Quote Originally Posted by Ozme52 View Post
Tom,

I'm not sure it's as black and white as that... but as one who tends to lean to the right... my concern is that while I have no problem with knocking you flat on your back for bloodying my nose or even one of my friends' noses, (a somewhat simplified analogy,) I don't want to be the bully of the neighborhood either.

I'm concerned that this time... we've been just that... the neighborhood bully. I don't know... it's something that will be better understood in 20 years...
I agree with the basic theory. But what if you only will lose in the long run from knocking the guy on the back. If it's only down to pride and the other guy will never back down, then it's not the smart thing to do. Pride in international politics is never helpful.

Sometimes punishment, simply doesn't work. If the person being punished doesn't accept the punishment. All you've done is strengthen the behaviour. Then you'll need to break the person down mentaly to win. And that's a lose-lose.

Can you tell that I lean to the left? But I'm a bit of a disgrace for the leftists though, because I root the the right in lots of issues, (like invading Iraq for one).

edit: And yes off-course it's a simplification. Off-course. Simplifications are more fun to read.