(Sorry but a rant) The tragedy is that a volunteer can die nobly

[HereSince1628]

for a lie.

Each of these Iraq War deaths adds NOTHING to real American investment in the cause of American security or the achievement of an Iraqi democracy based on the enlightenment ideals present in 1776 America.

Each death represents an unredeemable debt for the squandering of life by George Bush and his administration. Bush and his hawkish cronies owe more than they can ever repay to Americans for using lies to draw grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters into a senseless unjustified and arguably illegal conflict.

Deciding the _last_ date when a soldier should die for a wrong cause is really no harder than deciding the first day soldiers should die for a lie. But it is MORE urgent and it is obviously a whole lot more humiliating.

Using Casey Sheehan's death, or the deaths of any of the other 18XX soldiers to continue the war is a fallacy. It is a mistake to treat each death as an investment. Each death adds nothing to the value that can be redeemed by a "victory." Each death simply adds to the persistence of the error.

This is the "sunk-cost effect" discussed by psychologists. It is a pathological surrendering of American leaders to the reluctance to abandon a terribly bad policy because of the mistaken notion that it has already received heavy investment.

Each death adds a burden, not a justification. It is throwing away one good life after another.

Support the Troops...don't let them die for a lie.

[Wickerman]

1. excellent post - thanks!

[HereSince1628]

4. Thanks, my SO said I should be ready to say why I support Cindy.

before I show up at the rally tonite in Milwaukee. This was it.

[Canuckistanian]

2. You can die nobly even in a pointless war.

Saving your buddies, protecting your position or saving innocent lives.

But making America more free? Nuh-uh. Not in Iraq.

[HereSince1628]

5. I have no doubt that many in the military joined with the highest ideals

Of course,1/3 of those on active duty in Iraq, enlisted in the guard and reserve many years ago thinking that they would serve their country, regions and neighbors.

But they've been called to a war so noble that lying was the only way to get the American people to accept it.

That is misuse of the military. And that is the use for which Bush and his hawkish supporters decided the military should be used.

Of course you are right, the immediate concerns of soldiers are like mine during my service during Vietnam, personal survival, the support of my buddies, and fulfillment of our assignments. But a soldier can serve nobly and well and still be misused by his/her government.

[GoBlue]

3. And don't let the survivors fall for the coward that misled them./nt