I agree with a lot of this, however I think that in the world we live in today, the threat of violence is good enough. This is what kept the Soviets at bay, against the USA, and vice versa.

I've always said that America needs to rattle it's sabers more. Not in as much as to bully other nations into our way of thinking. But to ensure our sovereign within our own borders. Currently, the USA is considered "weak" and "ineffective" in a military sense. Personally, I blame the government. Their constant "one-uppsmanship" and political posturing has put us at risk. Our enemies see this, and know that all they have to do is sit back and watch.

Now, all the peaceniks, and eco-hippies are going to accuse me of being a war-monger, but I digress....I haven't said that we need to invade anywhere. We do not need to occupy anyone (other than assisting a fledgling Iraq, get on their feet), and we really have no reason to show offense towards any other country, in a military sense. I'm just saying that the country needs some more Teddy Roosevelt. A soft voice, with a big stick to be used in defense of our nation.