Is Afghanistan worth it?

[greyman]

Those with the control of the money.

Right, and who influences them? Where do they come from? What are their backgrounds?

I think you can see where I'm going with this.

To say that military contractors, and governments are not in bed together is hopelessly naive.

Sure they do. What's your point?

Why are some people fat? Could it be because they chose to eat unhealthy foods? What fueled that choice?

[bush_cheney2004]

What happened to our coconut negotiations?

"WTF? I gave you what you wanted and I didn't get any coconuts! NOT FAIR!"

<shots fired>

...now he doesn't need any coconuts.

[greyman]

But you are negotiating from a very weak position.

A weak negotiator might think so. A strong negotiator could highlight what they bring to the table, an ability to fish for example, extra manpower, a companion to ward off boredom, etc etc.

[Guest Derek L]

Right, and who influences them? Where do they come from? What are their backgrounds?

I think you can see where I'm going with this.

To say that military contractors, and governments are not in bed together is hopelessly naive.

Can you demonstrate this with my cited example? Or is this just a hunch you hold?

Why are some people fat? Could it be because they chose to eat unhealthy foods? What fueled that choice?

Their poor decision making process? I could just eat a double quarter pounder……..beats coconuts

[greyman]

Ok, Demonstrate your ability to negotiate with me:

There’s enough coconuts for one of us, I’m going to eat them and I’ll ensure that I eat them with my Colt .45ACP.

Negotiate away.

When the coconuts are gone, you're going to need my superior fishing skills.

[Guest Derek L]

"WTF? I gave you what you wanted and I didn't get any coconuts! NOT FAIR!"

<shots fired>

...now he doesn't need any coconuts.

Not shots plural……..

[bush_cheney2004]

A weak negotiator might think so. A strong negotiator could highlight what they bring to the table, an ability to fish for example, extra manpower, a companion to ward off boredom, etc etc.

I'm way ahead of you...see "blowjob".

[greyman]

Rather well.

Oh really? So, they didn't overextend themselves in the name of imperialism, and thus go bankrupt, and collapse?

[Guest Derek L]

When the coconuts are gone, you're going to need my superior fishing skills.

The coconuts will last longer with just me eating them……You’re a good fisherman? So am I…….Now go get me some fish and coconuts and I might let you eat some.

[greyman]

Where’s the collusion on Dassault’s part? Do they care if India uses their product for it’s intended purpose or not?

Red herring.

Talk about Lockheed Martin and the US government, and maybe you'd be getting somewhere.

[Guest Derek L]

Oh really? So, they didn't overextend themselves in the name of imperialism, and thus go bankrupt, and collapse?

Over the course of how many centuries? As I said, the Carthaginians were never a problem for Rome again…….remember the difference between strategic and tactical.

[bush_cheney2004]

The coconuts will last longer with just me eating them……You’re a good fisherman? So am I…….Now go get me some fish and coconuts and I might let you eat some.

Exactly...he would become your "bitch" because of the power imbalance.

[Guest Derek L]

Red herring.

Talk about Lockheed Martin and the US government, and maybe you'd be getting somewhere.

No, I want coconuts and tuna, no herring……..

The case with Dassault is recent news………But I’d love to hear your take on Lockmart………

[greyman]

Then allow me to repeat:

We didn't go to war without trying diplomacy first while they didn't try talking to anyone before killing innocent civilians worldwide. But I'm curiouis. What, after all this time, do you think would have made them be 'nice?' What do you think it would have taken to make them happy with us? ie: pacify them?

Edited to add: I see you can't answer the questions. Just as I thought. But allow me to address your questions:

You suggest we negotiate and you don't even know with who??

People are "generally" decent too, but sometimes there are exceptions to that rule, eh?

I suggest we always negotiate, unless we're under attack. I'm asking you who specifically you suggest is attacking us?

Of course there are people out there who aren't nice. What's your point? Kill everyone who isn't you, just in case anyone tries anything?

[WWWTT]

If you and I were on a deserted island, and their was only enough fresh food and water for one person, and I had my Colt 1911, how far would diplomacy take you?

This is a twisted thing to write!

Are you suggesting you would kill a human being?

WWWTT

[Guest Derek L]

This is a twisted thing to write!

Are you suggesting you would kill a human being?

WWWTT

I thought you weren’t responding to me anymore?

[WWWTT]

My argument is an impossibility.

We didn't go to war without trying diplomacy first while they didn't try talking to anyone before killing innocent civilians worldwide. But I'm curiouis. What, after all this time, do you think would have made them be 'nice?' What do you think it would have taken to make them happy with us? ie: pacify them?

You are implying that "they" were the aggresors.

Maybe "they" were retaliating or attempting to defend and we did not want to be stopped?

WWWTT

[bush_cheney2004]

I thought you weren’t responding to me anymore?

Don't worry, he always comes back sooner or later. Can't help it.

[greyman]

Governments can create such conditions without any such collusion. War powers nationalize entire industries.

Great, and when the conditions are such that war is necessary, we can engage in it.

However, military contractors lobby governments of the need for their products - even in times when war is not necessary. Likewise, people in government who previously were those lobbyists, worked for military contractors, or are otherwise under the influence of the military lobby see a need to buy their products even in times when that may not be necessary, and work to create the conditions where such sales become seen as necessary by people that don't know any better.

I'd suggest the documentary: "WHY WE FIGHT".

Still doesn't preclude diplomacy. The biggest military on this planet also has the most number of embassies/consulates and State Department.

All that proves is they know how to waste money.

Your pacifist/isolationist position guarantees the erosion of economic and political sovereignty. Peace at what price?

It's isolationist to talk, trade, and befriend other nations? It's actually the opposite of isolationist.

[Guest Derek L]

Don't worry, he always comes back sooner or later. Can't help it.

I wonder if he can troll for Tuna? Another potential fisherman perhaps?

[WWWTT]

How about a blowjob for some coconuts?

Your sick buddy!

WWWTT

[bush_cheney2004]

I wonder if he can troll for Tuna? Another potential fisherman perhaps?

Hey, you gotta sleep sometime. But maybe these peace mongers don't have the coconuts to take and use the gun?

[bush_cheney2004]

Your sick buddy!

..and you're just jealous!

[greyman]

Their poor decision making process? I could just eat a double quarter pounder……..beats coconuts

What fuels their decision making process?

Does advertising/lobbying influence what you buy?

Do they influence what you buy by convincing you that you need it?

How do they do that?

Again, you know where I'm going with this.

[Guest Derek L]

Hey, you gotta sleep sometime. But maybe these peace mongers don't have the coconuts to take and use the gun?

I’d just have them make rope out of hemp, so as to tie them up at night.

Not too sure about the “blowjobs” though, I’d think my wife might negotiate with her Beretta 92.....