Liberal blogger Kevin Drum posed what he considered to be some tough questions to conservatives. I forgot which site I first saw these on (which is a shame because it had some great answers and questions for Drum), but John Hawkins has some answers along with links to other bloggers with answers.
Here are my answers to the questions.
1) Considering how Iraq has gone so far, do you still think that American military power is a good way to promote tolerance and democracy in the Middle East? Has your position on this changed in any way over the past two years?
As for the first part, sure, why not. Where has it gone wrong? The military is great at killing people, and all those who are intolerant and undemocratic can simply be eliminated. How would you spread it? Well-worded pamphlets?
As for the second part, no, but I haven’t really been paying attention to the news. What’s happened?
2) Shortly after 9/11, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson said publicly that they thought the attacks were well-deserved retribution from God in response to moral decay — as personified by gays, feminists, the ACLU, and NOW. Do you worry that Falwell and Robertson are identified by many as the face of the Republican party? Do you think President Bush has sufficiently distanced himself from them and their followers?
I remember Paul Begala making the specious statement that no conservative denounced Falwell when every single conservative I know or read or watch had denounced them. I do worry about them being the faces of the Republican Party because their faces are droopy. Instead, we should have Arnold be our face since he shows a powerful physique. That’s also why I would be a good face for the Republican Party.
As for the second part, I’d need to know how much money they and their followers have before I answer that.
3) Is democracy promotion really one of your core concerns? Just how far are you willing to go to demonstrate your credibility on this subject? Note: President Bush’s policy toward either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia would be excellent case studies to bring this question to life.
Eh, democracy is okay, but liberty is better. As for how far am I willing to go to show my credibility on that subject, I’ll swallow five goldfish.
4) On a related note, which do you think is more important to the Bush administration in the short term: preservation of a stable oil supply from the Middle East or spreading freedom and liberty throughout the region? Would you be interested in seeing the records of Dick Cheney’s 2001 energy task force to verify this? Please be extra honest with this question.
I’m starting to not like this “spreading freedom” phrase. It makes it seem like freedom is a virus or peanut butter. That also raises the question that, if freedom were peanut butter, would it be smooth or chunky? I say chunky.
But I digress. I say oil is more important to the Bush administration… or at least I hope it is. Ever try running your car on a democratic Middle East?
5) A substantial part of the Christian right opposes any compromise with Palestinians because they believe that Jewish domination of the region west of the Jordan River is a precondition for the Second Coming. Is this a reasonable belief? Or do you think these people qualify as loons who should be purged from the Republican party?
Who is doing what now?
I’m a Christian (well, a Catholic, which is pretty close) and I’ve talked to lots of Christians, and I’ve never heard of this before. Which cheaply printed conspiracy newsletters are you getting this from?
And what’s this talk of “purging.” You’re starting to sound like a Nazi, Drum.
Quick! Behind you! A Christian!
I’m just kidding, Drum. Sorry I made you soil your pants. Seriously, though, I’m more scared of the joooos. I have it on good authority they control everything. It’s in one of the same newsletters you’re reading.
6) Yes or no: do you think we should invade Iran if it becomes clear — despite our best efforts — that they are continuing to build nuclear weapons? If this requires a military draft, would you be in favor?
Man, I’m for invading countries for any reasons – real or imagined. The second part of your question is weird, though. How could a draft be “required” to do something? You better not let my brother and his Marine buddies to hear that.
“Kevin Drum said you Marines are a big bunch of pussies who can’t handle invading Iran yourself.”
“He said WHAT?!”
7) If President Bush decides to substantially draw down our troop presence in Iraq after the January 30 elections, will you support that decision? Please answer this question prior to January 30.
Wow, I have until the 29th to answer this? I’ll get back to you then.
8) Would you agree that people who accept Laurie Mylroie’s crackpot theories about Saddam Hussein’s involvement in 9/11 might be taking the threat of terrorism a little too seriously? What do you think should be done with them?
Who the hell is Laurie Mylroie? Did you make her up? For the liberals, everyone has heard of your crackpots; hell, they even get nominated for People’s Choice Awards.
And what with this “What do you think should be done with them?” Sounds like more Nazi talk to me. They should be rounded up into camps – is that what you want to hear, Drum?
Now, I have two tough questions for Kevin Drum:
1) Why are you such a dingus?
2) Seriously, though, why?
Actually, Kevin Drum is one of my favorite liberal bloggers. I can actually read him without constantly thinking, “Is this guy @%&$ nuts?” Still, these questions demonstrate he needs to get out more.
UPDATE: Dean’s World was where I first saw this (checked Drum’s trackbacks to find him). Check him out for more serious answers and some great questions back at Drum.