Hypersonic

I agree with much of what you are saying Mike but I seriously don't think the Democrats are so entirely different either .....they are backed by many of the same interests.

I also don't believe America's international reputation has changed quite as drastically under Bush as some might think .....I know you guys in the states all think the rest of the world suddenly views the US is an arrogant bully -- well they have been saying that long before Bush ever came to office. It goes with the territory of being the only superpower.

As for oil, well the US has not claimed Iraqi oil -- Iraq is profiting from its oil reserves, not the USA.

You are correct about the fear of Islam though -- and I do believe the US has good reason to be fearful ........not of Muslims, but of terrorists who interpret the Koran in different ways. As The Artist says, there are people who are damaging his religion, people who are manipulating and brainwashing young men and women. These people are a big threat to the western world and to the Islamic religion as well ....and I would include President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as one of those dangerous people.