Jeff'ed,

Just the opposite it is a waste of money to have the most powerful army in the history of the world and negate it's effect by being opposed to using it. If we did it right we would never have to use it. How many countries do you think are going to push GW? Iran and NK are talking like carpet salesman now waiting to see if he will get re elected. If he does they will come to the table pretty quick because they know they cannot talk for another 4 years.

As an analogy Tell your kids you are going to punish them and never do it and see how far they push you. Negotitate and be there friend like so many parents try to do today. Until kids under stand that there is a consistant line drawn in the sand your side and thiers they will never respect you. Until they know that terrible consequences lie on the other side of the line they will live on your side. It's their job and it's human nature. Knowing that they have the power to operate freely on thier side of It gives them the power they need to to self determine and learn to make decisions properly. I have never had to lay a hand on my kids or hardly raise my voice. I do not believe in either. But they know where they stand at every point along the way. It's how all people want to live.