General James Mattis gives a very insightful talk about policies regarding the Middle East. His remarks about Egypt are very interesting (32 minute mark). He makes a comment about Egypt and whether or not the revolution there should be labeled a 'coup'. General Mattis believes the US needs to be careful about passing laws that put us in "legal boxes". He says this prevents us from doing things that are in our own best interest and that prevention is problematic for the next generation.
I mention this because of the good point Otto made on my last post regarding keeping the American people's best interest in mind.
Personally I agree. We should have the ability to act in our best interest whether it's involving ourselves in a conflict or not.
Let me know what you think!
Mary: first, I would like to congratulate you on your choice of a father. He is a remarkable man, and I thoroughly enjoyed serving with him. It's obvious that you have picked up his intellectual curiosity and nimbleness. GEN Mattis is right about the frustrating and counterproductive limits Congress sometimes puts on the conduct of foreign policy. Unfortunately, that is a fact of Congressional bureaucratic politics. When a Member of Congress latches on to a particular issue, whether for principled or grandstanding reasons, his or her colleagues will normally go along because they may need his votes later for their own hobby horse. Foreign policy should be conducted according to overriding US national interests, but all too often Congress puts it in that "legal box" the general refers to. Keep up the great work. Mike Eiland
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