Originally Posted by JohnBurke

That is precisely what I might hve expected from you. A slip from the passive-aggressive chest-beating with a pseudo-intellectual dick-measuring effort. You read. Outstanding. I write.

Perhaps you read about Iraq. I was there. Perhaps you read about Afghanistan. I was there. Tell me what you read, and I won't tell you what I saw or did or experienced, because you're not entitled. Perhaps you read about contractors, servicemen, missions, and so forth, and perhaps you read them in an "original language." Your expertise is self-perceived. Your ignorance, however, is evident. Perhaps you're well-read on current events in Israel. Perhaps not. Some here are a bit more directly involved, and while I appreciate your upward-tilted chin and your narrow gaze down the tip of your nose, it's little more than comical, because you've merely read about it. You're entitled to your opinion, however petit the foundation upon which it balances, may wobble.

While you fancy yourself an American, I fancy myself a person and global citizen, and while a citizen (and sometimes representative) of the United States, I'm not ignorant enough to call myself an American, as it's too vague and general, and non-specific. But you knew that. Perhaps you read it in an "original language." I speak several, which are of no consequence. Anatomy measuring based on languages spoken? This is your position? You are intellectually superior based on your languages spoken or read, or the books you've read? Enjoy your superiority. If the insular world of self-perception gives you that comfort, bask in the imaginary security.

Of course, your ability to flaunt your chutzpah and your freedom to do so is hard-earned by those other than you, isn't it? Your self-righteousness over your lack of "globalism" is a privilege by those who have gone into the world to buy your freedom to be arrogant. The threats you've read about, and those upon which you gaze down from your alpine perch, were halted by those who went elsewhere to keep the fight from coming to you, so you can sit behind your screen and read about it in "original language."

Your "vote cancels" mine, does it? I've no use for your chutzpa, for your arrogance, or for your fragile and tenuous gall.

I've books on my shelf in many languages, but what has that to do with the price of tea in china? You actually flaunt this? Disappointing and mediocre. One might of hoped you'd offer more, but one is unimpressed.

Your "vote," whatever you perceive it to be, "cancels" nothing. Intellectual impotency. Get help.