The Middle East and World War
Many seem to be pushing the idea that we could be on the brink of World War III (WWIII). I rather think this would be WWIV, WWIII having been the "Cold War" which really wasn't but that's an academic discussion. The truth is that there are several folks, most notably the Iranians, trying to make more of themselves than they deserve to be. The Iranians led by their mullahs and current President are nuts enough to destroy the world to achieve their goals.
North Korea or, more precisely, Kim Jong-Il is also trying to get what it can from the rest of the world by threatening with nuclear weapons. What they want is cash, food, and "respect".
I think that in the end the US will be forced to do what was heretofore unthinkable, nuclear attacks on these countries. With some luck and patient maneuvering by both diplomats and the military we might be able to pull it off without destroying oil fields or killing millions. Then again, we might all have to endure economy destroying $20 a gallon gasoline and a depression so bad that it will assume the title of "Great Depression". Or will we?
I think more than likely what will happen is that when we can't get what we need we will become the imperial country, along with our allies, that we've been accused of being. It won't matter who's in the White House or who controls the Congress. Money is the thing that will drive the government to ensure that energy sources are available and secure. The draft might even be re-instated.
Now, many folks coming through the shop today have been watching the news and they are about evenly divided as to the seriousness of the situation. They are also about evenly divided as to whether or not we should be involved. I find that amazing. How in heaven's name could this happen and we not, in some way, be involved.
