Joe,
Thanks for your reasoned response. I agree that we should give more weight to experience. OTOH, experience does not guarantee wisdom. I wish GWB had listened to those in his circle with military and/or civilian experience with a different view of winning a "war on terror".
Sometimes those with the most focused experience don't have the time of inclination to step back for a bigger - more balanced - more nuanced view. We have a very good, very successful model for dealing with threats like Islamic authoritarianism. And we have a great deal of positive experience with that model. The Cold War was a bi-partisan policy that lasted through nine presidents and many different political changes. We contained communism everywhere and confronted them where necessary. And we won. All of us, together. Democrat and Republican.
It wasn't just military leaders who developed and ran that policy - that's all I meant. And remember, not all military leaders agree with current neo-con policy and the resulting decisions.
I agree, living in many different places is good for ones outlook, one's soul, and one's humility. I always enjoy reading your posts - while trying to moderate my blood pressure .
