43 years ago John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It really doesn’t matter what you think of him as a politician; as a leader… his murder marked the beginning point of a trajectory that, in convergence with others, ultimately led to the political state in which we live today.
Pundits and right wing politicians periodically speak of liberals, “the left” as if such a thing exists as a viable force… True liberals are few and far between… What passes for the left is in fact the center. Labeling oneself a “liberal” is close to committing political suicide…
Changing the subject –
Here’s another thought… perhaps the litmus test for going to war should be whether or not the people would allow a draft in support of such a declaration… Only can a people united – motivated in a cause – can sustain such an undertaking. War should never be made because of a popular attitude of laissez faire…
Of course this is hindsight in regard to Vietnam and Iraq…and as for Iraq, we have only a few choices and possible outcomes before us…
Leave Iraq and its people to the ravages of a civil war.
Begin a gradual withdrawal following a predetermined time table in the hopes that the Iraqi people will “stand up” and provide for their own defense…
In both instances we risk the establishment of a terrorist state… one potentially dominated by al Qaeda … (wait wasn’t that what this war was to prevent?)
Increase troop deployment and plan for a long haul occupation…
Increase troop deployment and try to establish stability and then withdraw…
Perhaps some other course I cannot imagine…
At any rate, I am distrustful of anyone who has a clear and easy vision of what our course should be… It is complex and I am looking for a leader, not a politician, who understands those complexities and who possesses the political will to lead…
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