War in Iraq is Over

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

Yes.. appeasing the masses, even if it turned out to be stupid. Hence we come full circle: In hindsight that was stupid and as you pointed out done for the wrong reason to boot.

Thants not leadership.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I disagree, not liking the decision doesnt equate to a lack of leadership.

Elected officials have a mandate to acknowledge the wishes of the electorate. That's not pandering, it's serving the people who elected you.

I agree that it's a decision that has had unfavourable consequences, like leaving Iraq to fall to violent civil war. Its not ideal, but then neither is continuing a war many people thought was wrong from the outset, spending another few billion dollars and seeing another four thousand flag draped coffins roll off cargo planes.

I personally think that the US and its allies should pick up the tab, but then I'm an idealist on this issue. The realist in me tells me you don't throw good money after bad.

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

I disagree, not liking the decision doesnt equate to a lack of leadership.

Elected officials have a mandate to acknowledge the wishes of the electorate. That's not pandering, it's serving the people who elected you.

I agree that it's a decision that has had unfavourable consequences, like leaving Iraq to fall to violent civil war. Its not ideal, but then neither is continuing a war many people thought was wrong from the outset, spending another few billion dollars and seeing another four thousand flag draped coffins roll off cargo planes.

I personally think that the US and its allies should pick up the tab, but then I'm an idealist on this issue. The realist in me tells me you don't throw good money after bad.

I had no opinion on the decision but as history has played out it proved to be stupid - not a question of liking it or disliking it.. He pulled out and said Iraq was ready, he was wrong.. That's called a bad decision... As in if we could go back in time and do it against he would say "Up! not going to do that again!"

And yes that is the definition of pandering (look it up) that's why we don't vote for every little thing but instead vote for representatives - the alternative is that majorities always rule above minorities. Bad juju.

and FYI: Going back in and cleaning up the mess will end up costing us more and now over an even longer period of time.. So that makes it even worse.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

So how long should US troops have stayed in Iraq and how should this have been sold to the voting public?