Dan:
>> "If you think Iraq will ever be a democracy you need a lesson in Middle East politics."
I therefore assume you induce that the Iraqis are a people of natural born slaves. You probably need a lesson in behavioral science and moral philosophy.
>> "Yet more Americans dying for nothing,"
Die for nothing really? Allow me to disagree.
Unlike you, they were masters of their fate in the army of free men of the longest lasting democracy, under attack by a terrorism that is but the vanguard of an insidious tyranny. Unlike you, they chose to fight back, at all cost. Unlike you, they understood that freedom shall never be taken for granted and they decided to take the burden of defending it. Unlike you, they understood that at the turn of this century, the same kind of totalitarianism that their elders crushed repeatedly is on the rise again, and determined to destroy America and the fundamental values of civilization she stands for. Unlike you, they gave everything to ensure that their parents and grand-parents' sacrifice wasn't vain.
Who the hell are you to call that "nothing" and to criticize their commitment?
If you think America will ever be safe if her boys stop hunting her enemies down, you also need a lesson in history.
That includes recent history. Like two years back from now for instance.
But then, maybe that's precisely what you wish for?
That said, in my book you have the right to disagree. Voice your opposition to the politicians, to the diplomats, to the government at your heart's content. You will be morally wrong as far as I'm concerned (And that's to say the least. You don't want to hear what I would really think about you), since I have no consideration whatsoever for people who spend more energy to oppose democracies and democrats than they do for dictatorships and terrorists. But nobody should take that right away from you.
Yet when it comes to the brave men and women who put their lives in the balance to defend that right, the very least you can do is disagree silently and pay some respect to them.
Yes, I do mean "Shut up and salute."
One last thing: since you called them "our" boys, I take it you're an American expat in the French speaking part of Canada right?
Because your IP shows that you're posting from Montreal.
No big surprise that you're so keen on bringing Americans home. Must be awful down there.