OT: Chris, you make good points. It sure has all gotten to be a big mess with us stuck in the middle and it seems like there is no way we can "win". The sad thing to me is that I do think that most of those military and civilian people that have gone to Iraq under the American flag have truly and sincerely gone with the intention of helping the people of Iraq. Many amazing things have been accomplished or at least attempted to benefit the Iraqi people, but sadly many efforts have been wasted due to either insurgents or the religious infighting. It is turning out to be a waste of so many lives and so much money, but it appears to me that all the options have big downside.
I am not against the reporting of the bad and unsuccessful things that happen, but I wish more press would be given to the many heroic efforts as well as the hard work and risking of their lives may "ordinary" Americans have given to trying to help the people of Iraq. I have talked to quite a few people that have told me amazing stories of programs they have been working on to try and help the Iraqi people get their economy and infrastructure services going again, but these stories just don't get told in the normal media. I would like to see them get more credit and support for their efforts.
Mike