well we'll see, but I think GW is getting ready to declare "Mission Accomplished" again (2nd time) and withdraw from Iraq.<br> Poll: Bush's Iraq rating at low point <br><br>watch how they'll spin what IS "victory".<br>GW is going to make Bagdad Bob appear highly credible !! <br><br>I suspect it'll be like our victory in Vietnam !!<br><br>dumb azzes- weren't they warned ??<br><br>David (OFI)<br>

According to the NYTimes, they're talking about a reduction of 20-30K troops by next spring.<br><br>As much as I want to see them all come home, I also want to know that we can bring them home without leaving the new gov't standing there with its pants around its knees. I would hate to think the decision might be based on improving Bush's approval rating -- especially since there's no re-election to tidy up for.<br><br>

<br> What's going to happen with all those soldiers<br>that have had long time internal & external exposure to<br>spent uranium that we've ben using all this time? <br><br><br><br>[color:green]"...or am I a butterfly that's dreaming she's a woman?"</font color=green>

Same thing as exposure to Agent Orange in 'Nam. Mustard gas in WW I. Shell Shock in WW II... Every war has it's own terrible weapons that don't descriminate between armies. And every war produces thousands of casualties that were never struck by a bullet.<br><br>

Good point Steve. And that's exactly why War should be used ONLY as a very LAST resort. And we know this one wasn't. it was on the front burner from the fall of 2001! (I'm speaking of Iraq only.)<br><br>We never went into Afghanistan or after OBL with much serious intent.... another bad mistake. <br><br>David (OFI)<br>

<br>Are you saying they should just accept <br>their cruel fate as 'collateral damage'?<br><br>WOW! No wonder. <br>No wonder at all why recruitment is <br>all but non existent, and why so many <br>have liked this "war" to VietNam. <br><br><br><br>[color:green]"...or am I a butterfly that's dreaming she's a woman?"</font color=green>

I'm not suggesting they should. I'm thinking, though, that they will.<br><br>Recruitment is down because the justification for the war, and consequentially the sense of honor and duty has been undermined. I have no doubt that most of the people serving over there still believe the mission is just. And I support them 110%. But I imagine many are feeling betrayed at this point.<br><br>As far as comparing this to 'Nam. I don't buy it. From 20,000 ft. up, you could say that the two conflicts look much the same. But down on the ground, they are still two very different animals.<br><br>

I wasn't really suggesting that you felt any particular way.<br>That's merely a fault with this particular BB software that<br>forces one to REPLY to someone (ANYONE) before they can<br>say anything whatsoever. I was merely 'thinking out loud'.<br><br>[color:red]It's all just very disturbing.</font color=red><br><br>[color:green]"...or am I a butterfly that's dreaming she's a woman?"</font color=green>

I knew that. My reply was purely rhetorical.<br><br>