[marron]

despite the growing number of Democrats urging a withdrawal

These are people who want to be taken seriously on security matters. Its not happening for them.

Its a shame that in our two-party system we aren't blessed with two parties who both value national security. In a better world than this one, the presidential debates would be about which party would more aggressively defend the country, which one would more aggressively hunt down our enemies, which party would more aggressively police our borders.

Instead we have one party prepared to wage war (without sealing the borders) and the other who won't do either.

If you care about national security, its a one-party system. There is only one choice. If you expect national security to include border security, the field of choices is a little thinner.

[NordP]

Wow, VERY well put, marron! Spot on.

[Old_Mil]

"Tyrants in the Middle East would laugh at our failed resolve," he said. "To retreat before victory would be a reckless act."

...and out of curiousity, what represents "victory" in this war on terror? The cessation of terrorist action in Iraq? The cessation of terrorist action worldwide?