A good summarized assessment of Iraq, Bush's presidency, and the nature of the 'average American' by Jonathan Wild over at <a href='http://www.catallarchy.net/blog/' target='_blank'>Catallarchy</a>:

The Essential Character

I don’t blog about politics much; I am much more interested in economics, philosophy, and technology. A large part of the reason is that my outlook is fundamentally apolitical, and by that I mean I don’t think politics should play any role in our lives, and rather that civil society should be the center of social interaction. There are many people much smarter than I am doing political analysis, so it is with hesitation that I dip my toe into the water.

This week's events signal a critical juncture for the War in Iraq and also George W. Bush’s political solvency. Contrary to many libertarians’ claims, the average American, if there is such a thing, is not a bloodthirsty warmonger. For the most part, he does not desire imperialism or national greatness. He often supports military action when he is convinced it is necessary to stop the spread of communism, kick terrorist (butt) or feed starving Somalis, even if he has not thought out longer term consequences. But behind this superficial support is a deep isolationist instinct. The fundamental character of the American, from the founding of the Republic to modern times, is a desire to live and let live. He sees the world outside America as a chaotic place, which although many times tragic, can’t be effectively changed by top-down actions by military force. The US Government does not always abide by this American sentiment.

The average American is not going to tolerate 40 soldiers killed a week, or fried bodies being dragged through the streets by the very people who have been freed from Saddam’s rule by the soldiers being killed. I see a change in the views of my fellow Americans taking place. Whereas most of them supported the War at the outset, they are slowly changing their minds. It’s a critical time for the War’s future. With the election looming in the distance, Bush’s political capital is in grave danger. A few more weeks like the last, and the isolationist eddies swirling below the surface will turn into waves crashing on the rocks.

Good post, and I agree that the tide does seem to be shifting finally. I can't imagine what it must be like to be the parent of one of those kids that has to die over there when it seems there is less and less of a reason every day. Or to be a 9/11 family watching as their own government tries to cover their asses instead of letting them know what occurred that day. Or the people of Iraq watching their people die and their country spin out of control.

While I know that Bush & Co. will only make things worse if left in power, I fear that the situation is already too dire in the Middle East, and our nation too polarized for any leader to be able to correct matters. When I think of the opportunities squandered since 9/11, I feel physically ill.

I do suspect that Bush et al badly miscalculated the trouble we would have in consequence of occupying Iraq, in terms of trying to make a plantation out of it for Western ideas. While I think most people would have intuitively known that it would have been a tall order to transform a place like Iraq into an oasis of Western civilization, Bush et a either (1) had no sense of that at all or (2) in ignorance, just assumed that once passed out enough candy and dollars, all would be well.

It could be, though, that this renewal of the war is the last gasp of muslim extremism. We will beat this back; then we can see better whether we have gotten ourselves attached to a tar baby. If we have, Bush if finished, his stupidity confirmed. Kerry would be a miserable replacement, but that would not be the point then.

In any event, only George the Dumber can really believe we will turn the goverment over to Iraqis come June. George the Dumber politically needs to do so, and he might do it in name, but I think we are there for a long time. And don't believe for moment that Kerry will cut and run if he is elected.

"Contrary to many libertarians’ claims, the average American, if there is such a thing, is not a bloodthirsty warmonger. For the most part, he does not desire imperialism or national greatness. He often supports military action when he is convinced it is necessary to stop the spread of communism, kick terrorist (butt) or feed starving Somalis, even if he has not thought out longer term consequences."

The average American is sending their bouncing baby boy to the poverty draft. Of course they don't want war.

And has war ever stopped the "spread of communism"?

joebordenrebel Wrote:And has war ever stopped the "spread of communism"?

well no

Just manifesting my inferiority complex. Don't mind me.

signed,

Sir King Message Board