Originally Posted by dtennent (Post 1752427)

To me, the discussion is much more complex. For instance, the firepower we developed during World War II is what won the war. However, our reaching out to Germany, Italy, and Japan after the war and helping them rebuild dynamic economies, is what stopped the cycle of wars that had occurred over the previous decades. While there are certainly hostile countries, the larger battle is economic. China is currently winning this war. Even if we could destroy them militarily, another state equal to or worse than the current one would rise up in its place. Nor can we continue to cede our manufacturing and technology to them. Furthermore, they have bought and secured key mining interests around the world. IMO, we need to lead the world (and bring our European allies with us) in holding China accountable for their current practice of stealing technology, keeping prices low to drive out competition, and using workers as disposable items. To simply slap tariffs on products without detailed context of what they need to change doesn’t help our cause. However, a concerted and planned multinational effort could create the economic pain that would bring China around. It will take time as we cannot reverse the effects of the last 50 years overnight.

I guess this puts me into a third camp. Having the superior firing power but using diplomacy to achieve lasting changes. Instead of using the Glock, let’s use a taser to immobilize the fanatic no matter what his religious beliefs are.

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1752693)

Your understanding of the complexities of international relations is appreciated.

The simplicity thus far has been stunning, and reflects lack of understanding, but suppose some like to talk tough.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by TexaninVA (Post 1752709)

I'm guessing many would be most interested, as in very, to hear you wax eloquent on this topic.

Here's your chance to make your case ...

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1752718)

I believe DTENNENT said it well in his.her post. No case to be made. The kind of action you are ranting on about has been happening for a lot of years by many countries. It is handled mostly without a show of manly words, as our Navy is well trained to do. A tweet as was given, sort of hogties our Naval leaders.

People know who has military power, and who doesn't...no need to brag in the playground about how strong you are. Our State Department has been watered down, but we still can handle this without braggadocio.

Originally Posted by B767drvr (Post 1752111)

Superior firepower camp! Why? Well...


Are you a Superior Flower Power Proponent, a Superior Firepower Proponent, or a Redneck?

...

I was smart enough not to be in that neighborhood to begin with.

Originally Posted by ldecaterina (Post 1752288)

I would ask him to please social distance himself at least 6-feet from my family during these uncertain times when the new normal means we are all fighting an invisible enemy rather than one another.

Originally Posted by bumpygreens (Post 1752645)

Thank you for your brief, prejudicial and grammatically incorrect opinion. Next time you might want to at least offer a modicum of evidence in support of your view.

Originally Posted by amexsbow (Post 1752895)

Re: Peace Through Superior Firepower or Flower Power?

As an observer of history and a retired Law Enforcement Officer, I feel I must comment.

The last war we won decisively was WWII. Why did we win? We firebombed enemy cities and factories in and near large population areas and in so doing killed a large number of civilians as collateral damage. We dropped an atomic bomb and destroyed cities. After the war we humanely treated the conquered enemy. We fought to win and brought the battle to the enemy. That was the last war we fought to win the rest we fought to a truce, and look where we are now. Surrounded by enemies or people who think we are weak and will not take action against "incursions," or minor "harassment."

Originally Posted by TexaninVA (Post 1752901)

Wow, sadly is that ever true. Fifty years of peace & prosperity has bred weakness, naivete and a spoiled people who can apparently no longer muster what it takes to win against our enemies.

Worse, a lot of our people are so soft(headed) they don't even realize we have enemies as witnessed by some postings on this board.

Originally Posted by fromct (Post 1752907)

Hard times make strong men - Strong men make good times - Good times make weak men - Weak men make hard times

Originally Posted by TexaninVA (Post 1752634)

You sound like a responsible supporter of the 2nd amendment. Concealed Weapons License holders know that, if you can avoid the fight, that's always the recommended course.

Originally Posted by JimJohnson (Post 1752949)

I beleave you must add one more very important ingredient. Capability of your personal Gray Matter. If your slow to process complex thought, shoulder your gun. If you are a quick thinker, you would process the situation in an attempt to find a less violent method to defuse the situation.

Originally Posted by bumpygreens (Post 1752414)

Has the evening news ever showed security camera footage from an all night convenience store where the night clerk successfully counseled an armed robber who then peacefully went on his way a happier, more caring individual?