People want to talk war. George Washington retreated in some battles but won the war. He did not end the war and suddenly have the British leave. As a matter of fact the British came back later on in another war and Andy Jackson whupped them again. Then they left us alone.

I have great respect for JFK because he faced down the Soviets in Cuba. The Soviets ran away to fight another day but who won in the end?

There have been people the thought they could win but lost anyway. Has the inverse ever happened? Believing you can win is the most important element to winning a war but it is not the only element. How can an anti-war president win a war?

What kind of message does this can't win mind set send to the terrorists?
"Attention terrorists: The American people believe they can't win this war. Just keep fighting and we will give up. Come to Iraq and help us loose."

What kind of message does it send to Americans and their allies fighting and dying in Iraq?
"Attention Americans and allies: You can't win this war. Keep on fighting and dying though because China, Russia, Germany and France are coming to help."

What kind of message does it send to Iran and Syria?
"Attention Syria and Iran: You have America and the allies where you wanted them. Saddam is gone but they cannot stabilize the country and form a new democratic government because they lack the determination. Keep sending money (that was skimmed off of the Oil For Food program), weapons , explosives and jihadists to feed the insurgency. Soon the Anti-war element in America will prevail over the pro-war element and they will leave. It worked in Viet Nam and it will work here. They will give up you will have a civil war. Then Iraq can be divided up. The west for Syria (sunni), the east for Iran (shia) and the north for the Kurds and Kurdistan. Baghdad will be a never ending battle ground like Jerusalem."

What kind of message does it send to the people in Iraq?
"Attention people of Iraq: Those of you who want a free democratic country are not going to get it because the American people believe it is not possible. Do not bother to help defeating the insurgency because it is a waste of time"

The present enemy is adept at using the press and the news to their advantage. They tape the beheadings and so forth to wear down our resistance like brain washing. People automatically look at the bad things that over shadow the good things. Then the terrorists achieve their objective. They win, we loose. If we admit defeat and give in to their demands it tells them their methods are working. How many beheadings will this cause down the road?

I would not be surprised it terrorists are watching this discussion board and others in order to gage the determination of the American people. What do you think their reaction is when they read "We can't win". It is the same reaction the North Vietnamese had when they heard Kerry's anti-war testimony.

This defeatist attitude has not done any good for anyone at any time. If you think we are all doomed, here, drink this Kool Aid and end it all.

I could be wrong about all of this.

Old Guy