I want to explain the following in non-partisan language, because I am tired of hearing people complain about Bush not getting bin Laden yet, or that the situation in Iraq has not recovered yet. In this internet, MTV, 9 to 5, driven world that we live in, we are far too sensitive and lax (compared to earlier generations) to mentally prepare for war. I have never used foul language on this site, EVER, but our culture since the 1950s has materialized into a bunch of whiners and pu**ies. As individuals we are blameless, but blame instead lies within the deterioration of society over the past 40 years. We may have woken up to the concept of war on 9/11 but quickly some of us are falling asleep; making it possible for the enemy to strike us again.
People need to realize a few things:
1)Never in the history of the world has there been a conflict in which the sole task was the seizure of ONE person. Let alone at a time when the enemy lacks an ounce of chivalry (even the Japanese were worthy attackers, striking at a military target rather than civilian). This new enemy is shadow-like, and difficult to penetrate.
2) The fact that we have killed or captured more than half of al-Qaeda's known leadership is amazing. Consider the fact that the terrorists were based in a landlocked country tucked between the Middle East and the Hindu Kush mountains, and we have been able to achieve this is really a respectable feat.
3) Our forces are to stay in Iraq, like it or not. Our wedge into Iraq to oust Saddam's Ba'athist forces aided the removal of a terrorist supporter and oppressive regime. Now, the bulk of al-Qaeda are being sucked into Iraq to meet our threat. Instead of training to attack us here with complex weapons such as gases and explosives, they are now training and dying in the streets of Iraq. Anyone can shoot a gun, not many can properly create and deploy chemical weapons without some knowledge. Thus we are removing their veteran elements left over from Afghanistan and other places.
4) Our media is to blame for lack of morale, not the government, not the enemy, and certainly not the American people. If in World War II the media were around in the same caliber as today, we would have withdrawn after Kasserine Pass in 1943. We are quick to waver if there is minimal resistance. The media reporting every individual death is ridiculous. Yes, the media has evolved considerably since Vietnam, and it can still be used to remind us that we are at war. But if it only serves to promote the deaths of American troops, the disasters, the downed choppers etc. then it is counterproductive. Morale on the homefront is paramount.
5) The complete stabilization of country takes years, not months. People who supported the war, and now have changed their opinions shame on you!! Reconstructing a political infrastructure takes a long time, effort and capital in order to ensure success. It is better to take our time and do it right the first time. Rush to soon to under train Iraqi police in order to have a substantial crime prevention force, and we will not succeed. Whining and protesting makes the government nervous in regards to time tables; the more protests; the shorter we train Iraqi forces to substitute ours; the harder it is to fight the enemy.
I am proud to support the President. I am a Republican, but regardless of that, if Kerry were elected, I'd support him in this war as much as I have supported Bush. Some of you such as Alex T. , John from Madison, and Spunfisher already know this, but I am planning on serving in the military as soon as I complete my Masters because I truly believe in what we did in Iraq and Afghanistan is a worthy cause. You will NEVER see me dissent and protest the President during war or attack his policies like some of our internal-enemies have done.
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