are the interests of Iraqis (and Iranis, etc.) morally, ethically and . .

[OneBlueSky]

philosophically equivalent to the interests of Americans? . . . in other words, are our interests more important than theirs? . . .

if not, why not? . . .

and if so, must we not structure our foreign and domestic policies to acknowledge this fact, both in word and in deed? . . . to stay true to our principles (being an moral and ethical nation), I mean . . .

and wouldn't this kind of "equitable" (for lack of a better word) foreign policy REQUIRE diplomacy and abhor war (in all but the most extreme 'last resort' cases)? . . .

[Syrinx]

1. I'm not opposed to national self-interest, rationally speaking

In other words, there is nothing wrong with America looking out for the well-being of America, while at the same time being a moral and ethical nation.

However, nothing could be further from that goal than where we stand at this time.

Our system of government is broken, and run by the most arrogant, greedy individuals that our country, and perhaps the world, has ever known.

The current misleaders of our nation REQUIRE war and abhor diplomacy, precisely because war is immensely more profitable. And profits and power are the only things that matter to this bunch of crazed, deluded jackals, humanity and care be damned.

The very lifeblood of the planet is quickly being drained, and the clock is ticking rapidly. It is time for the heroes, that possess the required tools, to stand forward. We see a few glimmers that perhaps they are carefully preparing to do so now. The near future will reveal if these glimmers portend the arrival of the stars of salvation, or merely another mirage in this increasingly hopeless desert.

[FloridaPat]

2. American interests are for the corporations only. If they extended to

the people, the gov't wouldn't be helping corporations export jobs. And morals and ethics are nice for the general population, but the USA has never been a moral or ethical nation. Just look at the blood and theivery that our country was built on.

Someday we are going to have to learn to be World Citizens. We are going to have to realize that a rising boat for all is good for all and that taking other people's natural resources to keep and greedy country greedy is not right and will lead to a very big downfall.