Checks and Balances, and the Media.

[The Redneck]

Also, my sources tell me that they are not by any means a third world country, they have had electricity, running water, sewer, phones, and the internet long before we came there. Again, I stand by my comment.

Not nearly enough that we need a country the size of California to hold 'em. I've spent three years living in Army barracks, and they don't exactly give you an acre apiece.

And thank you for putting words in my mouth, I never said that they were better off with Sadam in power

That's why I said "if you're trying to tell me..."
Thank you for putting words in my mouth.

and I find it interesting that you've spelled his name like the city of Sodom, from whence the word "Sodomy" originates

Welcome to the wonderful world of sarcasm.

[Sasquatch]

Why would we need to attack Iran from two fronts? We bomb the hell out of them, then march in. Just like we did in Iraq. How is that difficult to implement without two fronts? As I said, even if we wanted another front--and didn't get cooperation from any of the other surrounding countries--we could just take a short trip through Iraq from Kuwait. It's not like Kuwait is only a couple acres, we've got more than enough room to hold a couple hundred thousand troops until an invasion took place. What do you think we did for the last two wars with Iraq?

As for "handing out reparations", I've never heard of any soldier or Marine doing anything of the sort. We help rebuild the things we intentionally destroy and disrupt, and for collateral damage--which, mind you, there is a big difference in collateral damage and "accidents". We're also building things simply for the betterment of the community--schools, hospitals, etc.

As for Iraq not being a third-world country...it's pretty close. There is a HUGE gap between their upper and lower classes, and the majority of the population lives in poverty. During Saddam's reign, very few people had those utilities--running water, sewers, electricity, phones, etc. More people in Iraq have access to the basic "luxuries" of daily civilized life than ever in the past three decades. More and more people are getting jobs (the wonders of a Capitalist society, again), and the standard of living and life expectancy rates are already starting to go up.

And sorry, I highly doubt that posting the ranks of soldiers you've talked to will make any difference.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Why would we need to attack Iran from two fronts? We bomb the hell out of them, then march in. Just like we did in Iraq. How is that difficult to implement without two fronts? As I said, even if we wanted another front--and didn't get cooperation from any of the other surrounding countries--we could just take a short trip through Iraq from Kuwait. It's not like Kuwait is only a couple acres, we've got more than enough room to hold a couple hundred thousand troops until an invasion took place. What do you think we did for the last two wars with Iraq?

There's also the issue of containment, where an American presence on both fronts can prevent Iran from doing whatever it is we don't like. I can't predict the future and neither can you, I don't know what is going to happen but I'm not going to be surprised if something like that does happen.

As for "handing out reparations", I've never heard of any soldier or Marine doing anything of the sort. We help rebuild the things we intentionally destroy and disrupt, and for collateral damage--which, mind you, there is a big difference in collateral damage and "accidents". We're also building things simply for the betterment of the community--schools, hospitals, etc.

My friend is one of the ones who was handling this in Iraq. As I understand it, if the soldiers accidentally destroyed, say, a car, they would try to find the owner and give him some sort of claim check so that he could come in and they could reimburse them for the damage done.

As for Iraq not being a third-world country...it's pretty close. There is a HUGE gap between their upper and lower classes, and the majority of the population lives in poverty. During Saddam's reign, very few people had those utilities--running water, sewers, electricity, phones, etc. More people in Iraq have access to the basic "luxuries" of daily civilized life than ever in the past three decades. More and more people are getting jobs (the wonders of a Capitalist society, again), and the standard of living and life expectancy rates are already starting to go up.

And what I'm trying to say is that they AREN'T a third world country, as most people seem to think. I'm not saying they are utterly wealthy, I'm just saying they have access to technology, which is something many people don't know and something I can't fathom why you're disagreeing with me on it, unless its out of principle.

[Sasquatch]

My friend is one of the ones who was handling this in Iraq. As I understand it, if the soldiers accidentally destroyed, say, a car, they would try to find the owner and give him some sort of claim check so that he could come in and they could reimburse them for the damage done.

Your friend the poge handled claims for collateral damage and reimbursement and such, not "accidents". There have been plenty of instances were cars, etc. just seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and got shot up, commandeered, etc. Most of the time--whenever practical immediately or possible upon return--a receipt is given for the vehicle, and they go to people like your friend to ask about it, get it back, get paid for it, etc. And they are paid much more than the car's actual value.

And what I'm trying to say is that they AREN'T a third world country, as most people seem to think. I'm not saying they are utterly wealthy, I'm just saying they have access to technology, which is something many people don't know and something I can't fathom why you're disagreeing with me on it, unless its out of principle.

And you're only somewhat correct--that's what I'm arguing. No, they aren't a third-world country, but like I said, they're close. SOME have access to technology--SOME have access to electricity and running water, most don't (or didn't, anyway)--but I'd say a good half of the population lives in close to third-world standards.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Your friend the poge handled claims for collateral damage and reimbursement and such, not "accidents". There have been plenty of instances were cars, etc. just seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and got shot up, commandeered, etc. Most of the time--whenever practical immediately or possible upon return--a receipt is given for the vehicle, and they go to people like your friend to ask about it, get it back, get paid for it, etc. And they are paid much more than the car's actual value.

He cited accidents as some of the causes of this damage, which is the point I'm trying to make.

And you're only somewhat correct--that's what I'm arguing. No, they aren't a third-world country, but like I said, they're close. SOME have access to technology--SOME have access to electricity and running water, most don't (or didn't, anyway)--but I'd say a good half of the population lives in close to third-world standards.

Understandable, and I'm not denying that. My whole thing was that they aren't living in the dark ages.