"I believe the consequences of failure are catastrophic,"

[kentuck]

So said John McCain about the effect of an early withdrawal from Iraq. If nothing else, the Repubs will have an excuse if the Democrats shut off the funds or force the withdrawal of the troops. Never mind that this is now the longest war in our history. Just give us one more chance, Coach, we promise we won't fumble.

Of course, if the troops are withdrawn, it will be the fault of the Democrats. The Republicans would have won if they been given the funds and the support. But, as usual, the Democrats chose to "cut and run" will be the chant we'll hear from those on the right. Meanwhile, as they play politics with the lives of the young men and women in Iraq, the war continues..

[sarge43]

1. And just how is it not a failure already?

It isn't the longest war yet; Nam still has that 'honor'.

[kentuck]

2. Being a Nam vet....

I should have known that...what was it? 1965 when the Marines landed at Danang and 1974? when they lifted off the roofs of the Embassy?

[sarge43]

6. Well, officially the count starts 1961, although the first Americans

killed in action happened in 1959. The cease fire agreement was signed in '73. The last military personnel left in 1974. The bug out in '75, but they were Vietnamese and American civilians.

[bemildred]

3. This seems like an excuse for continuing the same stupid policy.

In other words: "stay the course" in drag.

[annabanana]

4. To this very day

there are those who insist that we could have "won" in Vietnam, if we had sent enough men and money there. . (coughcoughkissinger)

[kentuck]

5. In 1968, I believe we had about 548,000 troops in Vietnam...

Yeah, we could have used another half-million....