I was kind of hoping we'd avoid this topic here. I, for one, can't parse all the information, and can't see the situation very clearly because of past associations, so I'm taking a skeptical, wait-and-see attitude toward the whole thing.
Part of my problem is I've seen this all before. All of it. It's pretty scarey. The trumped-up justifications for war. The unilateral action despite international condemnation. The pledges to make the world safe for democracy. The promise of quick victory. The faith in superior weapons technology. The emphasis on tactical and strategic air. The incremental buildup of troops. The earnest intention to avoid collateral damage. The arrogant Secretary of Defense with a business background. Even the over-involved "hands-on" president from Texas.
Then ... The realization that this will not be short, and will be a hell of a lot harder than we'd anticiapted. The "targetting errors." The dead Marines. The dead civilians. The angry press, and even angrier SecDef. The growing anxiety that we got in, but we can't get out.
Now we call this Operation Iraqi Freedom. Back in the day we called it VietNam.
I reeeeeeally hope I'm wrong about this. I hope we're not on the wrong side, I hope this ends quickly and successfully. But I won't be a bit surprised if lingers interminably.
Be brave and charitable, brothers.
Bjaarki
... Then, do what you have to do.
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First, say to yourself what you would become.
Then, do what you have to do.
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