When it comes right down to it, how many of?

ginandvodka

well, I think people would....IF it's for the right reasons. But many people lose trust when the leaders are doing it for the wrong reasons. Read the letter below:

The following is the text of John Brady Kiesling's letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell. Mr. Kiesling is a career diplomat who has served in United States embassies from Tel Aviv to Casablanca to Yerevan.

Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing you to submit my resignation from the Foreign Service of the United States and from my position as Political Counselor in U.S. Embassy Athens, effective March 7. I do so with a heavy heart. The baggage of my upbringing included a felt obligation to give something back to my country. Service as a U.S. diplomat was a dream job. I was paid to understand foreign languages and cultures, to seek out diplomats, politicians, scholars and journalists, and to persuade them that U.S. interests and theirs fundamentally coincided. My faith in my country and its values was the most powerful weapon in my diplomatic arsenal.
It is inevitable that during twenty years with the State Department I would become more sophisticated and cynical about the narrow and selfish bureaucratic motives that sometimes shaped our policies. Human nature is what it is, and I was rewarded and promoted for understanding human nature. But until this Administration it had been possible to believe that by upholding the policies of my president I was also upholding the interests of the American people and the world. I believe it no longer.
The policies we are now asked to advance are incompatible not only with American values but also with American interests. Our fervent pursuit of war with Iraq is driving us to squander the international legitimacy that has been Americaâ€™s most potent weapon of both offense and defense since the days of Woodrow Wilson. We have begun to dismantle the largest and most effective web of international relationships the world has ever known. Our current course will bring instability and danger, not security.
The sacrifice of global interests to domestic politics and to bureaucratic self-interest is nothing new, and it is certainly not a uniquely American problem. Still, we have not seen such systematic distortion of intelligence, such systematic manipulation of American opinion, since the war in Vietnam. The September 11 tragedy left us stronger than before, rallying around us a vast international coalition to cooperate for the first time in a systematic way against the threat of terrorism. But rather than take credit for those successes and build on them, this Administration has chosen to make terrorism a domestic political tool, enlisting a scattered and largely defeated Al Qaeda as its bureaucratic ally. We spread disproportionate terror and confusion in the public mind, arbitrarily linking the unrelated problems of terrorism and Iraq. The result, and perhaps the motive, is to justify a vast misallocation of shrinking public wealth to the military and to weaken the safeguards that protect American citizens from the heavy hand of government. September 11 did not do as much damage to the fabric of American society as we seem determined to so to ourselves. Is the Russia of the late Romanovs really our model, a selfish, superstitious empire thrashing toward self-destruction in the name of a doomed status quo?
We should ask ourselves why we have failed to persuade more of the world that a war with Iraq is necessary. We have over the past two years done too much to assert to our world partners that narrow and mercenary U.S. interests override the cherished values of our partners. Even where our aims were not in question, our consistency is at issue. The model of Afghanistan is little comfort to allies wondering on what basis we plan to rebuild the Middle East, and in whose image and interests. Have we indeed become blind, as Russia is blind in Chechnya, as Israel is blind in the Occupied Territories, to our own advice, that overwhelming military power is not the answer to terrorism? After the shambles of post-war Iraq joins the shambles in Grozny and Ramallah, it will be a brave foreigner who forms ranks with Micronesia to follow where we lead.
We have a coalition still, a good one. The loyalty of many of our friends is impressive, a tribute to American moral capital built up over a century. But our closest allies are persuaded less that war is justified than that it would be perilous to allow the U.S. to drift into complete solipsism. Loyalty should be reciprocal. Why does our President condone the swaggering and contemptuous approach to our friends and allies this Administration is fostering, including among its most senior officials. Has â€œoderint dum metuantâ€ really become our motto?
I urge you to listen to Americaâ€™s friends around the world. Even here in Greece, purported hotbed of European anti-Americanism, we have more and closer friends than the American newspaper reader can possibly imagine. Even when they complain about American arrogance, Greeks know that the world is a difficult and dangerous place, and they want a strong international system, with the U.S. and EU in close partnership. When our friends are afraid of us rather than for us, it is time to worry. And now they are afraid. Who will tell them convincingly that the United States is as it was, a beacon of liberty, security, and justice for the planet?
Mr. Secretary, I have enormous respect for your character and ability. You have preserved more international credibility for us than our policy deserves, and salvaged something positive from the excesses of an ideological and self-serving Administration. But your loyalty to the President goes too far. We are straining beyond its limits an international system we built with such toil and treasure, a web of laws, treaties, organizations, and shared values that sets limits on our foes far more effectively than it ever constrained Americaâ€™s ability to defend its interests.
I am resigning because I have tried and failed to reconcile my conscience with my ability to represent the current U.S. Administration. I have confidence that our democratic process is ultimately self-correcting, and hope that in a small way I can contribute from outside to shaping policies that better serve the security and prosperity of the American people and the world we share.

angela R

Why are you crying over illegal aliens?

The real enemy is this govt. who wants to open all borders here in the America's. Bush and his father are globalists. We are headed for one world govt. and crying about illegals isn't really addressing the issue.

I honestly think there is nothing to be done. Unless you really want a civil war and fight for the sovereignty of this nation. That would mean taking arms against this govt. Are you prepared to do that???

Golosa

Hey, K S - start in my neighborhood, I live in New Mexico too. Let's see how brave you really are. I think you all just like to talk a lot of sh*t.

Count me out, I'm not fighting with anyone to send anybody anywhere. As far as I'm concerned, they can all stay and bring the rest of their family if they like.

LSU

lucyanddesi

Hell, yes! Let's storm the White House and Congress! Who's with me!

Luekas

I would.

warriorbabe

Yes! Not only will I fight but I am fighting and preparing to fight hand to hand if it comes to that. I believe the possibility of this issue coming down to all out war is very real. Some out there see it coming to this as well. Some say it's a Government issue and we should count on them to do what's right and not blame the illegals. Hey if it weren't for these illegals breaking our laws a thousand times over every day, crossing our borders without permission, then our Government wouldn't have an issue to solve. I agree our Government has taken too much time and been too Diplomatic on this problem as yet but when you boil it down to the bottom of the pot.......the illegals are invading our land, robbing us blind, playing on our sympathy, and taking every advantage they possibly can of us. This problem wouldn't exist without them! I have great respect and feel very encouraged to read the "yes" answers on here and it makes me proud as hell to know that I am not standing alone. For all of those who said "yes....IF", I hope you all soon realize that there is no "IF". Look around folks we have an estimated 12-15 MILLION INVADERS in our land already. They are here on our soil threatening our sovereignty and our future and they are not backing down or even taking us serious. Fight? Hell ya! I'm ready and right by your side!

princess_29_71

I would, absolutely!

LaContessa

As of this instant, you have 29 ans, not all willing to join your cause; have you not learned yours is an impossible dream on the net? You would? Where here, on Yahoo? Hahahahaha

Get real....ASHTEQUILA makes you look like the little dummy you really are....I don't know who I'm talking too, but it's still a seal.

Go get your video recorder and join the Minutemen; every minute counts....lol...you're drowning in a glass of water.

Edit:::::: That JD hombre down below fights a great scary war on the net, huh, hahahahahahaha

DAVid

I am currently in the military.

LawMami_2007

I agree with ndtaya, I would fight my butt off if we were invaded. But we also need to take care of home and stop invading other countries!

CLOSE*BORDERS

you are fighting to defend this country .you started the reveloution on yahoo answers you are not one of those who just complains about the situaion you are taking action by posting these thought provoking questions
you are an icon
you will go down in history
no one can beat you your to powerful
no one has done more for this country as you
americans who are concerned about illegal immigration should
follow in your foot steps and join the cause by coming to yahoo answers and asking questions similar to yours if not there illegal in my book GO SEALS GO SEALS GO SEALS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
seal borders is a saint a radical a rebel a warrior a soldier a real AMERICAN

K S

First off, I'd like to say that, ndtaya is a prime example of a Liberal idiot. To answer your question, yes, I'm ready to start fighting for America. We're being invaded, and we need to stand up, and start fighting to keep America America!! The day President Bush said that most ILLEGAL immagrints were good, law abiding people, I knew we were in deep do-do. FIGHT BACK, AND SPEAK OUT!!!

freebird

Politically, economically, verbally YES
With fists, no.

I don't think it will come to that anyway. People are coming to their senses.

nkasoff

I was in the reserves when I was younger, and had no family to support. I'm 40 and have a wife and kids, would prefer not to do it now.

thelogicalferret

let's go, right now!

I Know Nuttin

Good Q. I wonder how many horn-honking Republicans who talk all high and mighty about how we have to defend America would still feel as strongly if they had to get off their own asses and actually do the fighting.

Me personally, I'm undecided on what to do about Iraq, but if we were under direct attack and civilian volunteers were needed, I would go.

tripledigit67

You have no Idea! Ask any malitia in the U.S.

sarah m

i am out of question

Dawn M

I think lots of true Americans would, to think of it I would even help build the border for free.

El mundo es ancho y ajeno

You'd better stop invading other countries first. Or you really think Americans are the heroes of the world!! please give me a break!!

Hate only creates hate... and US, unfortunately, if full of it.

dyboy34

forget ur husband n come spend the night with me shorty :P

eddygordo19

Your own answer to your question is not really appropriate. You ask if we are ready to fight. Your answer should be "I am" not "I would". To say that you are ready to fight means that you are armed, with a ready supply of ammunition, water, food and first aid. Also, you are proficient with your firearms, trained in survival techniques, and you are in top physical shape.

I am not ready to fight. This is a problem because you don't have any control over when your country gets invaded.

Captain Feathersword

Nope!

Not until MY country cuts Israel off the US nipple and Illegal Aliens are stopped from entering and receiving benefits.

sqwirlsgirl

I think you are a nutcase who got hopped up on ALL the hate was "lavished" on the immigration category this afternoon and you feel empowered.

But to answer your assinine question. If I thought that the AMERICA that I love and am raising my children in WAS in need of my skills to defend against a FORCE......I would gladly offer.

Immigrants are NOT foreign invaders........and will never be. You are a sick, twisted woman who is pissed off with her government and is taking it out on others. If you had voted correctly and been concerned you wouldn't have to ask stupid questions on internet sites that incite hate and war like attitudes.

Get a life......pick up a ballot......take care of your family and move on.

dapixelator

I think alot of people would -- IF we had foreign invaders on our soil actually threatening our sovereignty...

Somebody would have to be really stupid to try and invade this country. What the military doesn't crush into paste,all the gun toting residents would finish off.

mack9930317

i would defend the area i stay in but not actually go to war.

NutstersChick

Tad overkill?
I'm not sure what 2 say that would impress upon U people while UR so/2 busy blaming Immigrants/Mexicans. UR over-looking the Real Problem.
This was allowed By UR leaders.
Bush, doesn't He enter the equation, somewhere?

Its Coming

You've All Read My Posts
And You All Know How I See This

When The S#IT Hits The Fan
I Will Be On The Front Line
And I Am Not Alone

I Got Your Back KS

And Ill Warn Any Of You PU*SSY @$$ Bleeding Heart Liberals

You Stand In The Line Of Fire
Youre A Legitimate Target

Lock n Load

jmdavis333

If it means I get to pop some illegal heads then I'd be ready!!!!
(first on the list my ******* neighbor that plays his spanish polka at full blast all weekend long!)

some polisci major

Wolverines!

kcracer1

fight as in war? ugh over someone wanting to make a few dollars?!?

OK you do realize that many make the equivalent of 90 cents an hour. why do you think they are coming here..... to make 7 dollars an hour! Do i agree with them coming over here illegal no! But I'm not going to shoot someone over it!

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