Again - we're on the same page, I'm just making a more limited argument. This is the first "democratic money" vs "republican money" has come up and I would agree that over the past 50 years or so, democratic military engagements tend to be more contained, IF you neglect the Vietnam War (started essentially by Kennedy, blown entirely out of proportion by LBJ). Kaplan would agree with you that forces-on-ground should almost never be used to do anything other than defend your own borders and yes - if you have your choice between a bitchin' army or a bitchin' navy, go navy. Now here's where I'm curious - where'd you get the idea that I'm "for Republicans?" 'cuz I've been voting since 1992 and the only Republican I've ever voted for... ...was George W. Bush... ...in the 2000 Washington State Primary... ...because it was open... ...and because I figured he'd be a much less credible opponent for Al Gore than John McCain. Boy, the universe sure threw us for a loop on that one.