Here's another way to simplify the Libya situation

[Xicano]

Say tomorrow a bomb or missile drops right on top of Kadafi's head. Now what? Well a power vacuum exists that's what. Lets also say that we're incredibly lucky and in one strike we manage to wipe out all of Kadafi's loyalists. A power vacuum will still exist.

So who decides how this vacuum is filled? Are we going to respect the sovereignty of Libya and let them manage their county's own affairs after we've removed the tyrant government? Or is our arrogant asses going to impose our will upon them as to what kind of Libyan government we find acceptable despite the wishes of Libyans? How are you going to feel if that happens? Because I find that to be more likely than not.

To fill the power vacuum which will occur what if they decide they want an Islamic government governed by Sharia law? Also, what if they decide they don't want to trade their oil in dollars but rather in Euros or Yuan or a basket of currencies? We going to respect that?

Or how about when this power vacuum occurs what are we going to do if a civil war breaks out to settle how this vacuum is filled? Again, are we going to respect the sovereignty of Libya to manage their own affairs, or are we going to set up military bases to occupy Libya like in Iraq and Afghanistan? All in the name of protecting the liberation of the Libyans of course. If that happens, which I see more likely than not, how does that not make us imperialists that much more in the eyes of the world? And with what money are we going to use to finance such an operation? Just print more money, strapping us with more strangling debt?

See the slippery slope this is going to end up as? See how many innocent Libyans are going to get killed now because of our actions? I don't like Kadafi anymore than any other sane and humanitarian person, but, I acknowledge Libya is in a civil war and I don't think its our place to get blood on our hands in someone else's civil war. We can sell weapons and supply medicine and food to the side we favor, but, that's the extent I believe is acceptable enough for our getting involved in someone else's civil war.

[joshcryer]

1. Gaddafi set up a council system that he used for years in a mafia state sort of way.

The transitional council is using that same system to set up a government. I think that ultimately the question remains just how many people will remain loyal to Gaddafi as the opposition marches on Tripoli. They aren't out for blood (though some might try to convince you otherwise). Otherwise there exists a meager system that will maintain the council states and which can ultimately lead to referendum and a constitution that represents all Libyans.

Most council leaders have defected.

[dipsydoodle]

2. what if they decide ....

:rofl:

Good , great , fantastic - the main beneficiary of the petrodollar recycling program is the US. Its what allows the US to print money unabated.

Try funding wars when you're fucking broke.