ghwb01

It is sad that the President's one dimensional thought processes so affect the course of our approach to Iraq. His single-mindedness can be seen in the lack of subtlty on how to gain leverage with our normal allies. Usually, clear direction from a President shuts down debate and the development of ideas, which are necessary to obtain the necessary complex strategies to dealing with multi-dimensional problems. Put more simply: there are better ways to turn the screws; we're simply trying to sledgehammer them in.

It's sad that so many people are likely to die as a result, not to mention the current costs to those at home who are suffering from economic uncertainty. patient vigilance is called for, but a strategy that most lack the fortitude for ... and in truth not particularly well-suited to a democracy in which elections happen every 2 years. there are many risks to forceful, swift action. what did his dad say, "wouldn't be prudent; wouldn't be prudent."

It is time for the passive virtues, in what one author has called the Lincolnian tension between action and inaction.