Maybe, just maybe we shouls listen to Ron Paul and dismantle our military empire and keep our borders open to trade and (legal) immigration. In that way, we would exert less military power, but maybe more economic and social influence.

We also need to get used to the idea we won't be number 1 at everything. As long as we keep innovating and improving our productivity we'll be fine, and the way to do that is be increasing individual freedom and reducing goverment micromanagement of our lives and economy.

I can think of few things more irresponsible than dismantling our military. The one that comes to mind as first and foremost would have to be the election of anyone with such a scary nutjob idea as eliminating the US Military.

Keith, you obvisously did not read my post. I think we should dismantle our military empire, in other words, bring our troops home and let other contries, like Japan, Germany, and South Korea, protect themselves. Out military should be used to protect our contry, not as the world's rent-a-cop.

Um, what part of "EMPIRE" did you miss, Keef?

...empire? You call what we have now a military empire?

Funny, real funny.

...empire? You call what we have now a military empire?

Yes, 572,000 trops in 700+ bases in 135 countries around the world.

Funny, real funny.

Unfortunately it's not funny, that military empire is driving this country into bankruptcy.

722.

Divide that by 572,000 troops/

You get roughly 793 people per base. Tiny.

...thats your idea of an Empire?