[lookout123]

1) When the UN has the power to stand on its own to the point that they can dictate and enforce policy to the US then I'll care about that. Not to say that Iraq was a good choice, but the US is free to act in its own perceived best interest regardless how other nations feel about it. It is not a global democracy.

2) Reference please? Look at the airwaves, the internet, publications, clubs and organizations... Their are plenty of voices speaking in favor of alternate paths without fear of prison or death.

3) Americans can travel nearly everywhere in the world and expect the support and assistance of the US gov't if they run into problems. There are certain nations deemed dangerous where those protections end. The nations on the list may be debatable, but the policy seems reasonable.

4) Torture is not condoned. What qualifies as torture is open for debate with loud voices on each side. Personally I believe that Celine Dion's voice qualifies as torture and should be banned.

5) Again, if the effort is not perceived to be in the best interest of the US it would be foolish to support or endorse the effort. The worthiness of specific efforts may be debated, but in the end it is important to recognize that there is no "global democracy".