[PatrickHenry]

Me:
Present circumstances would indicate that the US has won this objective test, thus we have earned the right to preserve our values against all competitors.

You:
Preserve, or impose? Preserve, absolutely - and that's what I think we're doing in Iraq - but do we really have a moral mandate to impose our choices on others? If so, why?

It would be fine if these Islamic folk continued to wander in the desert, and were content to be peaceful, non-agressive, and picturesque third-worlders. Or if they matured (as we would see it) to be a mid-eastern version of Kansas or something. But they're not going to accept either role. To preserve our civilization, it would appear that we must, to some extent, impose some constraints on them. Not ideal, perhaps, but quite necessary.

[general_re]

To preserve our civilization, it would appear that we must, to some extent, impose some constraints on them. Not ideal, perhaps, but quite necessary.

Which is about where I end up. Welcome to realpolitik ;)