Actually I wasn't quoting you only put quotes around dehumanizing. I appreciate your point of view that we're there because of politicians. I didn't realize you were speaking of them and the media about dehumanizing - my apologies...(You weren't one of the few I was talking about - 'nuff said.).

As far as I know the troops call them Iraqis.
There were a few nicknames that have lasted the test of time such as "camel jockeys", "rag heads" etc. But I know of none as bad as those from Vietnam or Korea and I've seen none that come close to the propaganda and derogatory depictions of the Japanese in WWII.

The best that was said in the previous Gulf War was about the ladies in full burkhas. They were known as BMO's (Black moving objects) or Ninja Bunnies (self explanatory). I don't find either to be objectionable or insulting, merely descriptive and slightly funny.

Center mass does not necessarily mean torso. What it means is when shooting at a stationary target (human, tank, etc.) shooting for the center of the mass gives you the best opportunity for a hit. You have to lead moving targets but still shooting forward of the targets presumed course with an imaginary outline of the object, aiming in the center of its mass gives you a better chance of getting a hit.

Unfortunately for me, I am not a "Stereotypical Military Man". My career might have gone better if I were. I'd prefer exploring all other options before resorting to force. Sometimes it's not possible. I'm afraid Viet Nam forever altered how some will forever view any armed conflict.

It might surprise you but I agree about the richest and the politically connected not serving in the armies they mvoe around like pawns on a chess board. I think perhaps if we did make it a requirement for a presidential candidate to have served at least four years (enlisted - sorry for any officers who might read this, but the man in the field knows more about the military than anyone in the pentagon) in the military. Or at least that when the person takes office their children, if of age, must join a military service. Something like the UK royals. That way at least they'd think a little longer about starting a war their children might be involved in.