I disgaree CC.  Afghanistan is a decisive victory for the US.  We did what the Soviets couldn't.  Unfortunately, our focus has been diverted to Iraq.  Again, it's not as if we couldn't totally annihilaite our enemies in either country.  We could totally remove all elements in Iraq and Afghanistan if we were willing to use all of our abilities.  This means untying the hands of our soldiers and letting them fight the war in the same manner we fought WWII. 

Iran is not an impossible victory. In fact, I believe we could easily nullify most of Iran's military in less than 72 hours.  However, the inevitable ground war and media circus that would follow would inevitably result in the same stalemate as we now observe in Iraq.  Mark my words, the US will ultimatley win in Iraq, but it is going to be a slow and methodical process.  If Bush wanted instant approval ratings, he could take control of the Iraqi oil fields and divert all oil to the US.  The Iraqis would profit from their oil, but the US and maybe even Britain would be the sole consumers.  Gasoline would immeditatley drop below 2$ again and you'd see Saudi, Iran, and Venezuela quickly follow suit as they'd lose their leverage with the US and fear India and China's reprisal for such blatant price gouging.

Canada, France and Germany can all pay outrageous gas prices to the middle east and claim moral superiority.  No offense to Neemo or any other fellows from the North, but I am so damn tired of listening to Candadians and liberal Americans alike gloat about how great Canada is and how much more wonderful they have it.  Canada is like the spolied teenager that has everything provided for them by their hard-working father, but shows no sense of appreciation.  Canada enjoys its culture, freedom and security almost entirely to the US.  The US should start bussing Mexicans into Canada and instate high tarriffs.  Then we'd see how good things are.

The world is a better and safer place becuase of the US.  If some people want to live in Fantasia and dream about a middle east that isn't hellbent on destroying the west, then go for it.  I'm not defending all the polices of the Bush administration, but military and political action needs to take place there.  I'm tired of American men dying while the rest of the world protests and receives the benefits.  No nation that did not send Soldiers to Iraq should ever receive one drop of its oil. 

I know I've gotten off topic here, but this is all the underlying theme.  The US goes to bat and saves the day, while the rest of the world looks down at us and plays monday morning quarterback.  Americans want to blame bush for the War, while Congress has fought him tooth and nail on every measure.  Part of me wishes Obama would get elected so when WW3 starts while he sips tea with the leader of Iran I can say I told you so while I go play Rambo in the rockies.  But the surviors would simply blame Bush and build a monument to Obama.  The US will eventually win in Afghanistan and Iraq, but it won't be thanks to the likes of Obama or Clinton, but true patriots like McCain and General Petraeus.

The UN authorized it.  And the US is under no obligation to follow the will of other countries or a body composed of other countries.  The day the US starts doing what the UN tells it to do, is the day you'll see me resign my commission.  I don't give a fuck what any other country in the world thinks the US should do.  I'll listen to their advice, and respect my allies, but the day Canada, France, Iran and China have a vote on what "we" do is the day my entire lifestyle changes.

I can see Obama winning the popular vote, but losing the electoral college.  There is going to be alot of unrest within the democratic party as Clinton will continue to press on (on some valid reasons I believe) and even after she has withdrawn, the media and her supporters will continue to make an issue of it, keeping it on the public mind. 

McCain made a point today that I think sums up my entire sentiment on Obama.  Obama has not once visited Iraq and seen first hand what is happening there.  He has desired a pullout and an admittance to defeat since the beginning.  His total lack of military experience and knowledge make him a poor candidate to place as the commander in chief during a time of war that won't end anytime soon. 

In the election, people are going to want to hear what has been done by each candidate, not what they plan to do.  Obama may be found wanting here compared with McCain's nearly 50 years of public service. 

James, I'd like to see what paths to the white house you saw on the news that could land Obama in the white house.

Keep the faith

I was there for the 2nd and 3rd shows.  Amazing night.  Met alot of good people there too.  I remember the 2nd show, I was standing back right off the floor cause I thought I could waltz in an hour before show time and get a good floor spot (I learned since then) and some asshole next to me was trash talking the band.....I made him shut up .  That was a great year.  I saw them 4 times that year and was able to get on the rail, center stage when they played in Huntington, WV.  Now that I'm going to Iraq in less than 3 months, they'll finally release CD and go on tour and I'll miss it all.