Afghanistan, like Iraq, has become a mission without a purpose. We are there, because we don't dare leave and admit defeat. We can't do warfighting, or even community outreach, because the enemy controls the towns, villages, and cities. We have the soldiers stand around and wait to die. Worse, stories from soldiers returning tell me the Army is demoralized, and disheartened. I would repeat all the stories told, one vet to another, but they would depress you beyond belief.
Why are we there? Because we don't want to look weak to Rethugs. If we sacrifice enough young people to the gods of war, the morons who think that is good will like us. We know we're losing, and we know we've lost. We know it was beyond foolish to go, and we know it is beyond stupid to remain. Yet we will remain, and keep sending young men and women to die, because that is better than being wimps on national defense.
Perhaps the second term will be different, but I doubt it. After all, we wouldn't shut down Guantanamo Bay's torture camp either. We wouldn't restrict Rendition, illegal wiretaps, or Fast and Furious. We are desperate to look tough, and we don't care how many die at the alter of macho.
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