If I'm working on a software project that is headed down the wrong direction, it is my responsibility to both (a) point this out and (b) suggest alternatives.

You, on the other hand, appear to only want to grouse and moan about things. Either you have something to suggest or you don't. If all you can come up with is that we need to pull out now, then say so. In all probability I will disagree with whatever you propose, but at least that tells me you have given the issue some thought.

As a former serviceman, I know what the costs are with our involvement over there. We are buying, with our blood and our treasure, the potential for security for US, as well as an opportunity for a better future for the Iraqi people. Notice I say "potential" and "opportunity". Nothing is guaranteed, and it is possible that we will fail, or the Iraqis will fail themselves. But I would rather we made the effort than not. Saddam Hussein was, in my opinion, a threat to the US and his neighbors.

>I don't think we could ever come close to agreeing on anything about this since it appears to me we are so diametrically apposed on the worth of human life.

How dare you. I gave three of the best years of my life to keep your sorry backside free to make bogus judgements like that. I answered the call again in 1991, and it is only my age that keeps me from volunteering a third time. If it comes to it, I will encourage both of my sons to serve for exactly the same purpose. If you want to disagree with me and my opinions, fine, that's your right. But don't you dare preach to me about the worth of human life.