtful teaching? If the only tool you have in your tool box is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail.

Something that must be realized is that the world does not need us. If we ceased to exist, the world would go on. We live in a mythological world overstating our own importance. That, my friend, is a recipe for disaster.

******************

I think you've just successfully argued against the point of your own article.

Aw shucks Bob McBride, and I was looking for an interesting discussion on USA/North American/world oil production with Lyle. And now it's moot ;-(

You should wait until the train of comments is speeding along, at couple hundred coupled comments long, before you derail it and pull-up all its tracks.

@Lyle
I called the President a mythical creation, not liberal or conservatism ideology. He was promised as the savior of the planet and that promise had turned out to be a great hoax. The American people have now seen that, so as I pointed out it is no surprise that you chose to find other ways to continue the hoax.

"To always be strong is not being a parent but only a bully to be feared" Are you saying then there is respect in weakness? I am a strong parent whether I am stern with my children via corporal punishment or gentle correction and in both cases there is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of my authority. The same goes for foreign policy the world should have a fear (I mean that in both definitions in equal proportions) of the US, we have not seen that. Instead we have attempted to gain strength through weakness and as a result Russia is trying to re-ignite the cold war, China will stab us in the back on every trade deal, Muslims are creating chaos in the Middle East and Europe is being allowed to spend it way out of deficits.

The fear I speak of will create a foreign policy that forces Russia and China to partner equal, Muslims to enter the 21st century and Europe to straighten itself out or be left rot on the vine. On the flip side you are asking the US to submit itself to the whims of the world, in which case we should just go back to being a colony of Britain.

@J.B. Schmidt....Fear creating respect is not respect, it's fear. It is the argument that all tyrants use to justify themselves.

@Lyle

As usual you think the whole world gets along and sings together, no need for power or respect through force. Not that way, never will be due to human nature.

@Lyle
Fear has a secondary definition rather than the singular meaning you are giving it. As a parent, I command both: 1) My children fear my power and understand that, while infrequent, spanking reinforce vital life lessons 2) They admire my life's choices and wish to follow my example.

A country that wishes a leadership role globally must contain both of those aspects in order to be respected. Currently this administration has brought neither to the table; instead, it has taken your ideology on strength and have assumed that respect can be earned via weakness and withdrawl. Do we respect the professional sports teams that have winning seasons or the teams that give up 50% of the games in order that others can win more? Obviously the winning teams otherwise the bad teams look artificially good. Yet, you are suggesting that we exist below our ability in order to give weaker nations the false assumption of superiority? Instead we are seeing the bad (russia, china, muslim brotherhood) attempting to take leadership roles that are harmful globally.

Yes Lyle, that is exactly what we're saying.

Fred, have you met Nick? I think the two of you would get along famously. You both seem to enjoy telling everyone else how clueless there are, and Nick could really use some help with his composition skills.

@Fred van der Wal...Don't take Bob McBride's comments personally. He is the ultimate pragmatist with a strong dose of cynicism and sarcasm. His responses can range from mild amusement to nihilism. His comments are worth attending to since he is a rational thinker.

Exactly how has Obama moved us towards world peace? Killing Osama? Did they do this without the use of Military?
Have you seen the news lately?

Lyle, if you don't mind I'm going to print that out and leave it on the kitchen counter for my wife. She's got a completely different set of descriptors she uses when trying to explain me to people and I'd like her to use yours instead. Thanks.

Fred, did you forget that the US "military intervention" that you hate liberated Holland 60 years ago? Guess evil ol' America wasn't too bad then, huh? Africa, Mali, the mid-East, Iran, N. Korea, Al Queda....all want to sit down with Obama to "work for world peace"? I don't think so, but obviously you do. I actually wish you were right..... but reality and facts just keep getting in the way of your and Lyle's vision for a united Europe with the US as a colony.

Fred van der Schuck- So if another Hitler invaded your country, you would trust Obama to protect you? What moonbeam did you come in on?

@Keith Best....Has it gotten to the point that you can't even write any longer?

@Lyle -

What happened to the typical 'Pull My String' precursor from you when addressing Mr. Best?

"anytime you bring up an idea that takes thought and caring, you end up with the "stupids" coming out of their holes. I'm always amazed at how selfish and self-serving the Republicans can be"

Translation - If you dont agree with Vicki, Lyle Morninmist, or Bren then you live in a "small world". This is exactly what you liberals live in. Try getting in your Preius, with your COEXIST sticker on the back, and drive down main streen in Yemen and see how far your thought and caring global world is going for ya. Cant wait to see your body dragged around the square to show just how Thoughtfull, and caring you are. With your attitude you better not hope for help from the Military.

Vicki:

Thanks for taking the time to spew more of your hate.

Have a pleasant day.

Hey Vicki, ever look in a mirror?

The small child is not responsible for his/her playmates recreation. He/she brought the toys for His/her enjoyment, it is called personal responsibility. The playmates need to get off of their asses and get their own toys to play with. Why do lefties always place blame on and demonize the responsible one?

And your point is that Obama's last four years have done nothing to change what, in your opinion, is the world's view of the US. If things are so bad, why, oh why, would you want them to continue with another four years of Obama? What makes you think he will change the way his administration interacts with the "world?. Sure appears as if you, and Lyle, sure are happy that some of our greatest world foes have endorsed the Pres ( Putin, Castro, Chavez)

BTW, I too am Dutch, tho family came over here centuries ago. As my dad would say, "if you ain't Dutch, you ain't much !"

@Victoria has no secrets...I am surprised that you don't recognize our interconnectedness. The collapse of our banks brought down their economies and their economies can bring us down. Look at the market performance if you don't believe my statement.

As far as military help and equipment, the Europeans are our biggest competitors in the world's arms manufacturing and marketing. Show me where we are giving any European nation foreign aid.

As far as liberalism's responsibility for all the bad things that have occurred or will occur, that just isn't supportable. Whatever solutions are sought, does have global ramifications. It doesn't hurt to think outside of the box and grasp the bigger picture.

Actually I'd prefer to kiss a Dutchwoman

For all of Bush's faults, I, for one, will never forget his strong leadership during 9/11. "I can hear you and the whole world can hear you". Somehow just can't see Obama in that role. It would take him 2 weeks to even admit it was a terrorist attack ( can you say Libya?) and I'm sure he would find a video to blame the attack on, apologizing all the time.

Bush's second term?.....not so much.

No Fred, it makes us angry that some idiot is going to tell us to vote a certain way just to make a hater from a different country happy.

Never met a republican you've liked, eh? Not saying you don't have a right to your opinions, but, to me, your comments clearly show the difference between US citizens and Europeans re: taking a leadership role in the world. Again I remind you it was the US's "military intervention" that liberated Holland 60 years ago. We can't be all that bad, huh?

@Bewildered...Just as a historical reminder; the liberation of Europe was not only the U.S. but involved a number of nations, primarily the British, Free French, etc. Technically the Netherlands was liberated by Field Marshall Montgomery and the British. What is the most important point is that the Marshall Plan kept people from starving and freezing to death, allowing the Europeans to begin the rebuilding process. Also, don't forget that the U.S. gained its immense wealth following the war providing the material support to the Europeans.

I broached this subject because we need to realize that whatever we do here has global ramifications. It is not just the U.S. and all others, we are tied to this planet together. We can either live cooperatively or become the world's pariah.

Lyle, blah,blah,blah. Here you go again, assuming no one else has the vast historical knowledge you do. Spare me your pontificating the obvious. I do NOT need a history lesson from likes of you. Ruble= Charlatan.

@Bewildered...If you don't want a history lesson, then don't go spouting incorrect information.

Lyle, you truly are a pompous ass. Not to mention a fraud. Sitting in your little house in the Republic of Shorewood pretending you have all the answers. There are those that talk and those that do. You, sir, are the former. As I onced asked you and you refused to answer, just what do you do for your community? What public service have you ever done in Shorewood ( besides holding Herr Schmitz hand). Pretending to be Patch's über intellectual when all you do is parrot socialism. Charlatan !

@Bewildered....I may be a pompous ass, but I also don't hide behind a non de plume so I can troll. As far as my community involvement, that's none of your business. What I do is not for public consumption.

I would if I could remember !

I am a little confused. You constantly refer to "fellow Americans" and "we as Americans", but earlier on this string you said you were a Dutch citizen. Just wondering which country you are a citizen of ( pls don't take this as an attack, I'm just a bit "bewildered") ?

@Cassie -

Do you feel that you learned anything from the final debate concerning substantive policy and the difference (or similarity) between the two candidates on the issues discussed?

It seems that the polls disagree--since the debates, Romney has been gaining in the polls. Perhaps that is the 11% you refer to taking a side, but it definitely seems that the debates did have an influence...

Yup

But van der Schuck will vote, after all he is a Democrat.

@Steve...You just wrote off 450 million people.

Yep, they are not United States Citizens. It was pretty easy. Start loving the country you live for what it is.

@Steve....For your sake, it's probably a good thing that they aren't citizens who can vote. Our system has many strengths and weaknesses. To only accentuate the strengths and ignore our weaknesses is the path of the ignorant and uninformed. Keep thinking parochially and don't complain when the rest of the world passes you by. I am tired of being everyone else hired thug and we have so much of our budget being spent on military hardware and wars.

Like I said, Hoffa, this is proof that the liberals are getting desperate! All options are on the table, and they've tried everything from flat out lying to coordinating their attacks with their media allies.

Now they've reduced themselves to having pseudo-intellectuals, like Lyle here, trying to sway the vote in indirect ways. So transparent its laughable.

Hopefully the majority of America still votes for the true American, Romney.

@JRH....No argument to be defeated. The whole idea that we are not alone should be obvious. Recognition of our role and impact should also be obvious. However, everyone hates a bully and they don't show the bully respect. The fundamental question is whether we want to be feared or respected. I reference the Roman Empire; as you did it Rome's way, there wasn't a problem. The minute you didn't, it became a rule by force. In the long run, Rome fell because they over valued themselves.

I think we should be feared or respected, Obama has provided for neither.

@Lyle -

What evidence do you have that Romney, if elected, would in fact engage us in bullying tactics in regards to the rest of the world?

Need Hoffa remind you that Obama violated sovereign borders more than once during his first term - how is this not considered bullying?

@Lyle

Obviously "the rest of the world", including our Dutch knowitall friend Fred here, does not know a goddamned thing about Romney, except for the (R) part.

If they saw his record on how we tries to work with people, and saw that he is pretty close to obama on most foreign matters, maybe they wouldn't make such assinine statements as what Fred has stated.

They are the ignorant ones, believing all the anti-romney media hype. Fred is the perfect example of this.

@oak creek resident....There is something you and I agree on. The Soviets took the majority of the losses also.

I believe the Solviets had a little different motivation for being in the war.

@JRH...If elected, an additional $2 trillion in defense spending. What else would it mean?

@Lyle -

Instead of working on assumption, speculation, conjecture, and conspiracy theories, perhaps it means exactly what Romney says it means:

- ensure that our military capabilities are matched to the interests we need to protect.

- modernize and replace the aging inventories of the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines, and selectively strengthen our force structure.

- reversing Obama-era defense cuts and return to the budget baseline established by Secretary Robert Gates in 2010.

- find efficiencies throughout the Department of Defense budget that can be reinvested into the force.

- the benefits need to be tallied along with the costs. Those benefits include, first and foremost, prevention of war.

http://www.mittromney.com/issues/national-defense

When you listen to Obama, do you also assume the exact opposite, as his past performance would actually warrant such a level of skepticism:

1/2 the deficit in his first term - actually increase the deficit.
no mandate in his health care bill - there's a mandate all right!
won't increase taxes on the middle class - ACA alone substantially increases them.
close Gitmo - still open.
end violent interrogation techniques - he used them to get bin Laden!
against gay marriage - now he's for gay marriage
comprehensive immigration bill his first year - end of term and still nothing

This could go on forever, so Hoffa hopes that you get the point!

@JRH....I've read over Romney's wish list and I don't agree with most of it. In the first place we are at a force level that is too high for current and future threats. Even under Gates recommendations he was calling for a force reduction. This is nothing more than making sure the defense contractors are taken care of. In short, less butter and more bullets. I follow a number of DOD and defense industry sites and if you do a little more research and don't depend on either candidates' propaganda.

@Lyle -

If Romney's plans for the military are "nothing more than making sure the defense contractors are taken care of," then why are you suggesting with this blog and your comments that Romney wants to engage us in additional military conflicts around the world?

You contradict yourself.

That's as funny as a broken hip.

@Pat Geittmann...How's my favorite almost retiree doing? I missed Skippy today. You feeling better now? Welcome to the battlefield.

I have to ask - who is Skippy?

I think Skippy is the guy that smashes all those peanuts into butter...

@Oak creek resident:Brainwashed or not,I'm convinced that if there will be a next major war.
Romney as president would direct or indirect a principle in that.
BTW see how civilized I try to be by answering your words it has to do that i don't follow that arrogant,self-indulgent behavior what you call true Americana

@Eric....I can't deny that I don't speak for all. The point I have been trying to make is that we have a responsibility to think carefully since whatever we do has consequences beyond our own borders. The changes to the social safety net in many of the European nations has been going on for some time. As you well know, much of this has to do with increased demand and shrinking revenues. It is also true that in some circles, Obama is regarded with suspicion and distrust but Romney's stand on military spending scares the hell out of many.

As you well know, we are not the only ones who have suffered under the latest recession and Europeans are desperately trying to dig themselves out of the economic hole.

I would remind you Lyle that the Reaga doctrine of "Peace through strength" brought down the Soviet Union, and liberated Eastern Europe. That is a doctrine that worked and what Romney aspires to. And remember, not one shot was fired in a Cold War we won at the hands of that doctrine.

And, lest we forget, Jimmy Carter left 52 Embassy personnel in Iran for 444 days.

@Fred
you stated "to a lesser extend taking in the fruits of the more stable countries and it becomes a well without a bottom".

In the context of your arguement, how is that much different than lazy ignorant people taking the fruits of the more productive ones? You argue FOR and AGAINST socialism in the exact same post.

Wow....

@Eric....As much as it pains me, I have to agree with you.

Contrary beliefs here on this forum, Europe welcomes free enterprise but it comes with a price. Which means that human happiness through a democratic chosen system functions as a safety net no one needs to stay behind and is able to share in a countries welfare.
Europe is for a productive trade agreements between other nations and a better employment for all Europeans inside their own borders and outside as well. That’s why they opened up and allowed folks to travel freely in pursuit for a better
existence. To pursue this, country's with a weaker economic were also welcomed. And here lies today the problem. Countries like Greece and Spain, Italy to a lesser extend taking in the fruits of the more stable countries and it becomes a well without a bottom. This takes huge amount of revenues which is killing the unity of Europe. Already there are discussions to break away this and move on separately.
Then there's America, through NATO there exist a military alliance based on 1945 suggestion that one comes to an others country aid in case of military aggression. This is all based on both World Wars experiences. Today, these alliances still exist but with unease. For the type of international warfare has chances, new international alliances being forged and the huge mounting expenses that come with these
military interventions.

@AWD...If Obama should win; what is your next step?

@AWD just if your unsung hero does not get voted into office and we have to deal with 4 more years of a "dangerous man",are you who quietly would not mind civil unrest in the USA,hence greater chaos here and abroad.Would you see your brothers in arms or RFR (Republican brotherhood through rape) as freedom fighters or terrorism,which we try to ban abroad...remember.
Or would you view those who voted democrat as enemies of the state.

@Fred van der Wal...Well stated.

@Fred
you stated, regarding "to a lesser extend taking in the fruits of the more stable countries and it becomes a well without a bottom".

In the context of your arguement, how is that much different than lazy unproductive people taking the fruits of the more productive ones? You argue FOR and AGAINST socialism in the exact same post.

Wow....what else would one expect from a socialist liberal?

U.S. Military strength has never been limited to our doorsteps.

George Washington.

@Greg....I would be interested how you came up with George Washington. Written history doesn't appear to support your statement.

"We know that peace is the condition under which mankind was meant to flourish. Yet peace does not exist of its own will. It depends on us, on our courage to build it and guard it and pass it on to future generations. George Washington's words may seem hard and cold today, but history has proven him right again and again. "To be prepared for war," he said, "is one of the most effective means of preserving peace."

"Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth."
--George Washington--

"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good."
--George Washington--

"@Greg....I would be interested how you came up with George Washington. Written history doesn't appear to support your statement."

It is not very hard to find examples of peace through strength, it is a concept used by great leaders everywhere.

The comment was related to the peace through strength discussion, otherwise I do agree that the world is a planet.

@morninmist -

Since when is sexual orientation considered a "gender?"

Your posts are getting stupider by the day!

@Eric:if you read up a bit on modern history,beginning 1900 till today's date,only one conclusion stands out and that is that European countries in general are group of splinter groups who share little love for each other and those that want to dominate the other.
With the suggestion of a United Nation of Europe was doomed before it started.It sounded nice on paper.Trade agreements and military cooperation and so on.Well memory and grieves run deep and long.No one wanted Germany as another power house like in the 1940's and French not much cared for either.So as of today the Euro currency still stands....yet and Brussels is still the honorary capital of Europe.And yes all the financial trouble and social unrest that comes with it..Europe will not at least in my life time become a solid unit.However they will mutter on and keep it's social/christian democratic choices governments alive.