"hey let's stop the war, dismantle the CIA, dismantle the DOD, stop buying any oil from the Middle East, well, I will leave it at that. Suffice to say, we wouldn't be a going concern as a nation very long, if we listened to you"
You're half right. Here's what happens:
1) Fire corrupt top leadership from intel services (admittedly may require impeaching the current administration and a half-dozen Congressman) so the excellent rank-and-file can do their job. Without interference and misdirection they can find what WMDs and terror camps are being developed by regimes that threaten the US.
2) American consumers are given the option by patriotic gasoline retailer to buy non-M.E. oil-based gasoline if they wish, and they do. The first retailer with the guts to do this, "PatriotCo", makes windfall profits on high demand. The CEO is worried about being assassinated by Saudis or US partners of Saudis. It doesn't happen. He's a hero. Demand drops for M.E. oil.
As mainstream media clearly discloses the relationship between dollars and corruption, buyers also conserve. M.E. countries make panicky propaganda attempts to blame Israel, Democrats, anybody, but their efforts fail.
Their only option is to clean up their governance. Any breach is publicized. They are watched carefully by their own dissidents escaping and loudly publicizing any human rights violations and weapons-making. Their voice is not stifled or distorted by any Office of Strategic Propaganda, or anything else. They, as individuals, are available to talk shows and interviews, without handlers, and get the truth out.
These regimes discover they have a choice - change or be overthrown by their own people, some of whom get CNN and FOX and see exactly why their leaders are failing them. They can still trade with non-US countries, but it is likely consumers in these countries, if information is credible, will conserve or use alternative sources. Either way, the lack of US purchases cause change or revolt.
3) US remains on alert able to surgically strike anywhere, anytime. They aren't needed, except to enforce the new no-fly zones. Operation Enduring Freedom has made clear what the US can do, and how fast, if any military destabilization threat appears.
I'm sure you won't believe the above scenario can happen, but I do, and here are the advantages: Our country will be stronger, have greater moral authority, wouldn't have to propagandize or lie to anybody. The stated pupose -defending against WMDs and terrorism - is addressed, without ulterior oil motives, and is therefore believable. Oil contracts are bargained for openly and separately unlinked to military action.
Disadvantage: no backroom deals for insiders on $200b in multi-decade oil contracts. Too bad.
The other disadvantage probably claimed by some is lack of American hegemony in the area. My point is by "walking softly and carrying a big stick", we gain influence without taking it by force. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose. |
