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Disappointed In America For Its Gullible Support Of The War
by Edmund Ross
I think American's that supported the war in its initial phases and now oppose it need to seriously examine their world outlook. Did they support the war simply because the government said it was right? If that is the case, when in the history of this government did it do anything to earn this kind of trust? I think the lack of a healthy skepticism is a dangerous element in a society that has the freedom to be skeptical.
If the initial supporters did so because they believed in the logic of the arguments made in the run up to the war then this presents different issues. As it was spelled out the only way the war could be justified is if Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction (chemical or biological) AND used them! This last part is crucial. If he possessed them but did not use them then there really was no actual threat requiring immediate action. The only way an invasion was justifiable on these premises is if there was evidence that Saddam intended to actually use what they believed he had. There was actually no evidence put forth that he had anything ready to use, which removed any imminent threat and the corresponding need to invade before giving other options a chance. There was no ticking time bomb, just itchy fingers.
Today I am less amazed about the people who finally oppose the war than those who still support it. What on Earth can allow them to continue their support? Not one of the goals for remaining in Iraq are even remotely feasible. There will never be a democratic "Islamic State." There will never be harmony between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims. There will never be a steady flow of oil as long as there are only 140,000 troops trying to protect hundreds of miles of pipelines, refineries, oil fields, and pumping stations. It is simply a battle of attrition. American soldiers are there to do one thing, and one thing only: survive. There are no goals they can actually achieve.
Yes, I opposed the war; and yes I opposed it from the outset. I don't think I am proud of this fact though. I just hope those that have changed their mind are embarrassed about their gullibility and ashamed that this gullibility has cost so many lives and sapped the moral fiber out of this nation.
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