"John S." wrote:

"But when Arnie points out that US support for dictatorships such as
Uzbekistan can actually harm our interests in the long run (look what
supporting the Shah got us) you
say that supporting a dictatorship is vital to our interests, and
better
us than China."

We have an unfortunate habit of supporting some really bad people
because they support some short term goal. We really like having that
airbase in Uzbekistan so we can overlook a few domestic incidents.
Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Agusto Pinnochet, the Shah of Iran,
Manual Noriega and a long list of african despots also come to mind.
Unfortunately these bad guys turn out to have some embarrasing habits
that inevtably are exposed in the press. We deny any connection and
wonder why the bad guys in many instances turn on us.

Yes, perhaps we do at times support some ostensibly bad folks out there. One
thing one must bear in mind though is the fact that governments do not
necessarily have 'long term friends'. Governments have 'long term interests'.

There is a difference, 'tard boy... please try to pay attention.

Continue to tote.

dxAce
Michigan
USA