I can't imagine the american public would've stood behind Bush & co. any less than they have, had said administration put as much effort in selling Operation Iraq II into selling a Manhattan-US self-sufficiency energy program.
I can imagine pumping the middle east dry (grosso modo) is a legitimate tactic, but it wouldn't void the eventual need for alternative energy sources - however far in the future it would be, should the US find comparable oil sources.
When facing an "enemy", you don't leave holes in your battle plan and bet everything you've got on a single scenario. You make a plan that's as foolproof as possible, that covers every possibility from head to toe.
Education, border control, and energy independence are three items... I think there's a lot of others.
Taking care of your enemies is fine, but the point is to delete any risk to yourself. Your own health is no less a priority.
In my opinion it is, without a doubt, a higher priority.
I don't mean to hijack your topic, but the clause you chose to end your post with implies what I'm responding to.
I could go on about the first part, but I think it's all been said already..
