"I think you need to reread's RDTF's sentence. RDTF stated "heroic underdog." There is nothing heroic in putting children in front of you while advancing, blowing up families, murdering children and women, etc. "
Ah, but to millions of muslims, terrorists and insurgents who do these despicable acts ARE heroic. They even will send their own children to these violent deaths. You and I value life more highly than the scum of the earth, but to much of the world, the insurgents and terrorists are the heroes fighting the evils of democracy.
Also, admiration of heroic underdogs is trumped soundly by the concept of good vs evil. I will take the side of good no matter if they are a force a million strong or a single person. Why should a large, well-trained army be any less admirable than a small elite force as long as they are capable of beating the crap out of evil? I know most libs laugh at the concept of good vs evil, but most of these people don't seem to have the ability to see things for what they really are.
I agree with you more than you realize. I think this is a failing of our war policy. We should have some sort of system set up over there were we broadcast - at 100,000 watts - what is considered cowardice and evil in our view. It may not change them but we need to explain our concept of good and evil. I agree with what you said about military foce and size - as long as it defeats evil.