Re: Mopping up...
Wow...well said, Tom. I don't think the message to the world could be any clearer: "the United States can be your best friend, or your worst nightmare. The choice is yours."
This is a fair position to take. The US is no bully--far from it--but it's got a helluva knockout punch and will scatter your teeth over the floor if sufficiently provoked. The thing is, after the fight's over, it'll also pay your dental bill and feed your kids.