Perception Is Everything?, Political Feedback Options

[fameONE]

I'm preparing an article for a local base newspaper concerning what is going on right now with our foreign affairs. Simply put, the war on "terror."

Let's begin with the common misconception that the war is supported by the armed forces as a collective. That's definitely not the case. But more importantly, such decisions like engaging a targeted group or country in warfare must be a decision that the people support. To no one's surprise, our president isn't exactly the most popular muthafuckas on the planet, and with Rumsfeld stepping down and Monkey Man appointing one of his daddy's drinking buddies as his replacement, the international turmoil will just get worse.

The military is taking an especially large amount of criticism (as if we have any countrol in the situation). There's either an increase in 'Support Our Troops' ribbons or an influx of "look at me, I'm such a liberal but I don't really know shit about shit" college students protesting. Getting to the point, what are your thoughts on the military (specifically the Marines, because thats who I'm doing the paper on, der!) in the midst of a conflict that is progressively getting worse.

Now, Brandon Saunders is turning to you, the people, the knowitall internet minority, for some feedback. Respond in accordance to the topic. If I wanted this to be a debate, I would've put it there. Keep the horse alive.

[radhikaeatsraman]

I've personally been against the war from the start, because I believe war is wrong, but I totally support the troops, 100%. (Not just saying that.) I guess you could call me a 'liberal,' because I've always thought Bush didn't know how to lead & I've always believed this war was somehow about oil.

At the same time, pulling the troops out now would be a complete disaster, as I believe that the new Iraqi government would not be able to handle the 'sectarian violence' (as the administration has so delicately put it) that is going on right now.

With the Democrats in Congress now, I'd be hoping for some changes. Yet the party itself is so divided over whether to set a timetable or not, to pull out or not...they're just as clueless about Iraq as the Republicans. (Same shit, different assholes.) So I'm really worried as to whether or not anything will actually get done.

Feedback? Well, your article sounds quite interesting, and I'm looking forward to reading it. But the only thing you can say now is we should hope and wait. That's all we can do.