fkusumot on 12 September 2008
The U.S.A. has always maintained that it would be the first to use nuclear weapons if deemed prudent and necessary. The Bush Doctrine seemed to be (at the time) the logical extension of that policy to include the use of conventional forces. If America is the policeman of the world (and judge, jury and executioner) then it follows that America can make up the rules (sometimes as it goes along and in disregard to International Law) as to how it's going to police the world.
The worst part for people living in the U.S.A. is that the same attitude is being taken by the executive branch in regards to its own citizens (and those regarded as U.S. Persons), i.e., disregarding the established rule of law and creating a police state.
Things changed quite a bit after Bush basically tore up Executive Order 12333.
