I agree with Leigh whole heartedly but, unfortunately, what's right and what's possible seem to be completely opposite one another. Certainly, we as Americans should take the "you break it, you buy it" stance on Iraq. We invaded, occupied and basically forced people to flee from Iraq. If one possesses a heart and a conscience (of which our current administration lacks both) we would lead a struggle to help formulate a solution for these displaced people. That, unfortaunetly but not surprisingl, seems unlikely.

Four years ago, the United States government announced the obvious reality that the genocide in the Sudan is indeed that, a genocide. Yet, we still have done nothing. As Sudanese people fled to the Congo for protection, we did nothing, and now as the Sudanese flee back to Darfur to escape the killings that have made a mockery of international borders and response, we do nothing. So call me a sceptic, but if we are still averting our eyes from the ever-growing crisis in Africa, what makes us think we will actually have a heart in terms of the current refugee crisis in Iraq, one that we are solely responsible for?

The damn the torpedoes approach of USA Foreign Policy has never given one scintilla of compassion for the hundreds of thousands of people the misadventures of USA Imperialism has killed or displaced , starting with the conquest of Hawaii.

The only difference with the Bush Jr. regime, and the current war in Iraq, is that this Bush is so arrogant that he can`t be bothered to even attempt to hide the obvious.

The Foreign Policy of the USA is analogous to the mind set of 'The Divine Right of Kings'. The USA take it for granted that the world is one big supply depot, that is there for the care and upkeep of the American Empire ; and, if it means war and death of hundreds of innocent people, then so be it. Bush would say ,"dem are de breaks' !

It is folly to think a change in regime in the USA is going to change this bred in the bone arrogance. When things get too desperate (and obvious) as is the case with Iraq at present, a blue ribbon committee of the old guard is trotted out to tidy up the blood and guts, but quietly maintain the status quo.

Who will be the next Iraq in the sights of USA Imperialism ? Will it be Canada as USA run out of fresh drinking water?

It is not far fetched to imagine the back room boys who formulate USA Foreign Policy already have a handy dandy book of game plans whereby , on some pretext they announce to the world that they have to invade canada to save it. And then it will be Canadian refugees fleeing into Mexico as the wealthy in the USA sit by their swimming pools sipping fressh Canadian water seemingly unaware that people are dying to keep their glasses full.

Until the world puts a stop to USA Imperialism, there will always be hundreds of thousands of deaths and refugees. And the young naive Americans will die in wars that are designed to supply the wealthy by utilizing the blood and sweat of the less fortunate American Youth !

Such is the situation in today`s world.

Sadly I see little change in the near future.
Ray

Little change will come if we sit back and complain. The reason things are cyclical is because we talk about patterns, which only perpetuates the cycle. instead we must use our resources to do what ever it is we can to enact change in these trying times. Anyone can spout of political rhetoric and historical information. To say, "i see little change in the near future" will only hinder change. To all American progressives: quit blogging and start putting your money, and energy where your mouth is.