>I agree that French possessions in India were relatively insignificant,
>but losing to a competing empire -- as France did in both North America
>and India -- can be as effective at creating problems for the power elite
>as losing to anti-colonial insurgents. (Cf. Russia circa WW1.)
so, what you're saying is this: if the US lost to a competitor--another imperialist power took the reins of power so to speak--this would be an excellent opportunity for the US left. 50/50 chance maybe?
kelley