[PerConPat]

And why not just end the whole thing and support the real deal, Duncan Hunter?

Because Hunter is advocating a confrontational policy that troubles a nation running on the fumes of the sacrifices made by patriots who understood the necessity to face challenges.

The current factionalism is the result of the false sense of security brought on by America's spectacular victories against existential threats in the past. Only a catastrophic demonstration, one that dwarfs the tragedy of 911, will make it possible for leaders of Hunter's strength and forehandedness to gain traction with an electorate shaken out of its stupidity.

[Lexinom]

Our situation brings to mind a camp in the great frozen north. Wolves are in the area. Unless we keep the fire burning high they will grow bolder and come closer to the camp. Hence, the WTC attacks of 1993 and 2001.

[highball]

The current factionalism is the result of the false sense of security brought on by America's spectacular victories against existential threats in the past. Only a catastrophic demonstration, one that dwarfs the tragedy of 911, will make it possible for leaders of Hunter's strength and forehandedness to gain traction with an electorate shaken out of its stupidity.

True, but I think Bush bears most of the blame for that.

After 9/11, this nation was united. We would have worked together to hunt the terrorists down and defeat them. We would have pulled our weight, sacrificed, done what was asked of us. We only needed a leader to ask.

Instead, W asked us... to go shopping.

He assured us that our individual personal lives would not be affected during this life-or-death struggle. Sure, there might be some sacrifice from the soldiers, their work would be hard and long, but that's over there. Back home, Mr and Mrs John Q Mainstreet wouldn't have to do anything inconvenient. No wonder that the public's support for the war has fallen as the going got tough. No wonder that we're mired in squbbling over little issues while the big ones go unanswered.

W had an historic chance. And he blew it, big time.