[elhombrelibre]

I assume you’ve been to forward areas talking with those sons and daughters serving? In my experience in Iraq, I didn’t meet any that didn’t want to finish the job. And if these sons and daughters are adult enough to join up, we need to listen to them. The Libertarian side of me finds it odd that folks want to treat them as if they're not adults.

[George W. Bush]

And if these sons and daughters are adult enough to join up, we need to listen to them. The Libertarian side of me finds it odd that folks want to treat them as if they're not adults.

The Constitution side of me finds it odd that you consider the opinions of the troops relevant. We're not Prussians.

They are sworn to uphold the Constitution and execute the orders of the Commander-In-Chief. Not to have opinions of their own. Or to be too mushy about the people in the country they're occupying (and American soldiers always are complete softies on the natives). Their compassion is a poor guide to foreign policy. No country does that.

Gung ho is a great quality. But even ancient Rome fell afoul of legions that had a will of their own.

I prefer our tradition of civilian executive authority. If our troops want their own opinions or charity work, they can join the Peace Corps.