>You're certainly entitled to your opinion. So am I.
>
>I, for one, believe that the world in general is a much LESS safer place than it was pre-911. Anyone disagree?

Interesting, you make an assertion, then fail to back it up.

Here's a few thoughts I have on the issue. Hmm, elections in Afghanastan, elections in Iraq in January, no attacks in the US since 911, a homeland defense initiative (of which I have been an active participant), Sadam in prison, 75% of Al Queda dead or apprehended, Demolition of thousands of tons of armament in Iraq, with more to follow, etc, etc, etc ad nauseum. Yeah I feel safer.

>The fact that the U.S. was "pushed around" by Iraq (this is what you're saying, correct?), which must have led to the U.S. invasion and subsequent chaos in that part of the world has not helped matters, in my opinion.

No, we haven't been pushed around by anyone, but that's because we are militarily strong. Should we be unfortunate enough that Kerry were elected, we would have problems. He would try to turn our destiny over to the UN, or even worse - Canada! You missed the point!

>It will certainly be interesting to see how this war will be portrayed in the history books 20 or 30 years from now.
>
>Oh well, to quote Forrest Gump ... "Sh*t Happens".

Actually you are misquoting Forrest Gump. From the IMDB which has quotes from movies:

Bumper Sticker Guy: [running after Forrest] Hey man! Hey listen, I was wondering if you might help me. 'Cause I'm in the bumper sticker business and I've been trying to think of a good slogan, and since you've been such a big inspiration to the people around here I thought you might be able to help me jump into - WOAH! Man, you just ran through a big pile of dog sh*t!

Forrest Gump : It happens.

Bumper Sticker guy: What, sh*t?

Forrest Gump : Sometimes.

You might try setting your sites a little higher. Here's a quote from Winston Churchill:
"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."
and. . .
"Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar."

Therein lies the difference in Republicans/conservatives and Democrats/liberals. Republicans are more results oriented. Democrats want to feel good about themselves, without regard to the outcome of a given situation.

Your turn!<vbg>