The issue of Afghanistan was raised in Gen. Patraeus' second testimony today.  Is Iraq a detriment to (or does it outright jeopardize) the effort in Afghanistan?  I believe an argument for the first is the easiest to make while the sovereignty of neighboring Pakistan may actually cause more difficulties than a lack of American troops.  I'm not there, so I'm not sure.  I would like more input on this issue. 

I do believe this may create a need for a draft.  Our troops can not stay for 15-18 month tours.  That doesn't seem sustainable and I think the "drawdown" addresses that but I don't know how much. 

I will compose an essay on sovereignty because I believe that many conflicts, Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Palestine, Lebanon, etc. raise questions that require a re-examination of sovereignty and cyber-sovereignty.

I've not been enjoying the testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker today.  This war is not my favorite topic because I am so conflicted on this issue, myself.  The fact that so much of the questioning -- and media coverage -- has been one-sided, and attempt for Senators from each position to ask questions in a way to elicit the answers and points THEY want to make leaves me feeling so unsatisfied.

I will take this opportunity to explain my internal conflict.  I've been seriously considering joining the Marine Corps.  My family has a military background with myself and one 'blood' uncle being the only males of the last 4 generations NOT to have served.  I've only got a little over a year of eligibility, I believe, before I'm "aged out" of Marine eligibility.  I am seriously dismayed that my country's Armed Forces has such low retention of officers and needs to 'relax' its requirements.  I was not in favor of the invasion of Iraq, but I do believe our continued presence is required.  We owe it to the Iraqi people to aid in the establishment of a viable state.

To solve some of these issues, I am in favor of a draft.  I have a young family that I am responsible for and I can not just pick up and put my family's future at risk by picking up and going of my own will.  However, I will gladly go if my country makes the call.  I may end up going of my own will, but honestly it would be an easier decision if I wasn't making it.  My parents and my wife would be devastated but I strongly feel the call of duty.  I'm very interested in EVERYONE'S input.  Should I go?  What questions should I ask myself?  How should I examine this possibility?

I am very troubled by the fact that the Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan, and of allegations of Iranian State involvement in the insurrection because I see common ground and shared values between our countries -- despite many concrete differences.  I do not think invading Iran is a good idea, and I feel that if anyone does, he/she should be willing to join the military.  If unable, and especially if unwilling, then shut up.  Before making those calls, you should be more than "aware" of the consequences.  You should be willing to step forward and make that sacrifice.

I am also on the fence as to the "draw down".  I would like to see our troops who have had extended (and multiple) tours brought home, but I would like those of us able bodied Americans to fill the void.  I welcome your thoughts.

It is time for a detailed examination of our Republican party.  Do we even have a unifying philosophy or is the only requirement being the need to answer the same way on certain issues: taxes (low/none), abortion (no), war (yes).  It's my contention that on these complex issues there is no black and white standard answer and the Republican party should realize this.  I would like to examine not only the "answers" but the reasons, the underlying philosophy, behind our answers. 

What do I hope to accomplish with this blog?  I would like to end the Bloods vs. Crips 'cliquetocracy' currently dominating American politics.  So often the red/blue fight on many issues seems to revolve less around actual philosophical differences and more about disdain for rival party members.

Since I find personal attacks repugnant (though I admit I'm not always above using them myself) I intend to monitor blog comments intensively.  My goal is not to stifle dissent but to foster real debate.  So my first blog entry is to ask, "What is a Republican?"  This is not  a multiple choice test, so I would like answers to be detailed and backed up with evidence.

Therefore, what is our unifying philosophy?

My philosophy is: limited government is preferred and optimal.  Markets exist for all goods and services and Free Market economics, lead by the private sector, is preferred and optimal for advancing humanity.  However, we recognize that the existence of a Free Market is an ideal -- an illusion.  Inefficiencies brought about by imperfect information and moral hazard, among other problems, require some effort by government to mandate and adjust for these elements.  As the Government is not fit to manage every business, it is not fit to manage every household.  Personal freedoms (will, speech, press, etc.) are a paramount necessity for the advancement of the American nation.  Again, imperfect information as to personal, potentially violent, intentions requires government attention to preserve public safety -- where just cause and due process determine it necessary.  Following cultural and religious norms, life is sacred.  As before, there are reasons to believe some individuals, through their own intentions or otherwise, are counter to the preserved safety and advancement of our society.  This may sound cold, but there may be people (Osama bin Laden) who's existence threatens not only public safety, but threaten the destruction of our society.

My idea is to debate the underlying philosophy behind our individual policy beliefs.  Some of my readers may agree with every word above, yet disagree with my own policy stances.  Still others will find fault with much or all of what I have (including myself) yet agree with my policy positions for other reasons.  I have not laid out my own policy beliefs here because I'm not God.  I do not claim to have all of the absolutely correct answers to all policy questions.  I have, I believe, some very good ideas -- some I'm tied to, others are much more open to debate.  As this blog progresses, I imagine people will not only discover my policy positions for themselves, but may also watch them evolve as I learn through personal experience.