Many war opponents have been very angry with the current congress, led by Democrats, for not putting an end to the war. (I know, to war supporters, this probably sounds odd!) But a responsible pullout has to be planned and carefully executed, which means it requires both the executive and the legislative branch. Both Clinton and Obama have been criticized for votes for funding after declaring opposition to the war. Yet votes to cut off funding without some kind of withdrawal plan would be extremely irresponsible. A patriot can advocate a strategic withdrawal, in my view, but not instant chaos.

Finally on our view of the military, I want to point out that we need a military under civilian control. I think liberals and conservatives should be able to agree on that. Barring truly illegal orders, and “I don’t like it” doesn’t add up to “illegal”, the military needs to be an instrument to carry out the policies decided by the government. If I were still in the military, President Bush would be my commander-in-chief, and it would be my task to carry out his orders. What I think about them politically wouldn’t matter. That is where being anti-military is dangerous and stupid. (I’ll give true pacifists a break, but only if they won’t kill the murderer who is about to kill their family.)

Our military is doing its job, and doing an excellent job. In fact, they have done substantially better than I thought they would in Iraq. (I have no idea what people who thought this was going to be easier were thinking.) They should be thanked, supported in battle, and well cared for when they return.

OK, more than enough rambling for a comment.

A man sometimes starts up a patriot, only by disseminating discontent, and propagating reports of secret influence, of dangerous counsels, of violated rights, and encroaching usurpation.

This practice is no certain note of patriotism. To instigate the populace with rage beyond the provocation, is to suspend publick happiness, if not to destroy it. He is no lover of his country, that unnecessarily disturbs its peace. Few errours and few faults of government, can justify an appeal to the rabble; who ought not to judge of what they cannot understand, and whose opinions are not propagated by reason, but caught by contagion.