I don't completely agree with the defense item - Peace Through Strength. That's a fine sentiment and one I agree with, but I can't support endless high levels of spending.

1. I think we need a national discussion on what the "Mission" of our military should be. Just like it used to be something like the ability to fight on two fronts in a world war against the soviets, it now needs to be redefined for the current world and the next 10-20 years. This is a starting point. Once we have an objective, we can make rational decisions about spending to achieve that objective.

2. My own bias is towards more "isolation" - pull back many of our overseas bases - but I recognize that this is wholly dependent on #1, and reasonable people can disagree.

3. Never forget that the pentagon is a huge bureaucracy like any other - filled with operatives whose main goal is the advancement of their own careers. Every so often you have to take an axe to a bureaucracy. Like a bramble, simply pruning it will do no good. Of course it will eventually grow back, but this is the best you can do.

You know, for most "conservative" Republicans, Rudy Guiliani is respected, even if they might not support him against other candidates, or like his liberal views on many social issues. How does that fit with the MSM spin that only social conservatives are allowed?