If what you say is so, why did Clinton wait 3 years to restore Aristide the first time? Are my figures right? He was ousted in a coup in 1991 and reinstated by Clinton with the help of 20,000 US Marines, right?

Besides, has that first lesson in democracy from the US (or rather, given our history with Haiti, more like the 7th) already failed? The results of legislative elections in 2000 were deemed fraudulent by international monitors and the opposition expected Aristide to steal the next one to stay in power. Exactly what part of a real democracy do you expect to salvage?

If this were our first attempt at bringing democracy to Haiti or if Aristide hadn't already discredited the last attempt, I might agree with you. Given what's transpired it sounds like working with the international community to reach a more permanent solution is worth a try.

Interesting list, brucie, even if it leaves out a lot of older agressions. So you agree that this "premptive war" thing is hardly new US policy?