[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by JWsleep

I voted economy and foreign affairs.

In general I am against protectionism and isolationism--I believe that history shows they do not work. Protectionism only raises local consumer costs and lets inefficient companies flourish. Isolationism sounds nice, but in reality we are part of a fully integrated world system. The failure in Iraq shouldn't makes us withdraw from the world; instead, it should teach us to be better at interacting in world affairs. We need a pragmatic, engaged foreign policy, one that both protects and promotes our national interests, and promotes the the things that make the world a safer and better place for everyone. Self-determination, democracy, and free markets are better for people, wherever they live. That certainly does not mean we should bring these things to folks at the point of a gun, but that does not mean we should give up on these things. WE are safer when other countries have these things, and hiding behind the oceans is not going to keep us safe. Yes, inept, badly-run, wars prosecuted by idiots are a mistake. But the solution is not isolation. It's intelligent foreign policy.

Yeah, what he said.