I’m so discouraged. Every wanna be president, congressman, pundit and scholar has come out with assessments, critique, and proposals for the “way forward” in Iraq. A lot of talk, and very little action. Meanwhile, I don’t think many of us are paying much attention to the details anyway. At least not outside a handful of peace activists and military families as far as I can tell. If that were the case, how could so many of us be duped for so very long, over and over again? You’d think with our way of life and freedom on the line in this “defining battle of the 21st century”, more of us would be actively engaged and pro active. I realize our president told us all to go shopping, that he would handle this pesky business without our needing to be bothered…but, by now haven’t we had enough “mall therapy”, and shouldn’t we ALL really be paying attention? Even Bin Laden (wanted dead or alive) has shown up again to stick in his two cents.

The Petraeus er, white house “surge” report, will promote signs of success. We’ll be chided to be patient, and to give it a chance. “This time” they have the right strategy in place. Bush’s recent photo op in Al Anbar province should erase any doubt that we are succeeding, right? All so very reassuring I suppose…unless you happen to be the loved one or parent mourning one of the 3760 killed, or 27767 wounded to date. Or among the ones who will yet pay the ultimate sacrifice while we continue to debate their fate in Washington.

This administration is counting on continued apathy, complacency, ignorance and political paralysis to see them thru to January 20, 2009. Funny how arrogance works. You say something often enough, especially from the bully pulpit, with enough conviction and you’re sure to get by a lot of otherwise pretty smart people. You appeal to their worst fears. You tell them they’re safer because of your leadership. You convince them you have it all under control, that they should just go on about their business. It’s all complicated and over our heads anyway. The “decider” will lead us to that elusive victory. Just like the one infamously declared on May 1st, 2003 “in the battle of Iraq, the US and our allies have prevailed” (mission accomplished). Or, maybe it was Dec 13, 2003 when Saddam was captured (“We got him”). Or on June 29, 2004 when Iraq achieved sovereignty. And we definitely turned the corner toward reconciliation and “victory” Jan 21. 2006 after the celebratory blue finger elections. What I wonder will be the next milestone we measure success by? With ever changing rationales, and a president still on the stump to sell this war to the American people, all I can think of is fool us once shame on him, fool us again (and again), shame on us.

Carla J. Hitz