I do think the Sen. McCain is stuck in a bit of a time-warp focusing on that equipment – like the planes he used to fly. When you are a soldier on the ground and you can see the face of the enemy soldier you are about to kill, it’s something very different than dropping bombs from above. That said, I don’t think Sen. Obama knows much about it either.

According to the ads on TV, the purpose of aircraft carriers is to airlift pallets of bottled water to tsunami victims. ;)

I thoroughly agree in a strong military force. However, the kind he describes is unnecessary…unless of course he plans on invading Iran, which I would not discount. Furthermore, we cannot keep spending more on the military and continue to sustain the welfare state as well. Not without raising taxes by a significant amount; even then I have doubts as to the feasibility.

Ironic that you mention McCain’s poor editing, than go on to discuss the “governemtn of Iraq” And there’s the whole capitalization issue too.

Silence! I never make mistakes! :)

I went back and fixed the more egregious errors.

So there.

I support a strong defense for America, but there are many strategies for how to obtain such a strong defense.

As I consider Senator McCain’s perspective, I can’t help but think of a drunken bully in a bar who, having just cheered on the prior bar tough as he beat a weak loudmouth senseless, is confronted by looks of doubt and budding horror. Undaunted, he determines the only way to escape those looks is to wipe the flecks of spittle from his mouth and crank up the intensity. Meanwhile, prior neutral parties in the saloon are mumbling to each other, waiting for their chance to risk all and take him down. With every beating he calls for, more neutral parties join the mumbling.

Yes, crazy-eyed bar toughs can obtain short-lived fear that simpletons might mistake for respect. But with every beating – no matter how pathetic the victim – precious energy is wasted. Sooner or later, the bully gets winded and the crowd turns on him. No one can fight everyone.