Why we're in for the long haul in Iraq

A letter in this morning's Des Moines Register illustrates why this nation is doomed to stay in Iraq for a very long time and why, when we are inevitably forced to leave, the aftermath will be as predictable as it will be tragic. (Emphasis mine.)

I was appalled at U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack's statement that he was "amazed" by the spirit and dedication of U.S. troops deployed in Iraq. This was spoken by a true Democrat who would rather play politics than be open-minded, listen and learn from a firsthand experience.

As a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force, I can assure you that we are trained to fight at war, and know how to accomplish that quite well. It is only when our elected leaders get in the way that we have difficulty accomplishing the mission.

What did Loebsack expect to see - men and women whining and complaining that there were no weapons of mass destruction, or the military establishment complaining that the enemy was not defeated in five minutes like this is a video game?

The military is a fantastic group of trained and dedicated individuals. They can and will win the war if "leaders" like Loebsack would get their politics out of the way.

- Tony Vola,

retired Lt. Col., USAF,

Des Moines.

Ah, yes, the old "politicians stabbed our boys in uniform in the back" meme rears its ugly head. Of course this always leads to more militarism and military adventureism until the country gets it right, which it never does.