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, but do people really imagine that American-funded attack helicopters are blowing up coca factories in the jungle?
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They will indeed be used to blow up coca factories. Question is only whose coca factorys. All of the factions involved in Columbia derive money from the coke trade, if by no other connection than protection/extortion.
When we give weapons support to the government, we bestow military superiority on a chosen group, no more legitimate or worthy than thier opposition. For all practical purposes, dope money is the governmment of Columbia.
How long till we start hearing about sending in “advisers”? How long until critics are derided as not “supporting our boys in Columbia”?
"Never!" fills the bill nicely, I think.