They sound just like the ones Hitler and Stalin gave to their people.
However, even from a purely "practical" analysis, it will take years before our ability to lead and influence by our moral example in the world will be restored, and the excuses that our enemies can use against us will probably come back to haunt us for decades.
And for what? The oil is less secure than ever, and now we have a billion people and an entire culture enraged against us, not to mention the fear and suspicion of our allies and the division of our own people. Even from your cynical point of view, this policy has been at best, counterproductive; at worst, catastrophic. Morality is not just a coward or a fools's path, it makes good sense for very practical reasons. In the long run, it's even good for business.
Current Events » in reply to re: The smoking gun-but is the govt paid to be "moral"?
Your excuses sound hauntingly familiar.