[Beestie]

That in turn puts tremendous pressure on all surrounding countries to liberalize and democratize, which in turn leads to peace. In theory.

I only wish that were true. I'm not against nor do I oppose the reconstruction of Iraq but I am not as hopeful for the reverse domino theory that is being espoused.

Iran was free for decades - ordinary citizens were wealthy beyond belief, women doctors, lawyers and judges, equal opportunity for all. Did that help Iraq? Nope. Quite the opposite - one could argue that the juxtaposition actually drove Iraq deeper into despotism out of fear of the adjacent nirvanna.

I want Iraq to succeed. In general, I support the administration but with some serious misgivings. One of the things that drives me NUTS about Bush and his admin is their willingness to rationalize their actions in advance.

Its like they make up an excuse for raiding the cookie jar in advance of raiding the cookie jar and, as soon as they are called on it, out comes the prepared justifrationalization ication.

I would appreciate it if our elected representatives would show a little more confidence in the American people and demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for their inability to convince us what is needed rather than assume we will disagree, then do it anyway, then whip out the prepared bullschlitz response. I find that pretty arrogant and fairly insulting.