Chris Floyd, writing in TruthOut, provides a perspective for those who have felt somehow that the war in Iraq had more to do with oil than with the evils of Saddam or the potential for democracy to bloom in primitive MIddle Eastern deserts. Floyd's commmentary is not alone in questioning the Bush administration about its reasons forgoing to war, or its motives for the "surge" and it will not be the last. It is, however, bleak in its estimate of the future, no matter who wins, loses or draws. From the militarization of the US economy, there is perhaps no turning back. Not in any practical terms we know of. Former President Eisenhower knew whereof he spoke when he warned about the military industrial complex.
One has to wonder whether the availability online of these points of view will influence alternative political choices in the US. The Democrats face a crucial moment in deciding in 2007 who decides - "The Decider," or the other representatives of the people?
I wonder: Does anyone seriously believe that 20,000 additional troops in Bhagdad will lead to some other outcome from the one we currently witness? If you know someone who has fought in the theater lately, could you ask?
What do you personally believe about the decision to send in another round of troops?
Whatever it is you do believe, are you actively expressing that somehow? Or was voting (or not voting) as far as you're willing to go?
It has often been said about smaller countries, or troubled countries, that they get the leadership they deserve. It's time each individual American stood up to be counted regarding this leadership, and this war, now.
For those of us who remember Nixon, it's hard to understand why impeachment papers have not yet been served on Dubya. That's just my view. I hope you will make yours known, whereever you stand.