World War II ended almost sixty years ago. The Cold War has been over for more than a decade. The question regarding our military presence in Europe has shifted from why are we left defending these people, to who are we defending these people from. That latter question dawned on George W. Bush, as did the correct answer. The president has decided to bring 70,000 U.S. troops home from abroad over the course of the next decade. The focus has shifted, properly, to defending America. Additionally, it's doubtful that several of our NATO allies would lift a finger to defend us. Why should we spend our treasure, dislocate our soldiers, and promise the lives of our countrymen to defend them?
Amen to that. We have spent billions protecting Europe, only to be despised for being there. Time for them to hold their own.
Kein Nr.! Bitte fliehen Sie nicht, Sie dumme Amerikaner! Wir hassen Sie, aber wir benötigen Ihr Geld!!!!
We spent billions of dollars there not so much to protect them, but to serve our strategic interests. we needed bases close to the Soviet Union and China so we kept our bases in Europe and Japan after WW2. Now the Soviet threat has dissappeared, and we're readjusting. It's stategy, not payback.
As a decendant of France, I say, it's about time! The french and Germans have grown tired of American influence and the new generation has no idea what it takes to defend the freedom of their country that they enjoy. It's time to now learn how to defend themselves. Good luck!
The idea that Bush is "binging the troops home" to defend America instead of Europe is misleading. The big plan (it's Rumsfield's, not Bush's) is to station more of our troops in America and have them ready to go to any base in the world at a moments notice to respond to a threat in that area. Instead of having large numbers of troops stationed overseas all the time, we'd send them only when we need them. And instead of having huge sprawling bases overseas we'll have many smaller bases operating on a skeleton crew, until a crisis hits, when we'll bring in reenforcements from America. It's actually a pretty good idea. The reason we're doing it now, however, is because it's only become technically feasible in the last few years. It has nothing to do with punishing Europe or "bringing the troops home" or any of that political BS. It's a smart strategy move to make the Armed Forces more nimble and resposive to global threats. The NewsMax article, as anything published in that horrid publication is, just political spin.
All I can say is: To Europe - Congratulations! You're soon to be on your own. Just to let you know, we will be making your bedroom over into a den, removing your name from the credit cards, and changing the locks on all the doors. It's for your own good you know.
Be careful with your money - now that you're going out on your own you won't be able to spend so freely on all those personal items (social entitlements) you've become so accustomed to.
Be alert to danger - remember what we've told you - the world's a dangerous place. There are bad people out there. You will need to provide security for yourself and your possessions.
You, like us before you, will invariably stumble and fall. When you do, we will be there to listen, but ultimately it is for you to succeed or fail.
In time, with your new responsibilities, we hope you will come to understand that we weren't so bad after all, and that we really did the best we could for you under difficult circumstances.
Well, I guess that's all the advice we have for you right now. We'd love to have you visit (you can sleep on the couch), just be sure to call us first. We might be busy doing something for ourselves.
