Reagan Responsible For 911

[ulTRAX]

David Horowitz in http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=180621
blamed 911 on... who else? The liberals! In his article he demonstrated that by selecting a few choice tidbits and ignoring others... anyone can spin a plausible but hollow theory. Well what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

I maintain that Reagan largely was responsible for 911.

The US is deeply involved in the mid-east for one reason: OIL. That
should not come as any surprise. In my research I have found sources
that claim various amounts the US spends in the Persian Gulf during
peacetime. The AVERAGE in one 96 study was about 42 BILLION a year.
That did NOT include the occasional Oil Wars like the Gulf War and
Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq. If true, this amounts to a hidden
subsidy for oil/gas of Persian Gulf origin of about $1.00 a gallon.
Where are the free market nuts on this issue? This cost is NEVER
reflected in the "free market" price of Persian Gulf oil. It is a
hidden subsidy.

We make these massive "investments" because it's believed, at least by business interests, the US MUST prevent the oil so vital to our economy from being threatened. The simple idea that we might have used this immense investment over the years to find new ways to conserve energy and free ourselves from having our "security" dependent on oil from a historically unstable part of the world oil never occurred to us... or no one had the political will to take on those vested economic interests.

I think a very strong case can be made that if we continued our energy
research begun under Carter we might have achieved this goal..... not
true energy independence but independence from mideast oil. But we all
know Ronald Reagan gutted Carter's programs 20+ years ago favoring a
market approach. What a lost opportunity! On aside, I find it odd that
this champion of free markets never tried to make the market price of
mid-east oil reflect the true price of bringing it to market. Maybe a
"defense tax" on Persian Gulf oil would have gotten rid of the market
distortions and allowed other types of energy to be competitive. But
we know Reagan had a soft spot for fossil fuels and nukes. Reagan was
not pro-free enterprise but pro-big corportation. He knew who buttered his bread.

So for the past 50 years the US remained on the same vicious treadmill.... hooked on oil from an unstable part of the world... and pissing away vast amounts of money to defend it. Because of this tarbaby we "had" to fight the Gulf War... and for Bush, oil had to be a large part of the equation for his invasion of Iraq. Our continual interventions lead to more Arab resentment and set the stage for more terrorism. Not only are we now fighting Islamic extremeists but secular Ba'athists.

The stationing of US troops in Saudi Arabia since the Gulf War as a
deterrent to Saddam led DIRECTLY to Bin Laddin's efforts to get the
infidels out of Saudi Arabia. It's primarily this goal that has been
behind the terrorist attacks of 911. Because of this we now have to
fight in Afghanistan... and the Iraq sideshow. In the mean time Al Quida has focused on the US as their main enemy.

There's much more to the story. During the Reagan administration the
CIA funneled billions to the most radical Muhajadeen to bleed the
Soviets who invaded Afghanistan. Where did Bin Laden get most of his
training? When the US policy was to create such rabid dogs, there's no
guarantee they'll never come back an bight the hand that feed them.

I think we owe Ronnie another debt of gratitude. Not only did he show
the GOP how to use fiscal irresponsibility as a political weapon
forcing the costs onto future generations, he also set the stage for
the Age of the Terrorist. Good going Ronnie! You, indeed were a true
patriot.

Do I believe any of this? The historic threads are, of course, not as
simple as Horowitz and I pretend them to be. The difference is I'm
aware of the holes in my "theory"... Horowitz passes his rabid
propaganda off as fact.

[mrdmk]

1. Thank you for putting this together

History is very interesting to me. One thing that does need to be remembered is, people who forget history tend to repeat it, mistakes and all.

One thing I would also like to point out is mistakes cost money, if you want to find who makes out when these mistakes do occur, follow the money!

:tinfoilhat:

[ulTRAX]

6. thanks but

mrdmk wrote: "Thank you for putting this together."

It ain't that good... it's not like I quoted credible sources to back up my argument. I'm thinking of my claims for the costs for intervening in the mid-east and the US consumption of mid-east oil. I'll post them when I find them.

[American liberal]

2. I'm with you: Reagan's fault!

Sounds more plausible than the crap they're spinning on righteous right.com. and don't forget about how we invaded Afghanistan in the '80s then left them to fend for themselves...I mean there's nothing material left to fight over in that decimated country.
Peace!

[Faygo Kid]

3. Reagan: Left office after 1988. Many changes since then.

I do not disagree with your post, or your holding Reagan responsible for his policies. Still, it's a long time ago. If you hold Reagan responsible, then you must hold GHWB, Clinton and (most certainly) GWB responsible, for carrying it forward. I personally think GWB has defined a new, aggressive, pro-war policy that we have not seen in American history. But I thank you for a thoughtful and well-written post.

[ulTRAX]

5. others to blame

faygokid wrote : "Reagan: Left office after 1988. Many changes since then. I do not disagree with your post, or your holding Reagan responsible for his policies. Still, it's a long time ago. If you hold Reagan responsible, then you must hold GHWB, Clinton and (most certainly) GWB responsible, for carrying it forward."

If the US's insane waste of energy is driven primarily by business interests... then all after Reagan share the blame for not having the balls to stand up to these interests to do what was right. But I believe the situation a bit more complex than that. There are other dynamics... a spoiled rotten US public that has allowed itself to believe that over consumption was the norm... cowardly politicians who lacked the courage to stand up to the public and business pressures... and business interests that tried to manipulate both. What a mess.

Is there any wonder why we're still stuck in the mideast and alternative energy programs face such an uphill fight?

[Ksec]

4. great post

you are really convincing. Im thinking you nailed it. Get your thoughts out there for others to see..