I'm sorry pdq - I meant really that Reagan was supporting the contras who were trying to bring back the sort of government that Somorza headed, but I got confused. At least I can admit when I'm wrong, unlike some others here.

You said "Why did Nicaragua need the fourth largest army on the planet while Ortega was in charge? {it was 2.5 million in a country of less than 7 million}". Where did you come up with such a huge figure? Or is it just unfounded opinion? Anyway people answered this question for you - more or less, because they were at war with people who were supported by the USA.

Dickey - I am not saying anything about Ortega being a Marxist. I'm saying that he's saying he's a former Marxist, like your quote does. I was just amused that you highlighted the word Marxist and not the qualifying adjective 'former'.

In the quote about the army I was refering to pdq, who brought this up.

I think that your abuse has been directed towards Little Hawk. If you don't think that you are being abusive, then it says something more about you than it does about him.

I personally do not trust any politician. It seems that they are a necessary evil, only some are more evil than others. I would not trust any of them, but from what I've read I would rather trust an Ortega than a Samorza.