Andrew Bacevich at FFF Conference 2008, 3 of 5

[OneCarefulListener]

This lecture was originally given in early June 2008, two months before publication of _The Limits of Power_. Here, Bacevich covers five principles (three general, 2 specific) as alternatives to Bush admin policies. 1) conserve our military power which has proven to be finite, 2) align ends with means, 3) US should fix its own enfeebled democracy (civil liberties). Also, "Let Islam be Islam" as each diverse Muslim nation determines; also, our strategies alienate and scapegoat other nations.

[zaurakdigis]

We will not return to a defensive posture until we cut military spending. A developed weapons system is meant to be used, as long as we have them we will use them. Our Navy is a very aggressive force, we should start by reducing our carrier force from seven to three or four. If China and Russia was as aggressive globally we would destroy ourselves. Our Army does need to be increased if we continue this global intimidation.