the outcome of the election

[--Pete]

Hi,

My reading, your writing, whatever. I did indeed think that you had meant to imply that we were in/are moving towards a pax Americana 'that keeps conflict down to a dull roar.' And is profitable for all, or at least all that are wealthy to begin with. I completely misunderstood you.

Unfortunately, on the moral principle that the ability to do good confers the responsibility to do so, we may indeed need to become the world's police. A role we've often assumed under the UN mantel and (less successfully, perhaps) on our own. To do so, we must have at least the good will of a large part of the world or the task becomes impossible. I do not think that "with us or against us" is the way to generate that will. And I have as much faith in a the post election change of heart (on anybody's side) as I do in any other puff of political hot air.

It is now Wednesday evening. My crystal ball is still cloudy. In juggling nitro, there are many possible outcomes, and most are messy.

But, at least, we are living "in interesting times." ;)

--Pete