Why debate the war?

[UnderseaLcpl]

Well, we're certainly agreed upon the idea of profit to be made from retaining the status quo. I wouldn't put it past any entity that is or works closely with the government. There is simply no incentive to change anything, other than in the short term. However, I think you overestimate the consequences of the fall of NGOs. If a system were in place (free trade and fair play) that ultimately undid their existence, there would be a surplus of economic activity for those former employees to fall into. I don't say that just as a proponent of an ideology, I say it as a matter of economic course. Every relaxation of trade barriers ever made (and I mean actual relaxations, not just making a "free" trade agreement that is just a different set of restrictions) has generated more jobs than it cost. The problem only comes when it costs jobs in one area and gives them and more to another, which draws groans from the weavers. Politically predictable.

One other thing I would like to address, Sky, is your prediliction towards perceiving Muslims as being "beyond help", if you please. Call me a hopeless optimist, but they are people like you or I. I've seen good ones, and I've seen bad ones, but most were good. Regardless of what their religion may preach, or what you think of it, why do you have any reason to suppose that a reform of Islam is any more improbable than the reform of the Catholic church, or the advent of Protestantism? In Europe it was prosperity that caused the break with the Church, and the prosperity of Protestant nations that caused the reformation of Catholic policies. Why should Islam be any different? I honestly think that if we gave them a fair shake and practiced truly free trade they would become like most US muslims in time, which is to say that they would become much more moderate. Given a little more time, they'd probably become like every other religion in the US, largely ignored, save for when a candidate needs the backing of a religious district. Take away the power of the state to do their will, and even that would disappear.