The problem is that too much of the general population is too easily swayed by the media hammering them with negative news and opinions on the war.
Right after 9/11 we were shaken out of complacency.
Years later we seem to have forgotten that many things that are worth doing and must be done aren't quick or easy.
We're in a war. Our enemy is throwing a great deal of resources at us and aren't fighting by the rules of war.
Of course there are casualties. Of course it's a hard fight. Of course there are risks.
However, no one is presenting a better overall plan than the president. They are just attacking his efforts without a real plan of their own.
The only other plan being offered is appeasement, and history has clearly shown time and time again that doesn't solve problems, it makes them worse over the long run.
You are right in this and in all your other points. Democrats played on people's ignorance and gullibility (don't they always?) 9/11 was a wake up call, but memories are very short. People gradually become lulled into a false sense of security until the next tragedy occurs. I don't think this is something that can be changed, nor can the negativity presented by the DBM. It's something that has to be acknowledged, dealt with and turned around to our advantage. Newt and the GOP Congress did that with welfare reform and Bush did it with tax cuts. Someone resourceful can do it with the WOT.