The Jedi are busy fighting the Clone Wars. Meanwhile they’re not around back in the Empire to stop the power consolidation going on.
There is no good reason for us to be there now. We don’t even profit from this in any way that I know of. No oil, no mining contracts, nada.
As for wishing others ill, I understand the sentiment but it is bad for the soul. Congressmen/women would certainly be less in favor of this stupid occupation if their own children had to serve there. Just another split between the average American and our political elites.