I don't know if "bucky" is still aroud, but I do have to give a minor defense here to the otherwise loathsome WALNUTS and remind people that in the Republican debate, John Mccain was vehemently against torture and Gitmo too.-- Jon Dubya

That, campaign finance, immigration, and a few other things, is why McCain has no chance to be the next Pres. I doubt he makes all the way through the primaries.

Speaking of Gitmo, someone make the sterling suggestion that it be moved to that scenic splendor, ANWAR. At least then, it would be good for something. Heh.

God Rest America, land of sleeping sheep.-- Tomhere

And I'm sure I echo the sentiments of some...we think you're no prize yourself. Better trolls please, heh.

On the other hand, the toughest guy you folks have is Hillary. Is everyone ready for the Mommy-fication of America?

They are burdened with an unhealthy need to dominate and control.

Are you advocating that we allow ourselves to be dominated an controlled? Or do you think if we play nice, everyone else will too? What do you think about the idea that if one shows weakness it invites attack?

If you look to the writings of a Washington or a Jefferson or an Adams, you will notice that Americans did not revel in or seek to dominate other (white) people, and would not accept being dominated by others, but expected to treat others LIKE MEN while demanding to be treated LIKE MEN.

And your interpretation of what our Founders meant by "LIKE MEN" is what? Would it would differ from being treated like WOMEN? Does that mean those not following the code, aren't MEN? It's a lovely and totally ambiguous statement.

This is the healthy relationship one has to others. You give respect and expect respect. Not dominance, not control, just plain old fashioned adult interactions.

This too is a lovely sentiment, and I too believe I can expect that kind of interaction. At my country club. On the streets of New York City? I don't think so. Your ideal is just that, an ideal.
The world is not a controlled environment. It is a slow motion anarchy. There is no intervening authority to appeal to, no enforceable system of law. People in Darfur die daily because there is noone willing to do for them, what we did for Iraq. Oh well, that's life. Too bad.

Since we are the stongest and richest and most isolated of all the Great Powers, we need not be dominated and should not allow ourselves to be dominated. On the other hand, instead of being frightened or haughty or bullies, we should set a good example and treat others fairly and with respect.

If we as a country are going to continue being ripped apart by the ill will generated on this issue then I once again advocate isolationism..
* bring home ALL the troops
* pay off ALL our debts
* no Americans die in combat
* and ALL the wortld will love us
Needless to say, the fights for regional dominance will be spectacular, but, it won't be OUR problem.

Just wait until a Democrat becomes president in '08. -- Hume's Ghost

Just to be clear about this... you're advocating one party rule?

Sorry, Shooter, I'm a New Yorker, and beleive it or not, after 42 years I have yet to be killed, wounded, or otherwise assaulted by my fellow citizens.

OTOH I'm sure you know someone well that has.

Being treated like a man, at least around here, isn't ambiguous. It's about neither kissing ass or blustering and bullying. It means acting like an adult, male or female (it doesn't really matter here much anymore).

When we get around to invading Brooklyn, that will be good to know. Elsewhere in the world that seems to be true.... for the sort of people that are not aggressive. Kim Il Jung? Not so much.

You know, like treating foreign dignitaries and leaders like they were white guys at your country club, not peons. Why you can't imagine any interactions with people not exactly like yourself as either hostile or threatening is beyond me.

All four of your quotes demonstrate that you think the world is a reception at MOMA. To put in terms you will appreciate, GW is reputed to be very charming in person. Yet, I'll wager you've accused him of being a liar or killer at some point. Chatting up people is not seeing who they are. I understand Chavez is a funny guy, but he just closed down a TV station for speaking freely. Putin is probably a hit at Russian events, but he assassinates reporters that aren't saying nice things about him.

The great majority of souls in this world are indeed noble, but so what? They aren't ones that riot over cartoons, wage civil war in Gaza, or brutalize citizens in Zimbabwe. To say most people are nice is beside the point. It's the ones that aren't, that I worry about.

Try and talk to someone not of the same race and class as you are. You may discover that they are not all out to kill you.

This is easily the most fatuous line in the comment. Not to mention, bigoted. Are you waiting for Kruschev like behavior, banging a shoe on the table at the UN, or for Ahmadinejhad to outline the exact plan for wiping the Israelis from the pages of history, before being convinced there are bad people willing to use their resources for ill? Is that beyond your ability to imagine?

the cult of masculinity has many historical analogues, and all are nasty. -- HTML Mencken

How many historical analogues does the cult of femininity have? Or maybe the cult of passivity? None? Could it be that history is shaped by the aggressive use of force?

Turnabout is fair play.