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.
Frist! (Senate Majority Leader)
…now I should read this post…
Laurie Mylroie: http://www.benadorassociates.com/mylroie.php
It’s even got her picture. She looks like that dude from Saturday Night Live. Not him, the other one. No, the other one. Yeah, him.
Anyway, it says (in part): She also served as advisor on Iraq to the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign and has worked as a consultant on terrorism to the Departments of Defense and Energy; ABC News, the BBC, and Newsweek; as well as several law offices.
Plus, she’s available for parties and Bar Mitzvahs.
Stop posting while I’m trying to study! I have an exam in two hours!
Now that I’ve read it, I can issue the following comment:
“Bwahahahahahaha!!!”
Stop making me laugh out loud at work, Frank. People are starting to notice.
Anyway, I’m a Christian and I think the Israelis should take over the whole Middle East. Does that mean they won’t let me vote Republican any more?
I’m sorry, Grizzle, I don’t speak freaky-deaky Dutch.
WTF, over? Dutch spam? I usually have to go all the way to my e-mail inbox to get spam. Thanks for saving me the trouble, Grizzlie.
Grizzle, couldn’y you post somethig useful like how to enlarge my interest rates by marrying Russian mail order brides with Vigel and a nice pair of home improvement loans from Ditech???
On a more serious subject, thanks for posting on this Frank. I never read the Washington Digital Birdcage Liner, so I would have missed this otherwise.
You weren’t extra honest on #4. You are now on double secret probation!
Sorry Frankj, I was too busy planning my next step to insure world conquest to listen to Drum, What is the question again? Love and kisses, AH
you funny! and i like your answers better…they are more honest and well…kooky!
A Connecticut Yank?!?!
Thats the problem with the north, too many yankees…
Read Dean’s World answers. Very cool. Have gone ahead and booked marked him. I gain something knew everyday I visit Frank and IMAO.
Danjo
Your brother’s a jarhead? Can you ask him to ask Rumsfeld a question the next time he’s in one of those TownHall meetings? Ask him why the Marines can’t kick the asses of whining Army guys who ask dumb questions? (no offense indended Army NCO Guy – You’re not the whining type!;)
Hey Ronin-Master:
I’d like to thank Kevin Drum for getting me to do a little research on Laurie Mylroie.
I thought he was talking about the reporter in Oklahoma City who was trying to connect the bombing there with the international jihad.
But it turns out Dr. Mylroie is actually an academic authority on international terrorism who has been very aggressive in tying Saddam Hussein to Al Qaeda.
She gave a very interesting interview to the PBS show Frontline:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/gunning/interviews/mylroie.html
She discusses the role Saddam may have played in terror attacks against us since 1993. She comes across as reasonable and very knowledgeable.
Wonderful! Now I know exactly what to say when liberal scum dare question my proud republicanism. And thats because I’m a winner!!
Hey Ronin-Master:
I’d like to thank Kevin Drum for getting me to do a little research on Laurie Mylroie.
I thought he was talking about the reporter in Oklahoma City who was trying to connect the bombing there with the international jihad.
But it turns out Dr. Mylroie is actually an academic authority on international terrorism who has been very aggressive in tying Saddam Hussein to Al Qaeda.
She gave a very interesting interview to the PBS show Frontline:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/gunning/interviews/mylroie.html
She discusses the role Saddam may have played in terror attacks against us since 1993. She comes across as reasonable and very knowledgeable.
Hey somebody used my name and web address and re-posted my comment!
Saddam, you damn bastard, was it you?!?
One of the reply questions to Drum was:
4) If it looked as if a tyrannical dictator were about to seize direct control of a third of the world’s oil supply, would you favor any sort of military action to stop him?
Can I be the Dictator? Please? My chances are running low, and it woulc be my best chance to be on tv….I promise to grow my hair long and promote my Brother to some post (Sorry Drew).
Every Liberal Question can be simply be translated to: “Can’t we make the world a better place by simply doing nothing?” Why Not? Why Not? Why Not?
LynnGunn, if Rummy was being the Rummy we’ve all come to know and love from In My World, he would’ve released Chomps, and they would’ve scattered.
Most of them actually had legitimate points, but there’s just some things you don’t ask the SecDef on worldwide TV. The normal Army answer for stuff like that is “Suck it up and drive on.”
I hadn’t heard about that. I’ve been too busy reading blogs lately to actually follow news. So lemme get this straight. One of those guys over there asking those questions was collaborating with the media?
…siiiiiggghhhh…
That means two things: 1) That guy’s fired, and 2) I’M GOING TO HAVE TO SIT THROUGH SOME GAY MEDIA AWARENESS TRAINING!!!!! ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Now would probably be a good time to mention that the comments of Army NCO Guy on this or any other blog do not necessarily represent the views of the Army, other NCO’s, or Guys. But that’s my take. Release Chomps Now!
OMG! I forgot all about those “awareness training” sessions they were always coming up with! I mean, of course they have them in the corporate world, but I can always find some silly meeting I have to attend or some call with a client I have to be on and can get out of them. But, in the Army, you has gots to attends the meetings. Top don’t take no excuses.
You are probably right about awareness training. I feel for ya, man.
Okay, now that I’ve read the story, my response would’ve been that there are so many anti-war moonbats in America that we can’t get decent support for the war. Tell that joker to put things in perspective. Why were some of the soldiers in the Screaming Eagles headed for Bastogne with no weapons, no ammo, and nothing warm to wear? At a time when the Arsenal of Democracy was in full swing and America was fielding the best-equipped army in history? See my previous comment about “suck it up and drive on”…
Don’t get me wrong. I ain’t there, and if I was, I’d want armor for my freakin’ Humvee too. I’d be pissed if people cried so much about that $87B that the troops over there don’t have everything they need. It sucks. But hey- you in the Army. You go with what you got.
Love the site, but you’re a Christian, too! Non-Catholics are “Protestants.” Remember: All Catholics are Christian, but not all Christians are Catholic. (And you are ROMAN Catholic. Orthodox and Anglicans are Catholic, too!!!)