Mick: you are a war hero, I assume. At least you have been depicted as such ever since I have been on this forum. Assuming that is right, I thank you for the serivce you gave to your country. Your constantly reminding folks that you are a war veteran everytime the question of the validity of war comes up in these threads, however is growing a bit thin. At least with me. There are millions of service men and women who likely could compare their records of wartime with you (unless of course you wear the Medal of Honor). Somehow, though, I suspect you are a medal wearing veteran, but do not have the "Big one" to hang around your neck. If you do, I aplogize.

Using your experience in Vietnam, though, to belittle anyone who dares to express an opinion contrary to yours about war grows even thinner. Again, at least with me.

President Bush's ideas, as expressed in his speech yesterday to help to bring liberty to those around the world who are oppressed, are IMO, right on track. Those who belittle that hope are, also IMO, destined to be losers for life. No hope, the sky is falling, nothing good will ever happen losers.

It saddens me to know that so many Mudcatters feel that way. Terrorists cannot be reasoned with! Why is it so difficult to accept that? They cut the heads off captives, and Mudcatters blame Bush for it instead of the terrorists weilding the swords! It makes no sense to me at all.

When the elections are held in Iraq, I think we will see the Iraqis turn out in larger numbers to vote than eligible voters turned out to vote in the last U. S. election. I certainly could be wrong (perhaps a first because on the Mudcat one seldom suggests in the slightest way they may be wrong). But if I'm right, could those same Iraqis have had an opportunity to vote on an issue that will affect them, and their children for the rest of their lives, had been able to do so had Saddam still been in power? I think not.

I think, Mick, that you, and those who think like you, are so convinced that "your way" is right, that you cannot accept that you might be wrong. That's right. You really might be wrong, and Bush might be right. I don't question your right to think as you do, but urge you to at least think beyond Vietnam and your experience there.

DougR

DougR