East Asia allies doubt U.S. could win war with China

[DjTj]

Sarge,

From a strategic standpoint, don't we want Asian nations to be underestimating us? If the tendency is for public opinion to be wrong about military capabilities, don't we want the democracies of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to believe they need to start defending themselves?

Right now, the Taiwanese legislature is not buying as many arms as we are trying to sell them, the Japanese are stuck in a pacifist mindset, and the Koreans are completely dependent upon us for their security. Right now, don't we want all three of these nations to start beefing up their own defenses? If them underestimating us is what it takes to turn Japanese public opinion towards taking their own defense seriously, then I say we don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

If there is an eventual conflict with China, we want Korea, Japan, and Taiwan to believe that they need to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Just like we want the Iraqis to learn to defend themselves against terrorism, we want our Asian allies to defend themselves against China. America can't be everyone's babysitter, and as China grows, we're not going to be able to ... it's past time for countries like Japan to get wise to their own security, and if this is what it takes, we should be happy about it.

[Thiebear]

Happy Thanksgiving Troops!!!!

If you stay away from the main networks you'll see much support. The 11% that are against it are the same 11% that are always against every one: Murtha....

The Iraqi Troops are almost at operational strength so maybe some over here can STFU and learn from the history of the 70's.

But no, some of you will nit pick a single piece of intelligence out of 1000s

But no, some of you will nit pick a number while ignoring other numbers in Iraq.

And again, the people Stationed for you in IRAQ/Afghanistan/Korea/Egypt/Turkey/Phillipines/Italy/Japan/Germany etc. make it ohhhh so easy for you to do it..

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and don't forget to Thank a soldier even if you have to do it under your breath so others don't scowl at you.