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While general liberal consensus seems to state that any use of the military has to have some cancerous underlying lie behind it ( often true) sometimes military action is as sensible as sitting across the table with two unwavering diplomats trying to come to an and practical solution where one cannot be reached. How many Libyans must die at the hands of a dictator whose power base has eroded and confidence waned before military action can be feasible? Yes oil does matter stupid, but not as much of the cost of human life. I admit to anyone that I would be naive if I did not acknowledge completely the effect US economic pressure being felt both directly and indirectly by the lack of Libyan oil production & stability however, the need to protect a civilian population that in time will become the ruling class is paramount. I am often disturbed if not angered by the lack of foreign-policy understanding that happens on these boards everything cannot be solved by smiles and handshakes I have several friends and family members who are active or have been active in the military for the past few conflicts they knew the depth of their involvement before they took the oath, and while some may argue that no 18 on 19-year-old could possibly understand the gravitas such a decision they make it as a fully functional, able bodied adult making a decision to join when all is said and done. They knew that their lives may be forfeited for causes that did not benefit them directly or for policies they do not always agree with them. While I don't want to sound like warhawk apologists is true that sometimes violence is better instrument of democracy then diplomacy.
Do I agree with military action in Libya? Yes and no but that's just what I mean military action is not always clear and well-defined and easy-to-understand but the knee-jerk reaction held by many here on this board and in liberal circles that all action must be inherently evil or just money driven is awfully shortsighted and is as poisonous to the national discussion as a right-wing belief that all foreign disputes must be resolved at the point of the spear. While I don't think I'll get many responses to this post in the affirmative continuing to be a silent participant on this board only strengthens the consensus that all liberals share one view. I am definitely more liberal that I am conservative on fiscal, social, and legislative policy however I'm not a monolithic left-wing thinker. I sometimes push on the rest of the left wants to pull. Again this is merely an opinion on an issue and really nothing more.
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