Look, you don't seem like a total idiot so you must be joking around.

Do you think that the public would not react differently to a declaration of war over some namby-pamby resolution that says --- "well let the president decide"?!? We do not declare WAR because the politicians do not want to speak in favour of war, nor vote for it.

If I was not correct; we would have never stopped doing it the constitutional way in the first place.

If congress was to try to declare war in the fashion that the constitution demands before we invade another poor country; they would have to have a very public debate. And that is the answer to your question. No one wants to debate that issue in front of the nation since our "national security" is never, ever at stake in these unholy invasions.

heru-ur: Not Totalitarian

While both major parties are filled with authoritarian believers, and both tend to support the autocratic presidency, neither is -- yet -- totalitarian, ... Marketing and PR are believed to work better (and perhaps have a more permanent influence) than totalitarian indoctrination, and wouldja look: we get to be the experimental subjects.

Whoo-pee!

-- Ché Pasa

Well, you have a different outlook I guess. I see a government that would rather convince you to die willingly for the good of the ruling class and to obey out of deep respect for "law and order". But, as soon as you disobey --- the iron fist comes out. Think not? Try smoking a joint on main street in your town. (many other examples could be used here)

America is totalitarian enough for me to call it that --- and if you "disrespect" a cop, you would probably be induced to agree with me. (don't try that yourself, leave it to the pros)

Another day, another post by Greenwald pointing out how our elected political leaders will promise one thing to get elected and then do the opposite once safely in office. He points out that the Main Stream Press aides in this by using their public pulpit to propagandize for the ruling class.

So? Now what? Shall we spend the next 3 years bitching and moaning about the so-called liberal president and his neo-con actions?

One party may be somewhat better in some areas while the other is better in other areas. Both are totalitarian, and another option needs to be found. Perhaps the Nader voters were right after all.

It really does not matter if the war did end the depression or did not end the depression. The point I made is valid as long as you agree that the leaders of that era thought the war ended the depression. I think the evidence is overwhelming that they did think so at that time. No?

Yes, I believe you can do so easily. (adjust for inflation remember)

The big expensive toys that the pentagon buys cost a fortune during a hot war or a cold war. Jets, carriers, tanks, and so on. Not to mention money given to any third world dictatorship that would toe our line.

I think you will find that we have been supporting the military on the backs of the working poor for generations.

I did not follow closely this thread, as it was a real mess. I did catch that last post of yours and the mention of the end of the cold war. I have a word or two on that topic to share.

I do not disagree that we just moved from hating and fearing the "commie" to hating and fearing the Muslims/Arabs. I would only add that it goes back further than that. It goes back to the depression of the 30s.

An honest reading of the depression tells us that nothing the government did helped the economy get moving very much. There was make-work jobs and so-forth that helped some but it was the war that ended the great depression.

After the war, many "deep thinkers" and leaders feared that the depression would return. After all, why would it not? So, the idea was born that we needed the stimulus of always being at war. A "cold war" anyone?

In my lifetime (born after WWII), the USA has always been at war. Why would any country anywhere ever believe that America is anything but an aggressive force of intervention and destruction? Why would any citizen not believe the same?

The question is how to change the minds of Americans back to some sort of "live and let live" mentality. How? I submit that it is not possible until America destroys itself.

The next Greatest Depression is here, and it will get worse. Watch the 4th quarter --- it will be a disaster in retail. Could the end of the evil empire be coming? Peace loving men and women hope so.

As Israel’s democratic posture becomes more questioned, its mystique becomes more exaggerated. To prove the validity of its actions, Israel’s supporters focus on three components of Israel’s drive to an accomplished nation:

The significance of the Zionist mission,

Israel as a Jewish state, and

Israel not being responsible for the Palestinian displaced persons.

All of these issues, which had roles in establishing the Israel state, are expressed with sweeping generalities, devoid of specifics and facts. Obfuscation, lack of clarity and an assumption that what is being related is correct often characterize discussions of these issues. No questions asked and nothing to explain.

Evidence contradicts the narratives that Israel’s supporters work diligently to create. Deconstructing the spurious Israeli narratives is an essential before constructing a base for Middle East peace.

... much, much more ... click on sig

Since, somehow, this thread on the "liberal media" became a zionist hate-fest, I figure this is on topic. The fellows at Dissident Voice are always good, but this one is well worth a read.

Enjoy.