To those who think Iraq is about oil or imperialism

[reticent]

The point of this post is for you to read a recent quote by Colin Powell. When hectored by a former archbishop of Canterbury on this subject [American "Empire" as fuel for the war in Iraq] recently, [Colin Powell]
said:

We have gone forth from our shores repeatedly over the last 100 years . . . and put wonderful young men and women at risk, many of whom have lost their lives, and we have asked for nothing except enough ground to bury them in.

I have heard many good things supporting the US, and I have heard many bad things about the US. In regards to the US wanting oil or to become imperialistic, I have heard some pretty outlandish and substance-lacking reasons for these beliefs.

The US has NEVER gone into a war for profit or gone into war to boost economic standing; but only to protect what is morally right or to protect what is already ours and has been taken away. I do not understand why intelligent people think we are going in for oil or imperialism. There is not ONE shred of evidence to support their claims. Either it is wishful thinking, ignorance or the consequence of a blind eye being turned towards the history of this great nation. True, some people in government have ties to oil, but plenty of people in government have had ties to oil for the past 50 years. This is not basis for denunciation of our great land.

I am sad that so many are so quick to assume the worst when it comes to the US. I hope we don't go to war, but it seems like there is no choice. I just hope our men and women come home safely and liberate the Iraqi people and end the threat to the world. While it is not the only threat, it is a major one and the world will be a safer place when Saddam is out of power.

[osprey4]

Thanks so much for that addition to the discussion. A well made point that some around here forget. But then, there are a few around here with short memories.

I have forefathers who risked their lives to free slaves, to free Europeans during both WW1 and WW2, to allow people in S. Korea to live free, etc.

There is a time for negotiating and a time to back up words with action.

[Epidemic]

The easiest way to achive lower oil prices and such is to normalize relationship with IRAQ and get their oil on the market.

Imperialism is a rediculous charge and un founded, absurd, idiotic, moronic and basically lacking in fact. I guess what I am trying to say is it is BS.

[reticent]

If it were all about oil, we would be actively trying to straighten things out with Venezuela, which is our primary foreign source of oil.

[Epidemic]

That is unless you believe that we will go in take over the oil fields and start shipping it to the US for free.

Do you folks believe that the US will steal the resources from Iraq.

At best we will recoup the cost of the war in the worst scenario. Oil will also be used to rebuild the nation of Iraq and funnel the money back into Iraqi society.

If you believe that we are going to steal the oil please explain how we are going to do this and what is your source for believing this to be fact. Use recent history and any source you want.

[osprey4]

Epidemic:

They love hurling insults, but when you start asking them to back up their rhetoric, they head for the shadows like roaches.

[reticent]

SO TRUE, osprey4!!!

Its all a conspiracy. The reality is its all about doing good for the unfortunate Iraqi citizens. This oil and strategic bases for the US military is all a left-wing conspiracy.

And the other news about Halliburton (Dick Cheney's ex-company) being awarded huge contracts in postwar Iraq is, well, a coincidence.

You see they do a lot of Government contracts in any case.

[Gomer]

reticent:

The US has NEVER gone into a war for profit or gone into war to boost economic standing; but only to protect what is morally right

I suggest you look into this thread to see where some of your tax dollars are going if you think the US is worried about "morals."

http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...threadid=54965

Note geographical locations for many of these countries (esp mideast), the need for certain counties' support in potential US war efforts, plus note the known potential for the harboring of terrorist by several on this list. Dollar values only represent foriegn military financing data

[OuTpaTienT]

IF we wanted the oil we could have the oil. All we'd have to do if lift the sanctions.

It's really not that difficult to figure out people.

If anything I bet this war is going to end up raising our gas and oil prices permanently. So be it.