Planning for Victory, Legislating for Defeat

Since it doesn't fit the Left's agenda, count them out. We're not talking a great generation here. These guys are really kinda vicious if you ask me. They can't stop screaming "get Bush and Cheney" long enough to realize the long term consequences of their tantrums. Actually, they really don't give a turd. Kind of a combination between infants and rebellious teenagers.

I concur with your analysis, however.

Since the House seems hell-bent on passing their own plan for us to finish up in Iraq in 18 months, I would suggest folks write their congressman and voice their opinion. This type of legislation can only lead to defeat.

argh, what an idiot.

'They can't stop screaming "get Bush and Cheney" long enough to realize the long term consequences of their tantrums. Actually, they really don't give a turd. Kind of a combination between infants and rebellious teenagers.'

'They do not care about the long term consequences of their little tantrums. '

Not only do they not care, but they'll wash their hands from the consequences of their actions.

Khobar, the '98 Embassy bombings, the Cole, and the millenium bombing plot, they didn't give a crap then and they don't give a crap now. They washed their hands successfully from the prevention of 9/11. Politicians making military decisions pathetic and amazing...

Hey, but they support the troops!

What do you care what the "Left" says? And all your shrill divisive whining about other Americans being teenagers or infants doesn't strike anyone as constructive. It seems unAmerican.

The fact is that most folks from all across the social, political, and economic spectrum realize this war is very similar to Vietnam. It's a poorly managed debacle led astray by politicians who won't let our military get the job done.

"And we know now what has to be done, and we also know that it is getting done, slowly but surely."

This isn't true.

Any successful global mission requires three basic interworking components: military, economic, and diplomatic. I know you guys focus on the military here. But all three pieces are receiving equally poor execution by leadership from both Republicans and Democrats.

I know we agree we've been off-track in Iraq for years. P did a great job bringing in some details above. Our President was briefed on what was required to get this job done, and he ignored our greatest military minds. He blew it. People died. Wanna whine about some Lefties? Quit wasting your time.

Instead, let's get this country on track slowly but surely for real. Write a letter or call your Reps. Ask our President to take full accountability and craft a plan taking into account all three factors along with an internal timeline to keep himself on track.

Because he's already had four years and billions of dollars of our kids' debt.

And if we were really going to take a lesson from our WW2 Vets, we'd bring 'em all home 'cause they'd be done by now.

The only way in which the Iraq War is similar to Vietnam is that so many people don't give a shit about Iraqis, and just selfishly want to pull out all the forces which are helping stabilize their country, whether or not it's a good thing for America or Iraq.

It's knee-jerk ignorant reactionism at its worst, and if it keeps up, this WILL be another Vietnam - millions dead, only because Americans don't have the balls to finish what they start.

And, I have to add, as someone with a moderate interest in the history of war and a passing knowledge of the problems which occurred during the Vietnam and Iraq wars.. if you think they both suffer from similar problems.. then you really must not know much about either.

One of the biggest problems in Vietnam was micro-management of the war by political entities. Calling for this as some kind of a SOLUTION to the problems in Iraq (which are mostly caused by the nature of the enemy and their state sponsors which nobody dares confront), belies ignorance of breathtaking proportions IMO.

'The only way in which the Iraq War is similar to Vietnam is that so many people don't give a shit about Iraqis, and just selfishly want to pull out all the forces which are helping stabilize their country, whether or not it's a good thing for America or Iraq.'

You nailed it. I think it is very good thing for America and Iraq.
Like I said before, these people do not care about any of this, they care about power. If they get their way and we lose this battle, then when(not if) we face a much bigger conflict based on their absolutely stupid decisions, they will magically wash their hands from it. They washed their hands from Cambodia and the utter slaughter in '74/'75 when the communists took over vietnam. How many Americans know what happened in Cambodia or Vietnam after we left? Virtually zippy. Oh! Wait! They had no problem with Saddam murdering over 1 million people and never said a peep, and all of a sudden they are concerned about Darfur. Absolutely amazing.

Hey, but it looks like Steve supports the troops. I feel safe now that my kids will live in peace now.

Wait a minute, guys. Isn't the President the Commander in Chief and thus commander of the military? Sorry to write down to your level, and I hate to say it, but you guys are way off this time. Our President's not just a politician who represents "micro-management of the war by political entities." As CiC, he's accountable for everything the military does and for getting this job done - unless you disagree with the President's own assertion.

So I hate to have to agree with this "Steve," but you missed the boat big time. Per Big P, we need to make sure our future plans take into account all our best military intelligence which President Bush has missed in the past leading to our American soldiers' deaths.

But thanks for supporting our efforts overseas, gents! It's good to be in the company of heroes until we get this job done. And I'm glad you must be soldiers walking the walk in the sand and not some pussy programmer mincing around behind his computer. That'd just be pathetic. Haw!