[ClearCase_guy]

We don't openly govern these countries the way a traditional empire would have done it in the past, but make no mistake about it -- we do occupy them.

That's just silly.

We do not "occupy" Germany in any sense.
We do not "occupy" Japan in any sense.

Hey, I hear the US National Guard is in Nebraska -- it's occupied territory! Are they under Martial law??

One of my issues is that we spend a lot of money on forward deployment of US military assets -- and we get nothing for it. BECAUSE WE'RE NOT AN EMPIRE.

[Alberta's Child]

Are you suggesting that all of these countries could order the U.S. to remove those military bases whenever they want? LOL.

One of my issues is that we spend a lot of money on forward deployment of US military assets -- and we get nothing for it.

How 'effing stupid do you think the people who make these decisions really are? Do you think those assets are there as decorations?